2026 Honda Passport: What Changed and Is It Worth It Over the Pilot?

The Honda Passport enters 2026 with meaningful content updates rather than a structural redesign — the 2019 refresh of the Passport's platform was relatively recent, and Honda is content to let the vehicle carry forward as a two-row alternative to the three-row Pilot.

What changed for 2026

Google Built-in now standard on EX-L and above. This is the most significant change. The Passport gains Honda's latest infotainment stack with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play embedded. Prior model years relied solely on projected CarPlay and Android Auto. The 9-inch screen carries forward on Sport and below; EX-L and above now get the 9-inch Google-enabled unit as part of the content upgrade.

TrailSport gets Fox suspension upgrades. The TrailSport has been the Passport's credibility play since its 2022 introduction — black accents, all-terrain tires, and AWD with a G-Force Control AWD system. For 2026, TrailSport adds retuned Fox suspension dampers (previously standard shocks) and revised underbody protection. Honda is positioning the TrailSport more directly against the Ford Bronco Sport and Toyota 4Runner SR5 for buyers who want capability without going full off-road.

Standard Honda Sensing updates. Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, and Collision Mitigation Braking have been recalibrated to reduce false intervention in urban environments — a frequent complaint on 2023–2025 models in heavy traffic.

New color: Urban Titanium Pearl joins the lineup, replacing the outgoing Sonic Gray Pearl.

What didn't change

The 3.5L V6 (280 hp) and 9-speed automatic carry forward unchanged. The Passport still offers no hybrid option — a notable gap as competitors like the RAV4 Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid outsell their non-hybrid versions.

The two-row-only configuration remains. Honda explicitly leaves the Passport at 5 passengers; the Pilot handles three-row needs.

2026 Passport trim and pricing

Trim	MSRP	Drive
Sport	$40,785	AWD standard
EX-L	$44,285	AWD
TrailSport	$45,685	AWD
Elite	$49,485	AWD

All Passport trims include AWD standard — this distinguishes it from the CR-V and Pilot, which charge extra for AWD on lower trims.

Passport vs Pilot: which to buy

The Passport makes sense over the Pilot if you don't need the third row and want a slightly sportier driving character in a compact package. At equivalent trim levels, the Passport is $3,000–$5,000 less expensive than the Pilot.

The Pilot makes sense if you occasionally need 7–8 seats, want the larger cargo volume (109 cu ft behind second row vs Passport's 92 cu ft), or want to consider the Pilot's available 2.0L turbo four-cylinder for better fuel economy.

For families who spend most of their time with 5 or fewer passengers, the Passport's tighter dimensions and lower price are genuinely attractive.

Current incentives

Honda is offering the Passport at 2.49% APR / 60 months for May 2026. No customer cash. The TrailSport has an $489/month lease with $3,499 due (36/10K) — competitive for a mid-size AWD two-row SUV with no hybrid alternative in the class at this price.

For more on Honda's broader lineup, see the Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander comparison and family SUV deals May 2026.