2026 Honda Passport Vs. 2025: X Key Differences To Know

The Honda Passport has always been a strong choice for drivers who want a midsize SUV with space, power, and everyday confidence. Now, the comparison between the 2026 Honda Passport Vs. 2025 model year feels more important than a normal year-to-year update. The 2026 Passport arrives with a full redesign, updated performance hardware, larger screens, more cabin room, and a tougher TrailSport identity. For shoppers comparing both model years, the biggest question is simple. Which Passport fits your driving style, your comfort needs, and your plans for the road ahead?

The 2026 Honda Passport Has a Bolder Exterior Design

The 2026 Honda Passport takes a stronger visual direction than the 2025 model. Its shape looks more squared, more muscular, and more adventure ready. The front end has a wider stance, a tougher grille design, and a more confident SUV profile. Compared with the 2025 Passport, the new version feels less like a traditional family SUV and more like a rugged midsize SUV built for active drivers. This change gives the 2026 model a clearer identity on city streets, highways, and weekend routes.

The 2026 Passport Gets More Horsepower

Both model years use a V6 engine, which keeps the Passport familiar for drivers who value smooth power delivery. The 2025 Honda Passport produces 280 horsepower, while the 2026 Passport increases output to 285 horsepower. That gain is modest on paper, yet it supports the stronger driving character of the redesigned model. Torque remains at 262 pound feet, so the Passport still delivers steady pull for daily driving, highway passing, and light adventure use. The 2026 version feels like an updated take on a proven formula.

The Transmission Changes From 9 Speed to 10 Speed

One of the clearest mechanical changes is the move from a 9 speed automatic transmission in the 2025 Passport to a 10 speed automatic transmission in the 2026 model. More gears help the powertrain respond with greater flexibility across different speeds. This can support smoother acceleration and more refined cruising during daily driving. It also gives the redesigned Passport a more modern performance setup. For shoppers who pay attention to driving feel, this update is one of the most meaningful changes.

The 2026 Passport Has a More Advanced AWD System

The 2025 Passport already came with standard all wheel drive, which made it a confident choice for Missouri roads, changing weather, and weekend travel. The 2026 Passport takes that confidence further with a second generation i VTM4 AWD system. This updated system is designed to manage power more effectively when traction changes. It also supports the tougher personality Honda built into the new Passport. If you want an SUV that feels prepared for rain, gravel, snow, and uneven roads, the 2026 model has the stronger capability story.

The TrailSport Model Becomes More Off Road Focused

The TrailSport name carries more weight in the 2026 Passport lineup. Honda gives the newer TrailSport stronger off road hardware, including all terrain tires, off road tuned suspension, skid plates, and trail focused equipment. The 2025 Passport TrailSport offered a rugged look and useful capability, yet the 2026 version moves closer to a more serious outdoor package. This makes the new Passport more appealing if your weekends include camping areas, boat ramps, unpaved roads, or trail access points. The TrailSport upgrade is one of the biggest reasons to consider the newer model.

The 2026 Passport Has More Passenger and Cargo Space

Interior space improves in the redesigned Passport, which is good news for families, travelers, and drivers who regularly carry gear. The 2026 Passport offers 119.1 cubic feet of passenger volume, compared with 114.9 cubic feet in the 2025 model. Maximum cargo space also increases from 100.8 cubic feet in the 2025 Passport to 104.6 cubic feet in the 2026 model. Those numbers help the cabin feel more open and useful. If you carry sports equipment, luggage, tools, or road trip supplies, the extra space can make daily life easier.

The Screen Setup Is Much Larger in the 2026 Passport

Technology takes a major step forward inside the 2026 Honda Passport. The newer model includes a 10.2 inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3 inch color touchscreen. The 2025 Passport uses an 8 inch color touchscreen, which still handles key functions, yet the 2026 setup feels more current. A larger screen can make maps, menus, audio controls, and smartphone features easier to view. This difference will stand out quickly when you sit inside both model years.

The Trim Lineup Changes for 2026

The 2025 Passport lineup was centered around EX L, TrailSport, and Black Edition trims. For 2026, Honda reorganizes the Passport lineup with choices such as RTL, RTL Towing, RTL Blackout, TrailSport, TrailSport Blackout, TrailSport Elite, and TrailSport Elite Blackout. This gives shoppers more ways to match the Passport with their needs. Some trims focus more on towing value, while others focus on appearance, comfort, or trail capability. At Frank Leta Honda, we can help you compare the 2026 Passport trims, review available models, and decide which version fits your daily drive and weekend plans. Visit us to explore the redesigned Passport, ask questions, and schedule your test drive with our Honda team.

FAQs

Is the 2026 Honda Passport a full redesign?

Yes, the 2026 Honda Passport is a full redesign. It has a bolder exterior, more cabin space, updated technology, a 10 speed automatic transmission, and a stronger TrailSport identity. The 2025 Passport remains a capable midsize SUV, yet the 2026 model brings larger changes than a normal yearly refresh.

Does the 2026 Honda Passport have more power than the 2025 model?

Yes, the 2026 Honda Passport has 285 horsepower, while the 2025 Honda Passport has 280 horsepower. Both models use a V6 engine and produce 262 pound feet of torque. The horsepower increase is small, yet it pairs with updated transmission and AWD hardware for a more modern driving setup.

Which Honda Passport is better for off road driving?

The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is the stronger off road choice. It offers more trail focused hardware, including all terrain tires, off road tuned suspension, skid plates, and updated AWD capability. The 2025 Passport TrailSport is still useful for rougher routes, yet the 2026 version has a more serious adventure focus.