Automotive
Honda has dropped one more teaser for the extremely anticipated 2026 Passport, and it’s clear that massive adjustments are coming. The newest photographs and video supply a glimpse of the SUV’s radical redesign, positioning it as a extra rugged and succesful choice than ever earlier than. For adventurers and off-road fanatics, the upcoming Honda Passport TrailSport guarantees to push the boundaries of the model’s capabilities and produce probably the most off-road-ready car Honda has ever made.
A Daring New Search for the Passport
The 2026 Passport is breaking away from its predecessor’s extra tame design. Whereas the outgoing mannequin resembled a smaller model of the Honda Pilot, the brand new Passport is getting into its personal with a boxier, extra rugged aesthetic. Suppose Hyundai Santa Fe, however with a Honda twist. This new type issue completely aligns with the adventurous spirit of the TrailSport trim, which is constructed to deal with harder terrains.
In response to Honda’s newest press launch, the Passport is present process severe testing in excessive environments. From the difficult crimson 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’s a car that’s able to tackle no matter Mom Nature throws its manner.
Honda’s Most Journey-Prepared SUV
Honda has by no means been the primary title in off-road SUVs, particularly because the model hasn’t provided a body-on-frame car because the authentic Passport—a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo—was discontinued in 2002. Nevertheless, Honda is positioning this next-gen Passport as “probably the most adventure-ready and succesful Honda SUV ever.” That’s fairly a declare from a model identified extra for its sensible each day drivers than for off-roading machines.
Whereas the 2026 Passport is anticipated to retain its unibody development, its efficiency on rugged trails would possibly shock some skeptics. A teaser video showcases the Passport crawling over rocks, splashing by way of water, and powering down sandy trails. It might not match Jeep’s legendary off-road prowess, but it surely ought to rank among the many most succesful soft-roaders accessible.
The outside design, that includes a chunkier and extra angular look, bears a resemblance to the bigger Ford Bronco Sport. That is no insult; the truth is, it’s a praise to the Passport’s newfound boldness. We’re desperate to see the ultimate model with out camouflage later this 12 months.
Powertrain Enhancements
One of many greatest revelations is that the 2026 Passport will keep on with a extra conventional engine setup slightly than leaping on the hybrid or turbocharged bandwagon. Honda has confirmed that the Passport will retain a 3.5-liter V6, a call that speaks to the car’s deal with rugged functionality over gas effectivity. The present Passport already provides 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, however the brand new mannequin is anticipated to realize a slight bump in energy.
Honda fanatics are hoping that the up to date V6 will come from the identical engine household because the Pilot’s J35Y8, delivering a decent 285 horsepower. Whereas that won’t seem to be an enormous leap, it ought to give the Passport simply sufficient further muscle to distinguish itself from the family-oriented Pilot.
All trims of the Passport will come customary with a 10-speed computerized transmission and Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system, which boosts the SUV’s torque-vectoring capabilities. This setup ought to translate into smoother off-road dealing with and a extra refined on-road driving expertise.
Coming Quickly
Mark your calendars—Honda plans to formally reveal the 2026 Passport and its TrailSport variant later this fall, with a launch scheduled for early 2025. This SUV is shaping as much as be a standout within the mid-size journey section, providing a contemporary tackle rugged functionality with out sacrificing Honda’s signature reliability.
For individuals who crave off-road journey with out eager to dive into the world of Jeep Wranglers or Toyota 4Runners, the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport would possibly simply be the proper steadiness of rugged efficiency and on a regular basis practicality. Hold an eye fixed out for this one—Honda is stepping up their off-road sport, and the Passport is main the cost.
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