A new Honda Passport to explore further

Introduced in 2018, the Honda Passport has spent most of its existence in the Pilot’s shadow. This mid-size SUV was short of arguments to stand out, except for its more compact dimensions. Honda is well aware of this and now offers a clear identity to this strategic model.

The Passport 2026 thus benefits from an in-depth redesign with an off-road theme, a positioning that has been popular lately. Still based on the same platform as that of the transverse-engined Pilot, it relies on tracks widened by 33 mm at the front and 38 mm at the rear as well as on a wheelbase extended by 70 mm to both ensure its stability on rough roads and improve your interior space. Legroom in the rear is thus increased, as is the loading volume.

The new platform also introduces forged suspension parts and an entirely new multi-link rear suspension to improve handling. 18-inch rims fit rather large (31-inch) all-terrain tires (General Grabber) designed specifically for the model. Note also that this Passport will only be offered in the adventure-oriented Trailsport version.

The technological aspect is provided by an Android-based multimedia system embedded in a 12.3-inch touch screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included.

An all-new design, a familiar engine

We cannot also ignore the visual approach of this fundamentally more cubic Passport which attempts to take advantage of a stylistic trend advocating a return to the designs of the 1980s, or even 1990s. This reduces the length of the front overhangs. and rear, allowing an improved angle of approach to obstacles. Protective plates are also added under the frame of the SUV, to protect the mechanical components.

These are also shared with the Pilot. It is a 3.5L V6 with double overhead camshafts and equipped with displacement deactivation that is responsible for moving this Passport. Producing 285 hp and 262 lb-ft, this naturally aspirated engine is guided by a 10-speed automatic transmission. The SUV also benefits from the second generation of Honda’s torque vectoring all-wheel drive which can relay up to 70% of the torque to the rear. Note that the towing capacity remains the same, i.e. 2268 kg (5000 lb).

On sale in Canada at the beginning of 2025 at a price not yet published, but which should certainly exceed that of the current Passport, offered at entry at $50,480.