2026 Honda Passport vs 2025 Honda Passport

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Future Honda of Citrus Heights presents a review: 2026 Honda Passport vs 2025 Honda Passport

Perfectly positioned between the three-row Honda Pilot and the compact CR-V, the Honda Passport has always offered a sweet spot of space, power, and versatility. Now, with the arrival of the redesigned 2026 model, the Passport takes a bold step forward, adding fresh styling, updated technology, and enhanced capability. The 2026 Honda Passport features a rugged new look, a refined 3.5-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower, standard all-wheel drive, and an upgraded interior highlighted by a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system. Adventure-seekers will especially love the TrailSport trim, which doubles down on off-road readiness with trail-tuned suspension and all-terrain tires.  But how does the 2026 Honda Passport stack up against the well-rounded 2025 Honda Passport, a model that has already proven itself as a capable midsize SUV with generous cargo space, confident performance, and family-friendly tech? In this comparison, Future Honda of Citrus Heights breaks down what’s new for 2026, what carries over from 2025, and which Passport may be the better fit for customers all over Sacramento, Roseville, Folsom, Carmichael, and Elk Grove.  We hope you make your way over to see us here in Citrus Heights to experience the differences between the two model years up close and personal!.

Engine Specs and Efficiency

The 2026 Honda Passport builds on the strength of its predecessor with a refined 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine, now producing 285 horsepower for an extra boost of confidence behind the wheel. Paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain delivers strong acceleration, composed highway performance, and impressive towing capability of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Whether you’re cruising on I-80 or navigating winding Sierra roads, the Passport’s standard all-wheel drive system ensures added confidence and stability across varying conditions.  Of course, power and capability are balanced by practical efficiency. The 2026 Passport achieves an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, maintaining competitive fuel economy while offering the muscle and versatility midsize SUV buyers demand.
Sitting almost even with the 2026 variant, the 2025 Honda Passport comes equipped with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 280 horsepower, paired with a refined nine-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain gives the Passport quick acceleration, reaching 0–60 mph in just over six seconds, making it one of the more energetic contenders in the midsize SUV segment. Drivers will appreciate the V6’s seamless blend of strength and refinement, delivering confident performance for merging, passing, and long-distance cruising. Like the 2026 model, when properly equipped, the 2025 Honda Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Efficiency remains the same, with an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.

Interior Review

The 2025 Honda Passport delivers a practical, comfortable interior that’s well-suited for families and adventurers alike. Seating for five is spacious, with supportive front seats and generous legroom in the rear. Standard features include cloth upholstery on lower trims and available leather on higher trims, along with heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat for added convenience. Technology centers around an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, plus a 7-speaker audio system. Cargo space is a strong point, offering up to 50.5 cubic feet behind the second row and over 100 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it one of the most versatile midsize SUVs in its segment.
The 2026 Honda Passport, however, elevates the cabin to a more modern and premium level. Honda’s refresh introduces a bolder, more rugged design outside, and the interior reflects that same upgrade in refinement. The new standard 12.3-inch infotainment display with Google Built-in replaces the smaller 8-inch screen, offering sharper graphics and improved connectivity. Added features like power-folding side mirrors, a heated windshield, and enhanced under-seat storage options further boost convenience. For adventure seekers, the TrailSport trim now includes upgraded interior materials designed to withstand muddy gear and outdoor use. Honda also improved cabin utility with expanded storage solutions and a flatter interior work surface, while maintaining the Passport’s class-leading 50.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

Trim Options

Another notable difference between the 2025 Honda Passport and the 2026 variant is the trim lineup.  The 2025 model is offered in three distinct trims, while the 2026 Honda Passport offers a little more variety with seven trim options for customers to choose from.  Let’s start off by showcasing the 2025 Passport trim levels, each coming equipped with standard all-wheel drive. 
Serving as the well-rounded entry point, the EX-L features 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a power liftgate, and a sunroof. Inside, comfort takes center stage with leather-trimmed upholstery, heated power-adjustable front seats, tri-zone climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone charging. A 7-speaker audio system rounds out the package, making this trim a smart blend of convenience and comfort.  Designed for adventurous drivers, the TrailSport enhances capability with a trail-tuned suspension and all-terrain tires. Its rugged look is matched with LED fog lights, black roof rails, power-folding mirrors, heated windshield wipers, and exclusive leather-trimmed seating with orange stitching and TrailSport branding. Functional upgrades include navigation, amber ambient lighting, rear sunshades, and all-weather floor mats.  At the top of the lineup, the Black Edition exudes premium style and luxury. Exterior highlights include gloss-black 20-inch wheels, a blackout grille, unique trim details, and bold Black Edition badging. Inside, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and perforated leather with red contrast stitching create a refined atmosphere. Red stitching also accents the steering wheel and door panels, while red ambient lighting across the dashboard and center console amplifies the upscale, sporty vibe.
Now for the 2026 Honda Passport, the base RTL trim includes 8-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, heated side mirrors, and handy roof rails for your extra gear.  The interior boasts a mix of leather and cloth upholstery, heated front seats, a 9-speaker audio system with subwoofer, and a 12.3-inch color touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.  Moving up to the RTL Towing model, this setup features an integrated Class III trailer hitch to make taking your favorite toy along that much easier.  Interior features mirror the base RTL and include a wireless phone charger and Google Built-in.  Aggressive accents are showcased on the RTL Blackout model in the form of 18-inch black alloy wheels, black honda badging, HPD center caps, and black wheel lug nuts.  Adventurers will love the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport trim, which can go virtually anywhere with its all-terrain tires, off-road tuned suspension, and skid plates.  Let the outside in with a panoramic moonroof, and load your camping gear with ease using the power tailgate.  Similar to the blackout treatment we mentioned earlier, the TrailSport Blackout gets the black Honda badging, HPD center caps, and 18-inch black alloy wheels along with all of the previous amenities of the TrailSport.  Let luxury surround you with the TrailSport Elite, featuring heated and ventilated front seating, a Bose premium sound system, integrated rear door sunshades, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a multi-view camera system with TrailWatch.  Get mysterious with the TrailSport Elite Blackout which adds on those same exterior black features.

Future Honda of Citrus Heights

Located in the heart of Citrus Heights, Future Honda is not just a car dealership; we are a community business that cares about each and every customer.  Whether you are coming from Sacramento, Roseville, Folsom, Carmichael or Elk Grove, we want to create a lasting relationship with our customers.  We accomplish this by retaining a kind, considerate and knowledgeable staff who want to earn your trust and your business. Both the 2026 Honda Passport and the 2025 Honda Passport present as capable and modern SUVs with a long list of technology specs and safety features!  The main difference between these two vehicles lies in the increased engine power, the redesigned exterior, and the increased variety of trim options for the 2026 variant.  We appreciate you taking the time to read this review of the difference between the 2026 Honda Passport and the 2025 Honda Passport, but there really is nothing like experiencing it for yourself!  So come on over and let all of us here at Future Honda of Citrus Heights help you discover the wonder of the Honda Passport!