Honda has revealed its 2026 Passport, a midsize SUV positioned above the more compact CR-V and built with off-road capability that seems tailor-made for New Zealand’s diverse terrain.
While the Passport isn’t yet available here due to its exclusive left-hand drive configuration, its features would be well-suited to the Kiwi lifestyle, blending rugged performance with refined comfort.
The 2026 Passport arrives with a tougher stance, moving away from Honda’s softer crossover SUV styling in favour of a bolder, more angular look.
With a wider profile, a wheelbase stretched by nearly 70mm and increased ground clearance, the Passport is designed to tackle rougher terrains.
The TrailSport edition enhances this rugged image further with high-clearance off-road suspension, bash plates and recovery points.
General Grabber all-terrain tyres, developed with General Tire, provide the traction needed for off-road exploration. Functional front and rear recovery points, rated for double the Passport’s gross weight, ensure a genuine off-road experience.
Under the bonnet, the Passport features a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Unlike many competitors, Honda has steered clear of turbos or hybrids, focusing instead on proven reliability. With an output of 212kW, the Passport delivers ample power for the rugged demands of off-road driving while maintaining a straightforward design Kiwi drivers would appreciate.
This model is also reinforced for demanding conditions, with a 72% increase in front lateral rigidity and a 50% boost in rear torsion rigidity, enhancing stability over uneven terrain.
Despite its tough exterior, the Passport’s interior provides comfort and utility.
The TrailSport editions offer “body stabilising” seats and a digital instrument panel displaying essential off-road metrics like pitch and roll.
The upgraded 12.3-inch central display includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Google apps. Increased cargo space, with up to 2,365 litres available, would accommodate the gear Kiwis need for weekend trips.
Additional features in the TrailSport models, like a 110V power outlet, add further appeal for those venturing off the beaten path.
Manufactured in Alabama, the Passport is expected to start around US$40,000 (approximately NZ$68,000).
The new midsize SUV is scheduled for release in the US early next year, and with its features, the Passport presents a strong case for Honda New Zealand to consider bringing this rugged midsize SUV to our shores in right-hand drive format.
But with little to no hope of that coming to fruition, Kiwi buyers could look at Honda's global SUV, the CR-V, which currently starts at $53,000 for the base Sport AWD model and goes up to $67,000 for the newest CR-V RS hybrid model.
