2026 Honda Passport vs. 2024 Ford Edge

Choosing between the 2026 Honda Passport and the 2024 Ford Edge puts Marion, Illinois, families at a unique crossroads. While both SUVs offer seating for five and plenty of modern tech, they’re now on very different paths — especially since Ford discontinued the Edge after the 2024 model year. Meanwhile, the Honda Passport continues to evolve for 2026, offering more power and space. Let’s explore the benefits of both vehicles so you can decide which SUV best fits your family’s lifestyle.

Performance and Powertrain

The 2026 Passport’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivers 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Every Passport includes Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive (AWD) system as standard, which is perfect for driving on slick Illinois roads.

In comparison, the Edge comes with a choice of two engines: a 2.0L EcoBoost I-4 making 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque or a 2.7L EcoBoost V-6 producing 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. This gives the Edge the advantage in terms of power, but the Passport outperforms when it comes to towing, offering 5,000 pounds versus the Edge’s 3,500-pound maximum. That difference matters when you’re hauling weekend campers or boats to Rend Lake.

Interior Comfort and Space

Space is all-important when you’re loading up for a day at Crab Orchard Lake or carting the kids to soccer practice. The Passport absolutely shines here with 44 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the back seats, extending to an impressive 83.8 cubic feet when you fold them down. Those in the front seats get 40.5 inches of headroom and 41.1 inches to stretch their legs, while back-seat passengers enjoy 40.7 inches of headroom and 40.9 inches of legroom.

The Edge isn’t quite as roomy, providing just 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up and 73.4 cubic feet with them folded flat. Back-seat riders still have a decent 40.3 inches of legroom, but it can’t match the Passport for space. The Passport gives you extra room for sports gear, camping supplies, or whatever else you need to haul around Southern Illinois.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Staying connected matters when you’re on the go with family. The 2026 Passport sports a 12.3-inch color touch screen that features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, plus Alexa and Google built-in. The system also shows you audio info, navigation details, and even a compass for those backroad adventures.

Despite its discontinuation, the Ford Edge still offers a competitive infotainment system featuring a 12-inch touch screen that runs Ford’s SYNC software and integrated wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both vehicles also offer Wi-Fi hotspot capability.

Safety Features and Ratings

Safety isn’t optional, and 2026 Honda SUVs bring their A-game here. The Passport comes loaded with the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistive features, which includes collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning, all rolled into one package. It also throws in lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition, as well as blind-spot monitoring, a cross-traffic monitor, eight parking sensors, and automatic high beams.

The Edge, on the other hand, includes Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, which includes precollision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, and a backup camera. Both SUVs will keep your family well protected, but the Honda’s extra parking sensors and traffic sign recognition give it a slight edge for everyday convenience around town.

Trim Levels and Pricing Comparison

Honda offers the 2026 Passport in a choice of seven trims:

• RTL (MSRP $44,750)
• RTL Towing (MSRP $45,450)
• RTL Blackout (MSRP $45,950)
• TrailSport (MSRP $48,450)
• TrailSport Blackout (MSRP $49,650)
• TrailSport Elite (MSRP $52,450)
• TrailSport Elite Blackout (MSRP $53,650)

The base RTL features 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, a power liftgate, leather and cloth seats, heated front seats, and a 12.3-inch screen. The TrailSport adds 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, skid plates, a revised suspension, a Class III hitch, and recovery hooks. Meanwhile, the luxurious TrailSport Elite includes full leather seats, ventilated front seats, a Bose 12-speaker audio system, and a surround camera with trail view.

In comparison, the 2024 Edge comes in just five trims:

• SE
• SEL
• ST-Line
• Titanium
• ST

On its release, it was priced around $39,000 to $48,000, depending on the trim and options. However, you can now pick up a used one for much less, making it a budget-friendly alternative to the Passport.

Warranty and Long-Term Value

Ford covers the Edge with a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain protection, meaning if you pick up a used 2024 model, it’ll still have some warranty coverage remaining. However, its discontinuation creates uncertainty about future parts acquisition and service support.

Honda typically matches these warranty terms, and the brand has built a rock-solid reputation for cars that keep running with minimal fuss. If you’re intending to keep your vehicle for the long haul, Honda’s continued production line and strong dealer network mean fewer issues when it comes to maintenance and repairs years down the road.

Test-Drive the 2026 Honda Passport at Ike Honda

While the Edge may appeal to buyers looking for a budget-friendly used option, the Passport offers what Marion families care about most: more cargo space, stronger towing capacity, and standard AWD for unpredictable Illinois weather. This makes it the smart choice for most Southern Illinois families.

Contact us at Ike Honda to arrange a test-drive and take the Passport for a spin. Our sales team can walk you through your financing options, show you how that AWD system handles, and help you figure out which trim best fits your budget and lifestyle.