For 2026, the Honda Passport is a five-seat SUV in the middle of the size range with two rows of seating and a 3.5 litre six-cylinder engine. It comes in four versions: Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, and Elite. It’s delivered with front-wheel drive as normal, but Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel drive (which can send power to each wheel individually) can be added to some of the trims. Freeway Honda in Santa Ana has all of the trim levels, and we’re easily reached from Anaheim, Irvine, and all over Orange County.
Perhaps you’re looking at the Passport and a Jeep Grand Cherokee at the same time, or aren't sure about front or all wheel drive, or you’ve never chosen between a car’s different versions before. This information will go over the engine and transmission, what you get with each trim, how the Passport compares to other vehicles, and the most common questions people from Santa Ana ask us.
Quick facts: 2026 Honda Passport
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Body style | Two-row midsize SUV |
| Seating | 5 passengers |
| Engine | 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard; i-VTM4 AWD on select trims |
| Fuel economy | Approximately 20–25 mpg combined (varies by trim and drivetrain) |
| Trims | Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Elite |
| Starting MSRP | Contact Freeway Honda for current trim pricing |
In Honda's lineup, the Passport is the rugged, adventure-leaning alternative to the three-row Pilot. Same V6 family, similar footprint, no third row. To see what's currently in stock, browse our new Honda inventory.
2026 Honda Passport trims: what each one is for
Honda offers the 2026 Passport in four trims, each aimed at a different buyer. All four share the same 3.5L V6.
| Trim | Best for | Key differentiator |
|---|---|---|
| Sport | Entry-level buyers who want core features and value | Base V6 with essential tech; same powertrain as every other trim |
| EX-L | Buyers who want leather and a more comfortable cabin | Leather seating and added comfort features |
| TrailSport | Drivers who actually leave pavement | Off-road hardware, rugged styling, trail-tuned suspension |
| Elite | Buyers who want the fully loaded experience | The most complete feature set Honda offers on the Passport |
If you want to get into a Passport, the Sport is the most affordable option. It still has the V6 engine and all the main technology, so it’s the simplest way to buy one.
The EX-L is for people who want leather seats, and a plusher interior, but don't want to spend for the highest priced version.
If you intend to drive off of roads, the TrailSport is what you’ll need. It has special off-road equipment and a look that's different from the others in the family both in how it looks and what it can do.
The Elite is the Passport with everything; it’s got Honda’s fullest package of features for this model.
Pricing depends on drivetrain, packages, and whatever factory or dealer programs are running that month. You can also get a trade-in estimate online before you visit to speed up the pricing conversation.
Engine, drivetrain, and capability
Every 2026 Passport runs the same 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 that Honda uses across the Pilot and Ridgeline. Naturally aspirated, not turbocharged, which means linear throttle response and no turbo lag. You notice it most on highway on-ramps and when towing.
AWD: what i-VTM4 actually means
Honda’s i-VTM4 (that’s Intelligent Variable Torque Management 4-wheel drive) is a more sophisticated all-wheel drive than a simple system that kicks in when needed. It’s a torque-vectoring AWD, meaning it’s constantly adjusting how much power goes to each of the back wheels, and this really improves how well the vehicle goes around bends and gets grip on surfaces that are tricky: gravel, sand, or wet roads, for example. Most versions of the vehicle come with front-wheel drive as normal, though all-wheel drive is an option on certain models.
Fuel economy
Expect roughly 20–25 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain. FWD configurations usually do a little better than AWD. For a non-hybrid V6 midsize SUV with available torque-vectoring AWD, that's competitive.
Towing
When it comes to towing in the midsize SUV category with two rows of seats, the Passport does well. You can comfortably pull little boats, trailers for equipment, and everything you need for a weekend away. How much it can officially tow depends on the specific version and if it’s two or four-wheel drive, and our team at Freeway Honda is happy to get you the towing information for the exact Passport you’re interested in.
And for surfing in Huntington Beach, going to Irvine’s Great Park, or even longer drives to the desert, the V6 engine paired with all-wheel drive will manage most of the things people with medium sized SUVs generally need to tow.
How the 2026 Passport compares to key competitors
The midsize two-row segment has a handful of credible alternatives. Here's how the Passport lines up against the ones we get cross-shopped against most often in Santa Ana.
2026 Honda Passport vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee
| Factor | 2026 Passport | Jeep Grand Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Rows / seating | 2 rows / 5 passengers | 2–3 rows / up to 7–8 passengers |
| Off-road positioning | TrailSport trim with AWD | Deep trail heritage; multiple 4×4 options |
| Pricing | Typically lower at comparable trims | Often prices higher up the trim ladder |
| Powertrain | 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 | Several engine options, including inline-6 and plug-in hybrid |
When it comes to going off-road, other cars in this class are judged by the Grand Cherokee, and it has a longer, more serious history of it. Plus, you can get a third row of seats in a Grand Cherokee. It’s generally pricier than a similar Passport, and that’s particularly true with the nicer versions. However, the Passport TrailSport does a lot to make up for that difference in off-road ability for those who want equipment that’s good on trails, without spending as much as a Jeep.
2026 Honda Passport vs. Ford Edge
The Ford Edge has traditionally been the more on-road, car-like option compared to the Passport, especially compared to a TrailSport. The Passport has a clear off-road story in its lineup; the Edge leans toward comfort and urban commuting. Availability has also been uneven by market in recent years.
2026 Honda Passport vs. Chevrolet Blazer
The Blazer and Passport both are midsize with two rows of seats, but they go about things differently. The Blazer now has choices of a normal engine, a hybrid, or fully electric power. However, the Passport keeps it simple with a single, reliable V6 engine, four-wheel drive that can distribute power between the wheels for better handling, and Honda’s generally good reputation for holding its value and not breaking down. If you’re interested in electric or hybrid, the Blazer is for you. If you prefer a V6 SUV with proper all-wheel drive you’ll find most people go for the Passport.
Our staff can get a Passport and go through how the different versions compare in terms of features. Or, you could look at our used vehicle listings to see if a slightly older Passport, Pilot, or another similar vehicle would be more affordable than buying new.
Why Orange County drivers choose Freeway Honda
Freeway Honda serves Santa Ana, Anaheim, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Fullerton, Orange, Costa Mesa, and the rest of Orange County.
For Passport customers in 2026, we’ll have the complete Passport range: Sport, EX-L, TrailSport and Elite, with front wheel drive or all wheel drive (depending on the version). You can get Honda-trained service for everything from your very first oil change to all your future maintenance and you can book this service online whenever you like. We’re going to be completely open with our pricing; we’ll explain the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, current deals from the factory and the lease options we have, and we won't play any tricks. We also have genuine Honda parts and accessories, fitted by our dealership. We’re easily reached from Costa Mesa, Garden Grove, Orange, and Fullerton and you can find our opening times and how to get here on our website.
And if you’re already having your Honda serviced with us, be sure to ask about our current service offers. These change with the seasons and depending on how many miles you've driven.
Financing and lease options near Santa Ana
Most people getting a Passport choose to either finance or lease it. And the monthly cost of leasing a 2026 Passport changes depending on which model (trim), if it's all-wheel drive or not (drivetrain), how long the lease lasts (term length), how much you’re allowed to drive each year (annual mileage allowance), how much you pay upfront (down payment), your credit score (credit tier), and the current deals Honda Financial Services has at that particular time. Because of all of this, a single lease price you find advertised won't be right for everyone.
For those of you in Orange County, here are a few things to keep in mind: leasing and loan interest rates (APR) change every month, and what’s on offer this month is likely to be different next month. How much your current car is worth (trade-in equity) will have a significant effect on your payments. Your down payment, credit tier, and trade-in value are all factors in the final amount you’ll pay. TrailSport and Elite trims have different ‘residual’ values than the Sport and EX-L versions - and more expensive models don't always work out to be a worse deal when leasing. Many customers from Costa Mesa, Fullerton and Huntington Beach with more than one car ask us about doing deals on several vehicles at once, and we are able to do that.
You can apply for finance online before you come and see us, and our team will have the relevant offers and figures prepared for when you arrive.
Frequently asked questions about the 2026 Honda Passport
What is the 2026 Honda Passport?
For 2026, the Honda Passport is a fairly large SUV with two rows of seats and space for five people. It has a 3.5 liter V6 engine (it doesn't use a turbocharger), and you can get it in Sport, EX-L, TrailSport or Elite versions. It’s front wheel drive to begin with, but certain models offer Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel drive which can send power to each wheel as needed. Within Honda’s range of SUVs, the Passport is positioned between the CR-V and the bigger Pilot with its three rows of seating.
What is the price of the 2026 Honda Passport near Santa Ana?
How much the vehicle costs is determined by the trim level you choose (Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, or Elite) and by whether it’s two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Honda changes the suggested retail price and special deals regularly. To get pricing specific to Santa Ana right now, and to hear about any reductions from the factory, get in touch with Freeway Honda. We will explain the suggested retail price, what deals are being offered, and what the total price will be when you drive away.
What are the four trims of the 2026 Honda Passport, and how do they differ?
For 2026, the Passport comes in four versions: Sport (which is the cheapest and has all the basic stuff plus a V6 engine), EX-L (which gets you leather seats and is much more comfortable), TrailSport (built for going off road, with stronger parts for trails and a tougher look), and Elite (Honda’s with everything they have for the Passport). Importantly, all of these—Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, and Elite—have the same 3.5L V6 engine.
Does the 2026 Honda Passport have all-wheel drive?
Okay, so the 2026 Passport does have all-wheel drive on certain versions, and it uses Honda's i-VTM4 which cleverly changes how much power goes to each wheel. Importantly, it’s a system that directs power to each rear wheel separately (a torque-vectoring system) to make handling around curves better, and to give you a firmer grip on things like gravel or ice. Most of the Passport’s versions will come with front-wheel drive.
How fuel-efficient is the 2026 Honda Passport?
The 2026 Passport returns roughly 20–25 mpg combined, depending on drivetrain and trim. FWD configurations usually do a little better than AWD. That's competitive for a non-hybrid V6 midsize SUV with available all-wheel drive in its class.
What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Honda Passport?
When it comes to towing in the midsize SUV class (the ones with two rows of seats), the Honda Passport does quite well with things like little boats, trailers for doing work, and all your fun stuff for enjoying time off. The actual maximum weight it can pull depends on which version of the Passport you choose and whether it’s all-wheel drive or not. And to get the precise towing capacity for the particular Passport you have in mind, the team at Freeway Honda can get the official details for you when you come to the dealership.
Is the 2026 Honda Passport bigger than the Honda Pilot?
The 2026 Passport is the smaller of the two with five seats. The Pilot is bigger, being a longer vehicle, and can hold as many as eight people in its three rows. Though they both use the same kind of V6 engine, they’re for different people. The Passport is designed for people who want a two-row vehicle and enjoy going on adventures, while the Pilot is for families who need that third row, and lots of room for both passengers and all their things.
How does the 2026 Passport compare to the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a vehicle with a stronger history of being taken off the paved road, has a range of engine choices (and you can even get one that plugs in to charge), and depending on how it’s set up, can have an extra row of seats. Generally, it’s more expensive than a Honda Passport with the same features, particularly when you look at the nicer versions. The Passport TrailSport does a lot to make up for the difference in what each can do when going on trails, but doesn't ask for Jeep-like amounts of money. Both are good vehicles, and you’ll likely decide between them based on which brand you like, how much you can spend, and what you’ll mostly be using it for.
What is the difference between the 2026 Passport TrailSport and the standard trims?
If you want a Passport for going off the road, the TrailSport is the one to get; it has all the equipment, a tough look and is set up for less difficult, but still proper, off-road driving. The usual Passport models (Sport, EX-L, Elite) are set up for a comfortable ride and lots of equipment for use on normal roads. Basically, if you frequently drive on dirt roads, gravel, sand, or any surface that isn't paved, the TrailSport is perfect for you.
Is the 2026 Honda Passport good for off-roading?
If you want a Passport that’s good for going off-road, the TrailSport is it. It won't manage extremely difficult rocky climbs, but it does well on dirt roads, gravel, sand and for the trips Orange County people take to the desert or up in the mountains on weekends. The i-VTM4 all-wheel drive which can change how much power goes to each wheel, is actually useful when the ground isn't firm.
What's included in Honda Sensing on the 2026 Passport?
Honda Sensing is how Honda describes all their technologies that help you drive and stay safe. With the 2026 Passport, it’s generally about stopping you from hitting things, helping you stay in your lane, and adjusting your cruise speed to the traffic around you. What’s included with each of these features does depend on the specific trim level and the year the car was made, and we’ll be happy to tell you precisely what you’ll get with the particular Passport you’re looking at.
What are the monthly lease payments on a 2026 Honda Passport in Orange County?
How much you’ll pay each month for a lease is based on which version of the car you pick (the trim), whether it’s all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, how long you lease it for, how many miles you’re allowed to drive each year, your down payment, your credit score and the Honda Financial Services deals that are happening to be available that specific month. Because all of those things are in flux, we don't put one lease price out there that probably won't be right for most of you. To get a precise 2026 Passport lease price if you are in Orange County, please get in touch with Freeway Honda.
Which Honda dealerships near Santa Ana have the 2026 Passport in stock?
At Freeway Honda in Santa Ana, we have the 2026 Passport in Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, and Elite versions, and with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (depending on what we’ve got). Our stock changes every week. To find out exactly what we have at the dealership right now, your best bet is to give us a phone call, or look at our current new vehicles on the website.
Can I trade in my current vehicle toward a 2026 Passport?
Absolutely. Freeway Honda will take pretty much any car as a trade-in, and the amount you still have to pay on it (its value) goes straight towards the price of buying or leasing your Passport. Getting started with an online valuation of your current vehicle is the quickest way to begin, then you just need to have the car inspected in person for a final assessment. Using your trade-in usually improves the price of a Passport, whether you’re getting a loan or leasing.
Can I test drive a 2026 Honda Passport at Freeway Honda?
Yes. Test drives are encouraged and easy to set up. Walk in during normal showroom hours, or call ahead and we'll have the specific trim ready when you arrive. Driving the Sport back-to-back with the TrailSport is the fastest way to feel the differences before you decide.
Does Freeway Honda offer certified pre-owned Hondas if a new Passport isn't the right fit?
We do! We have certified pre-owned Hondas, and sometimes that includes newer Passports and Pilots. These CPO Hondas have a warranty directly from the manufacturer, plus they’ve had a really thorough inspection with many points checked. That makes them a good option for people in Orange County looking for a Passport for less money than a completely new one, but offering more peace of mind than a normal used car.
Does Freeway Honda serve Anaheim, Irvine, and Huntington Beach customers?
Lots of people in Orange County choose Freeway Honda, and specifically the dealership in Santa Ana, when they’re looking to buy. Anaheim, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Fullerton, Orange, Costa Mesa… customers from all over OC are willing to travel to us. In fact, many 2026 Honda Passport buyers come from across the county to get the complete range of trims and to use our car service team who have been properly trained by Honda.
Visit Freeway Honda for the 2026 Honda Passport
Want to see the 2026 Honda Passport for yourself? At our Santa Ana showroom, we have many Sport, EX-L, TrailSport and Elite versions in stock and our staff will make getting one (buying or leasing) simple for drivers all over Orange County.
You can schedule a test drive by choosing the trim and time, and we’ll have the car waiting. To see what we currently have on the lot, view our Passport inventory. If you have questions about price, trading in a vehicle, or getting a loan, contact us and we’ll give you the information you need.
In fact, Freeway Honda is prepared to help you get the perfect 2026 Passport into your garage, whether you’re coming from Irvine, Huntington Beach, Anaheim, Fullerton, or Santa Ana itself.