Most of us are on land and want a vehicle that can keep us away from civilization. We want storage cabinets, cow tires, a 40-degree approach angle, if not running on diesel, then forget it. There are gentle ways to other populations. These all-wheel-drive SUVs won’t target the devil’s hot tub on Moab, nor will they survive the Australian wilderness, but they can certainly take people to their lake houses until they’re on the hillside or on the beach. The 2026 Honda Passport Off-Road Vehicle Decor is designed for these customers.
When I pushed for the first iteration in 2022, I was not impressed. The tires are almost useless, the ground clearance is ridiculous, and there is no body protection. I listed it as someone I want to be and always recommend Subaru Inland Wilderness.
Fast forward to the 2026 model year, and Honda made some thoughtful improvements to the next-generation passport and made huge improvements in the soft road creed. The only street decor is the basic RTL, Trailsport and Fancy-shish Trailsport Elite to summarize the options. I spent some time with the Trailsport Elite in Puerto Rico and while there are certainly some improvements on the table, the Honda did a great job while maintaining everyday driving while upgrading and trimming.
What it gets
Under the hood is a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The new engine has a towing value of 5,000 pounds and includes a larger radiator for better cooling last year. Paired with the new 10-speed automatic transmission, the plant has an EPA fuel rating of 18 mpg in the city, a combination of 23 mpg highway and 20 mpg. In theory, this should be enough to give you a 370-mile range through your passport’s 18.5-gallon fuel tank.
I always think that the first off-road modification you should make to your vehicle is a good set of tires. Without traction, your car won’t go anywhere, and good rubber is the only way to do that. Back in 2022, the passport was wearing 245/60R18 Firestone Destination LE2 all-season tires. Well, no, thanks. [The Firestone Destination X/T is a much better choice. See the review in Overland Journal, Summer 2025.] In 2024, Honda raised their tire games, swapping those shopping mall shoes for a set of ordinary hottest on sports tires.
Now, in 2026, the General is the size of the 265/60R18, or 31 inches in the aside. These tires provide more grip and traction than last year. I didn’t even broadcast down, my passport climbed up the steep mound, but it was a little spinning. Also, when I drive on the sidewalk, they are not noisy or stiff. Now, I can’t try a rig on soft sand or rocks and rocks, but at first glance, these tires provide a good balance between off-road performance and road livability.
The 18-inch wheels are available in white or black alloys, and although they are different designs, they all have the appearance of steel. The rotor has grown to 13.8 inches in 2026 and includes a larger caliper, so downward dimensions can be tough. You might be able to stuff a bigger tire into the wheel, but be prepared to roll the fenders.
The last-generation trail is only 8.1 inches from the ground and has no body protection. The good news is that the 2026 model has a 4mm steel skateboard on the engine and a 2.8mm steel skateboard on the fuel tank. You can even install rock rails with 1.5mm stainless steel plates in your passport. The bad news is that it is only 8.3 inches from the ground and there is almost no better air removal on the ground. Engineers told me that Honda wanted to “set the ride height suspension position of the new platform to have the best bumps with the rebound of the new tire diameter.” In my book, this is not a good choice, but the after-sales elevator is easy.
The infotainment system will get wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, as well as Google built-in. There are pitch, roll and elevation meters and basic compass on a 10.2-inch digital cluster. The 12-volt power outlet is standard in the front and cargo areas, while the Trailsport also has 115-volt outlets in the second row and cargo areas. Three USB-C ports and a wireless phone charger fill the charging possibilities.
How it drives
When geometry is involved, the passport loses some ability and again can be repaired with a lift. The approach angle is as high as 23 degrees, but the starting angle drops to 23.1 due to the standard tow hook and the break angle is 16.7 degrees, down from 17.3 degrees due to the longer wheelbase of 2.7 inches. Again, happy for those skateboard plates.
So far, the passport has been raised in terms of tire capability and body bottom protection, but has declined in geometry. What about all-wheel drive system? This year’s new is a track mode that specifically calibrates torque distribution. The front uses brake vectors to lower the wheels, but the rear becomes more complex. When the system senses that one wheel is not on the ground, it transfers more torque to the rear, transferring up to 75% of the power to wheels with more traction. However, it can keep the wheels with low traction force at a certain level, so it can help push the passport forward when it touches the ground.
I saw this action in Puerto Rico, crossing the V-shaped ditch, and really putting a wheel high in the air. As long as the driver maintains stable throttle input, the passport can maintain forward momentum. However, if you find your head a little off, the passport has a heavy drag hook in the front and two recovery points are also available on the rear hook.
Passports get two technical additions, making outdoor trails a little easier. New hill controls allow the SUV to keep the driver driven at speeds of 2 to 12 miles per hour. I tried it on a 20 degree downhill and found it works and mostly quiet. There are systems that can protest against gravity, but the speed never waver.
The camera also helps, especially on steep hills. I like that button at the end of the turn signal stem so the 12.3-inch infotainment screen doesn’t look out. However, Honda automatically turns on the camera when in trail mode and drives at 15 mph. The view here is clear, including tire placement graphics. There is no “Invisible Hood” mode, but the forward and 360-degree camera views are very helpful.
Will it be on land?
Honda Passport Trailsport offers some pre-selected packages, but many orders can be ordered. The adventure package is $1,585 and includes a rooftop platform with a static load rating of 165 pounds. Unless you are child-sized, it may not be enough for a rooftop tent, but enough for some extra gear. The Molle storage system in cargo space provides a place to hook items and can be used as a bundle for pushing any space you’re 44 cubic feet behind the second row. When the cargo area is set, the rubber shelves can hold 44 pounds and turn into tables when camping. You will also receive the goods.
One thing you won’t get is full-size spare. You have to pay $725 for the fifth wheel and tire pony, but it fits firmly in cargo space and vertical positioning doesn’t take up much floor space. But, a off-road rig that doesn’t have a standard full-size spare? Come on, Honda.
My preferred trim here is the standard Honda passport cross country, priced at $49,900, including destination, with synthetic leather and cloth seats for easy cleaning. I would give up the ventilated seats and a 360-degree camera, but I still get heated windshield and heated front seats, three-zone climate control and electric lift doors. Plus, I’ll save $4,000.
The 2026 Honda Passport Cross Country race isn’t the most capable rig out there, but now it has enough frame to compete with the most popular Subaru Inland Wilderness without feeling embarrassed. I would definitely put a lift on it and if I was really serious I would also swap the stock bumper for something that offers more license. After all, the tires and all-wheel drive system are very good. They deserve the best packaging.
advantage:
- Excellent all-wheel drive system
- Great tires
- A lot of cargo space
shortcoming:
- Need more ground clearance and better geometry
- No full-size spare
From $49,900 | honda.com
Read more: Honda showcases off-road features and accessories for the all-new 2026 Passport Trailsport
Photo: Honda Emme Hall
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