Honda Passport 2025 vs 2026: Is the New Model Worth the Extra Cost?

Is newer always better?

The Honda Passport has had an interesting history in the United States. Originally a body-on-frame SUV based on the Isuzu Rodeo, it disappeared for roughly 16 years between 2002 and 2018, before returning as a mid-size, two-row crossover. Now in its fourth generation and coming off its best-ever sales year in the U.S. in 2025, the Passport still has a practical two-row configuration. There’s much to differentiate the 2025 and 2026 Passports, so here’s a look at whether the older one is worth the cost saving.

Third Vs. Fourth Generations

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The Honda Passport’s redesign in 2025 marked the introduction of the fourth-generation 2026 model. The 2025 Honda Passport was the last third-generation model. Both are unibody crossovers, and they also share Honda’s 3.5-liter V6 engine and are similar in size. That’s the beginning and end of what they share, though, as the 2026 model has a completely new look and even greater capability.

Honda Passport: 2025 Vs. 2026 Design and Size

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The 2025 Honda Passport has generally softer lines than the new 2026 model, especially in base form. It’s still an attractive crossover, but was positioned more as a comfortable daily driver than the new Passport. There was only one TrailSport variant of the 2025 Passport, while the new one has no less than four TrailSport variants, reflecting its more rugged demeanor. Here’s how the two compare in terms of size.

The 2026 Passport is a bit bigger overall and also has wider front and rear tracks to improve stability. Crucially, the chassis in the new Passport is stiffer than the 2025 model’s, and front lateral rigidity is up by 72%. A 50% increase in rear torsion rigidity complements the other improvements to make the 2026 model a tougher vehicle in off-roading conditions.

However, if you were used to the dimensions of the third-gen Passport, driving the new one should feel familiar, as both SUVs are firmly in midsize territory.

Related: I Drove the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport. Here’s My Honest Review

2025 Vs. 2026 Honda Passport Interior Layout and Space

The 2025 Honda Passport has an ergonomically-friendly interior layout and solid build quality, but the cabin design isn’t very interesting to look at and shows the third-gen’s age. Standard equipment includes an eight-inch color touchscreen, a seven-speaker sound system, wireless phone charging, and leather upholstery.

The 2026 Passport’s cabin is also rather conservative in design, but the quality and layout are top-notch. Honda says the interior is “radically quieter” than the old one due to improved sound insulation materials. The tech is a major improvement, as all variants get a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen, along with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, at least nine speakers, Alexa Built-in, and Google Built-in. Both models are equipped with the Honda Sensing safety suite, but the 2026 model’s cameras and radars can identify hazards over a wider range.

Legroom is better in the new model, but headroom is only better on the non-TrailSport versions. Cargo space has increased from 41.2 cubic feet behind the 2025 model’s second row to 44 cubic feet in the new one. With the back seats down, the 2026 model has 6.1 cubic feet more space.

The 2025 vs. 2026 Honda Passport’s main interior difference comes down to more modern tech.

Performance and Efficiency

Honda has stuck with its naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine in the 2026 Passport. However, the new one makes a bit more power and gets an extra gear for the automatic transmission. And, while both have standard all-wheel drive, the 2026 model is the first Passport with the second-generation Honda torque vectoring i-VTM4 AWD system. Honda claims it has a stronger rear drive unit with 40% greater torque capacity and 30% faster responses.

The two vehicles are closely matched, with barely any difference in output and fuel efficiency. In our review of the 2026 Passport, we appreciated the smoother shifts of the new transmission, which is better than the outgoing model’s nine-speeder.

Off-Roading: 2026 Passport Takes The Lead

Honda worked hard to improve the 2026 Passport’s abilities as an off-roader. It’s no Jeep Wrangler, but it’s definitely better than before. Ground clearance in the 2026 model is 8.3 inches, up from 8.1 inches. The approach angle is now 23 degrees, up from 21.1 degrees in the 2025 version, thanks to a shorter front overhang.

In addition to these improvements, the 2026 Passport gains new Trail and Sand modes across the lineup. In Trail mode, throttle response is calibrated for dealing with low-speed trails and obstacles. As mentioned, the new AWD system has a stronger rear drive unit that can deploy 40% more torque, which helps with traction in slick conditions and off-road. For the first time, Hill Descent Control is standard across the Passport lineup for 2026.

2026 Passport Vs. 2025 Passport: Trims and Pricing

The 2026 Honda Passport is available in seven trims, starting with the RTL at $44,950. The top four trims are all TrailSport models, starting at $48,650, with the priciest TrailSport Elite Blackout being $53,850.

The 2025 Passport has a much smaller lineup of three trims: EX-L, TrailSport, and Black Edition. It started at $42,400 when it was last on sale, increasing to $45,000 for the TrailSport and $48,470 for the Black Edition.

While it’s more expensive, the new Passport does have a wider range and enough improvements to just about justify the increase.

Related: 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport vs 2026 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport: Which Is the Better Buy?

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Honda Passport and redesigned 2026 model are both very good midsize SUVs with ample cargo space, sufficient performance, and excellent build quality. There’s no doubt that the 2026 version is an improvement, and consumers have noticed as sales have been strong. The newer Passport looks better, is more capable off-road, and is nicer to drive thanks to the smoother transmission and quieter interior. Honda has also introduced better tech without making any of it complicated to use. If you can afford it, the 2026 Passport is the crossover worth getting.