Honda has dropped yet another teaser for the highly anticipated 2026 Passport, and it’s clear that big changes are coming. The latest images and video offer a glimpse of the SUV’s radical redesign, positioning it as a more rugged and capable option than ever before. For adventurers and off-road enthusiasts, the upcoming Honda Passport TrailSport promises to push the boundaries of the brand’s capabilities and bring the most off-road-ready vehicle Honda has ever made.
The 2026 Passport is breaking away from its predecessor’s more tame design. While the outgoing model resembled a smaller version of the Honda Pilot, the new Passport is stepping into its own with a boxier, more rugged aesthetic. Think Hyundai Santa Fe, but with a Honda twist. This new form factor perfectly aligns with the adventurous spirit of the TrailSport trim, which is built to handle tougher terrains.
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According to Honda’s latest press release, the Passport is undergoing serious testing in extreme environments. From the challenging red rocks of Moab to the sandy dunes of western Michigan and the muddy trails of Appalachia, the Passport TrailSport is being pushed to its limits. The result is a vehicle that’s ready to take on whatever Mother Nature throws its way.
Honda has never been the first name in off-road SUVs, especially since the brand hasn’t offered a body-on-frame vehicle since the original Passport—a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo—was discontinued in 2002. However, Honda is positioning this next-gen Passport as “the most adventure-ready and capable Honda SUV ever.” That’s quite a claim from a brand known more for its practical daily drivers than for off-roading machines.
While the 2026 Passport is expected to retain its unibody construction, its performance on rugged trails might surprise some skeptics. A teaser video showcases the Passport crawling over rocks, splashing through water, and powering down sandy trails. It may not match Jeep’s legendary off-road prowess, but it should rank among the most capable soft-roaders available.
The exterior design, featuring a chunkier and more angular look, bears a resemblance to the larger Ford Bronco Sport. This is no insult; in fact, it’s a compliment to the Passport’s newfound boldness. We’re eager to see the final version without camouflage later this year.
One of the biggest revelations is that the 2026 Passport will stick with a more traditional engine setup rather than jumping on the hybrid or turbocharged bandwagon. Honda has confirmed that the Passport will retain a 3.5-liter V6, a decision that speaks to the vehicle’s focus on rugged capability over fuel efficiency. The current Passport already offers 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, but the new model is expected to gain a slight bump in power.
Honda enthusiasts are hoping that the updated V6 will come from the same engine family as the Pilot’s J35Y8, delivering a respectable 285 horsepower. While that may not seem like a massive leap, it should give the Passport just enough extra muscle to differentiate itself from the family-oriented Pilot.
All trims of the Passport will come standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system, which enhances the SUV’s torque-vectoring capabilities. This setup should translate into smoother off-road handling and a more refined on-road driving experience.
Mark your calendars—Honda plans to officially reveal the 2026 Passport and its TrailSport variant later this fall, with a release scheduled for early 2025. This SUV is shaping up to be a standout in the mid-size adventure segment, offering a fresh take on rugged capability without sacrificing Honda’s signature reliability.
For those who crave off-road adventure without wanting to dive into the world of Jeep Wranglers or Toyota 4Runners, the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport might just be the perfect balance of rugged performance and everyday practicality. Keep an eye out for this one—Honda is stepping up their off-road game, and the Passport is leading the charge.
