The 2026 Honda Passport Is Done Pretending To Be An Off-Roader

We need to talk about "soft-roaders." For the last decade, the automotive industry has been guilty of a specific crime: taking a regular minivan-based crossover, gluing some black plastic cladding to the wheel arches, slapping a "Wild" or "Adventure" badge on the tailgate, and calling it an off-roader. The Honda Passport has historically been a repeat offender. It was a fine car—basically a Honda Pilot with a chopped roof—but it was about as rugged as a pair of crocs.

With the all-new 2026 Passport, specifically the TrailSport Elite trim unveiled this week, Honda is issuing an apology. They are done pretending. This new truck is the real deal.

Let’s start with the mechanicals, because that’s where the biggest changes are. The old, frustrating 9-speed ZF transmission is dead. It has been replaced by a specially tuned version of Honda’s excellent 10-speed automatic. Why does this matter? Because off-roading requires precision. When you are trying to crawl over a rock or navigate a rutted trail, you need the transmission to hold a gear, not hunt around like a confused puppy. The new 10-speed is robust, smooth, and tuned for low-speed torque delivery.

Under the hood, the 3.5-liter V6 remains (thankfully, no turbo-4 downsizing here), producing a healthy 285 horsepower. But the power is now sent through Honda’s second-generation i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system. This isn't a slip-and-grip system; it’s a true torque-vectoring unit that can send up to 70% of the engine’s torque to the rear axle, and then 100% of that torque to either the left or right rear wheel. It effectively mimics a locking rear differential, allowing the Passport to claw its way out of situations that would leave a Subaru stranded.

Honda has also addressed the geometry. The front overhang is significantly shorter, improving the approach angle so you don't smash your bumper on the first incline. The TrailSport trims ride on genuine 31-inch General Grabber A/TX all-terrain tires. These aren't "street-all-terrains"; they are chunky, aggressive tires that actually work in mud and sand. To protect the vitals, Honda has installed real, thick steel skid plates under the oil pan and fuel tank. These can actually take a hit, unlike the plastic "skid garnishes" of the past.

Inside, the rugged theme continues but with a tech twist. The new "TrailWatch" camera system utilizes four exterior cameras to give you a 360-degree view of the terrain, including a "transparent hood" view that lets you see exactly where your front wheels are placed. It automatically activates when you shift into "Trail" mode and are moving at low speeds. It takes the stress out of navigating tight trails.

Is the Passport now a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon? No. It is still a unibody vehicle, which means it will never have the axle articulation of a solid-axle truck. But that is also its greatest strength. Unlike the Toyota 4Runner, which drives like a farm tractor on the highway, the Passport drives like... a Honda. It is smooth, quiet, and refined on the pavement where you spend 99% of your time. It’s the "have your cake and eat it too" solution.

The 2026 Passport is positioning itself perfectly against the Subaru Outback Wilderness and the Toyota 4Runner. It offers more capability than the Subaru and better manners than the Toyota. For the vast majority of "overlanders" who mostly just drive to REI and camp on fire roads, this is likely the perfect rig.