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Born Wild in Marion, IL The 2026 Honda Passport has been completely reimagined for the trail. This isn’t just a mid-cycle refresh—this is the all-new generation of the Passport. With a bold, boxy silhouette, a more powerful V6, and the most capable AWD system in its class, the 2026 Passport is built for the families who spend their weekends in the Shawnee National Forest and their weekdays navigating the I-57 commute. Rugged, refined, and ready for anything. |
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285 HP Updated V6 Power |
i-VTM4® Standard Torque AWD |
5,000 LB Max Towing Capacity |
12.3″ Standard HD Touchscreen |
The Honest Take: The 2026 Honda Passport is arguably the most significant redesign in the model’s history. Honda has leaned heavily into the “rugged enthusiast” market, giving the Passport a wider stance, a longer wheelbase, and an aggressive new face that looks more at home in the mud than in a suburban driveway. For Southern Illinois drivers, this is exactly what the doctor ordered. We’ve standardized the i-VTM4® All-Wheel Drive system across the entire lineup, meaning every Passport on our lot is ready for ice, snow, and gravel from day one. If you found the previous Passport a bit too “soft,” the 2026 model will completely change your perspective.
But it isn’t just about the looks. The 2026 Passport features an all-new 10-speed automatic transmission that replaces the old 9-speed, providing much smoother shift points when towing a boat to Crab Orchard Lake. Inside, the tech has been overhauled with Google built-in and a massive 12.3-inch screen that makes the cabin feel like a high-end mobile office. At Ike Honda, we believe the 2026 Passport is now the premier choice for the 2-row, mid-size SUV segment.
The 2026 Passport was designed with the TrailSport trim as its North Star. While other SUVs just add “off-road” stickers, the Passport TrailSport features legitimate mechanical upgrades. The suspension has been specifically tuned for off-road articulation without sacrificing highway comfort, and it features steel skid plates that protect the oil pan and transmission from the unpredictable terrain found in the Shawnee hills.
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i-VTM4® Torque Vectoring AWD Standard on every 2026 Passport, this system is proactive. It doesn’t just wait for wheels to spin; it can send up to 70% of engine torque to the rear, and 100% of that torque to either the left or right rear wheel. This helps you “pivot” through tight trails and stay stable on slushy I-57 winter mornings. |
All-Terrain Capability TrailSport models feature General Grabber™ A/T Sport tires standard. These tires are designed to provide maximum grip in the mud while remaining quiet on the pavement—a perfect balance for Southern Illinois life where your commute is paved but your driveway might not be. |
For 2026, the Passport simplifies its lineup to focus on high-value, high-capability trims. Every model comes standard with the 285-hp V6 and i-VTM4® AWD.
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RTL The luxury-focused entry point. Includes leather-trimmed seating, a power tailgate, the 12.3-inch screen, and the full Honda Sensing® suite. Rugged bones with a refined heart. |
TrailSport The core of the Passport identity. Adds the off-road suspension, A/T tires, orange contrast stitching, and integrated recovery points. The ultimate explorer. |
TrailSport Elite Combining peak luxury with peak trail capability. Adds ventilated seats, a Bose® Premium Sound System, and a 360-degree TrailWatch™ camera system. |
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The interior of the 2026 Passport has been modernized to match its rugged exterior. The star of the show is the standard 12.3-inch High-Definition touchscreen, which comes with Google built-in. This means you have native Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Play Store right in your dash—no phone connection required for navigation. For the Southern Illinois family, durability is key. The TrailSport trims feature high-durability synthetic leather that is easy to wipe down after a day at the park or a muddy hike. The center console has been widened to fit large tablets or small bags, and the wireless charging pad is now standard on every trim level. |
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While the Honda Pilot handles 3-row duties, the Passport is dedicated to the 5-passenger mission. This allows for a massive rear cargo area that can handle camping gear, coolers, or large pets with ease. The 2026 model features even more rear legroom than the previous generation, ensuring adult passengers aren’t cramped during long trips to St. Louis or Nashville.
| Measurement | 2026 Honda Passport Specification |
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| Passenger Volume | 114.9 cubic feet |
| Cargo Space (Behind 2nd Row) | 41.2 cubic feet |
| Max Cargo (Seats Folded) | Over 83.0 cubic feet |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs (Standard) |
The mid-size, 2-row SUV segment is full of choices. But when it comes to true mechanical capability—specifically in AWD torque vectoring and towing—the Passport stands alone.
| Feature | 2026 Honda Passport | Jeep Grand Cherokee | Toyota 4Runner | Ford Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWD System | Standard i-VTM4® Torque Vectoring | Optional Quadra-Trac | Optional 4WD | Standard AWD |
| Max Towing | 5,000 lbs (Standard) | 6,200 lbs (V6) | 5,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Engine Type | Reliable 3.5L V6 | 3.6L V6 | 2.4L Turbo 4 | 2.0L Turbo 4 |
Every 2026 Passport is equipped with the updated Honda Sensing® suite. This isn’t a collection of “beeps and buzzes”—it is an active system designed to keep you safe on the rural highways of Southern Illinois. The 2026 system features a wider camera angle and a more sensitive radar, allowing the Collision Mitigation Braking System to react faster to sudden stops.
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The “Boxy” Benefit The new upright design isn’t just for looks. It significantly improves visibility and provides more vertical cargo height, making it easier to fit large items like mountain bikes or dog crates. |
The TrailSport Sweet Spot If you live on a gravel road or frequent the Shawnee, the TrailSport is the definitive choice. The A/T tires and tuned suspension make a massive difference in ride quality on unpaved surfaces. |
Towing Excellence Don’t forget the dedicated Tow Mode standard on the 10-speed transmission. It optimizes shift points to protect the engine and transmission while pulling a boat or camper. |
What is the difference between the 2025 and 2026 Passport?
Almost everything. The 2026 is an entirely new generation. It features a boxier exterior, a more powerful engine, a new 10-speed transmission (replacing the 9-speed), standard Google built-in, and significantly upgraded off-road mechanicals for the TrailSport trims.
Does every 2026 Passport have All-Wheel Drive?
Yes. For the 2026 model year, the Passport now comes standard with i-VTM4® Torque Vectoring AWD across every single trim level on our lot at Ike Honda.
How much can the 2026 Passport tow?
Every 2026 Honda Passport is rated to tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. This makes it perfect for local families with boats, horse trailers, or campers.
Test-Drive the All-New Passport at Ike Honda TodayExperience the redesign that has everyone talking. Visit Ike Honda at 4407 W. DeYoung St., Marion, IL or call us at 618-422-9020 to get behind the wheel of the most capable Passport ever made. |
*MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, and destination charge. EPA ratings are for comparison purposes only; actual mileage will vary. Contact Ike Honda in Marion, IL for the most current pricing and availability information.