2026 Honda Passport named among Best New Cars by Autotrader

The 2026 Honda Passport was named one of Autotrader’s Best New Cars, highlighting its updated design, V6 performance and off-road capability. Learn more.

The 2026 Honda Passport has been named one of Autotrader’s Best New Cars of 2026, marking a rare shift for a model that previously struggled to stand out in a crowded SUV segment.

The redesigned fourth-generation Passport earned recognition for both its standard version and the more rugged TrailSport trim. Editors highlighted a combination that is difficult to achieve: genuine off-road capability paired with refined on-road performance, making the SUV more versatile than before.

This shift is reflected not only in expert reviews but also in market performance. Passport sales surged by nearly 70% in 2025, with the TrailSport variant accounting for about 80% of total demand. That distribution underscores how strongly buyers are responding to the model’s enhanced off-road positioning.

Autotrader noted that the Passport had rarely stood out among two-row SUVs in the past. The new generation changes that perception with a more rugged, boxy exterior and a clean, utilitarian interior design. Despite this tougher look, the vehicle maintains everyday usability and comfort.

Under the hood, the Passport retains a familiar yet updated formula: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing around 285 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. This setup enables towing up to 5,000 pounds while preserving stable on-road dynamics.

The TrailSport version reinforces its off-road credentials with a tuned suspension, steel skid plates, all-terrain tires, and multiple terrain modes. The range-topping TrailSport Elite adds features such as the TrailWatch camera system, premium Bose audio, and upgraded interior materials.

Compared to rivals like the Toyota 4Runner or Jeep Wrangler, the Passport occupies a middle ground. It may not match body-on-frame SUVs in extreme off-road conditions, but it offers greater comfort and usability in daily driving. Against more road-focused competitors like the Subaru Outback Wilderness, it delivers stronger off-road capability.

This balance appears to be the key factor behind its renewed success. For the first time in years, the Honda Passport is not just present in its segment — it is beginning to stand out.