The Japanese brand’s SUV was highlighted by its more robust appearance, spacious cabin, V6 engine and proposal that combines off-road capability with comfort in daily use.
The new Honda Passport 2026 was chosen as one of the “Best New Cars of 2026” by the specialized publication Autotrader, which recommended both the conventional version of the utility vehicle and the Passport TrailSport configuration. The recognition reinforces the good phase of the SUV, which has been gaining ground in the two-row utility vehicle segment in the United States.
According to Autotrader’s assessment, the Passport stood out in a very competitive market by adopting a more square and robust look, in addition to offering a functional, spacious interior aimed at everyday use without giving up a more adventurous proposal.
Senior editor Allyson Harwood especially praised the balance between style and practicality. For her, the model’s interior stands out for being elegant, comfortable and easy to reconfigure, as well as prepared to deal with routine. Senior editor Matt Degen highlighted the new Passport’s more muscular stance, friendly handling, the presence of safety technologies and the maintenance of the V6 engine, a package that, according to him, also favors travel and outdoor use.
The fourth generation of the Honda Passport has been recording impressive commercial performance since its launch. According to Honda, the model reached monthly sales records and had its best year in 2025, with growth of almost 70%. The TrailSport version accounted for around 80% of the sales mix, indicating the strong demand for SUVs with a more adventurous profile.
Produced in the United States with locally and globally sourced parts, the 2026 Honda Passport is offered in three main versions: RTL, TrailSport and the new TrailSport Elite. In all of them, the SUV comes standard with the V6 engine and the i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring, one of the model’s technical highlights.
Honda also claims that the new Passport TrailSport is the brand’s most capable off-road SUV to date. The configuration receives a suspension adjusted for off-road, an expanded all-wheel drive system, steel lower protection plates, orange reinforced recovery points and all-terrain tires developed specifically for the vehicle’s purpose.
At the top of the range, the TrailSport Elite adds finishing and comfort items, such as a TrailWatch camera system, perforated leather seats and a premium Bose audio system with 12 speakers, seeking to combine off-road capability with a more sophisticated package.
To choose the best new cars of 2026, the Autotrader editorial team stated that it tested and evaluated hundreds of new or redesigned models, selecting those that deliver the greatest innovation and value to the consumer.
Source and images: Autotrader | Honda. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
