The 1994 Honda Passport was the first SUV in the US with a Honda badge. It was a collaboration between Honda and Isuzu. The first two generations of the Honda Passport were traditional body-on-frame SUVs with rear- or four-wheel drive options. In 2019, the Passport name was brought back for a Pilot-based crossover, and the TrailSport trim introduced in 2022 added some ruggedness to the lineup. Now, a new video teases the upcoming fourth-generation 2026 Passport TrailSport, promising even more off-road capability than before.
Although details about the 2026 Passport are scarce, Honda has announced that it will come with a “more powerful” 3.5-liter V6 engine. The current model already has a 3.5-liter V6 producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, so an increase in power is exciting news. Additionally, Honda mentioned that the engine will be mated to a high-strength 10-speed automatic transmission, one gear more than the current model, and will feature an updated torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. The teaser video showcases the camouflaged Passport TrailSport conquering challenging off-road obstacles like rock crawling, water fording, and sand pit slinging in locations such as Moab, western Michigan, and the Appalachian mountains.
Even though the Passport in the video is disguised, we can still make out some design elements such as a boxier shape, shorter overhangs, large rectangular headlights, thick pillars, big fender flares, chunky all-terrain tires, and tall roof rails. The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is set to be unveiled later this fall, with dealer deliveries expected to start early next year. The inclusion of a traditional automatic transmission instead of a CVT will likely make the Passport a more capable off-roader compared to its rivals.
In conclusion, the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport seems to be gearing up to offer enhanced off-road capabilities for crossover SUV enthusiasts. With a more powerful engine, advanced transmission, and improved all-wheel-drive system, this upcoming model is poised to take on rugged terrains with ease. Stay tuned for more updates on the official reveal of the 2026 Passport TrailSport and get ready to experience a new level of adventure in a Honda SUV.
