2026 Honda Passport Debuts As All-New Ford Bronco Rival

In recent years, we’re seeing more and more crossovers and SUVs return to the boxy, rugged style of older times, chiefly due to rejuvenated interest from customers in vehicles that don’t look, well, like giant, boring eggs on wheels. Rather, today’s utility buyers are gravitating toward more rugged-looking vehicles that are, in some cases, more off-road capable, though that isn’t always the case. Thus, perhaps it comes as no surprise to see that the all-new 2026 Honda Passport is taking that same route with new body styling that positions it more as a Ford Bronco (which is getting a bevy of updates for 2025) rival, even if it doesn’t offer up nearly the same level of capability.

In the old days, the Honda Passport competed directly with the now-discontinued Ford Edge, and received some updates for the 2022 model year. However, the 2026 Honda Passport looks absolutely nothing like the old one, as the fourth-generation update takes it closer to its roots, when it was based on the Isuzu Rodeo. While it’s not a full-fledged body-on-frame SUV like the Bronco, the new mid-size Passport does get not only boxier styling, but also, a stiffer platform with 72 percent more lateral rigidity and 50 percent additional rear torsional rigidity.

Honda’s naturally-aspirated 3.5L V6 is still underhood, but now touts dual overhead cams while generating 285 horsepower, and is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive that can split torque as needed. The new Passport also gets standard hill-descent control, along with beefier suspension parts and bigger front brakes. Inside the cabin, not a whole lot has changed, but the 2026 Honda Passport does get a standard 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch center touchscreen, coupled with either standard or synthetic leather. Interestingly, a full-size spare is available as an option, too.

The 2026 Honda Passport can be had in three trims – RTL, TrailSport, and TrailSport Elite – the latter two of which get 275/60R18 General Grabber A/T Sport all-terrain tires, a 23-degree approach angle, tucked exhaust pipes, 8.3 inches of ground clearance, skid plates, integrated recovery points, a unique anti-roll bar, revised spring rates, and retuned dampers, along with unique exterior styling features and a TrailWatch camera. No matter which trim one chooses, the 2026 Honda Passport is slated to arrive at dealers in early 2025 with a starting price tag around $45,000.