Canadian buyers shopping for a rugged midsize SUV face a redesigned landscape with the 2026 Honda Passport. Honda completely overhauled its two-row utility vehicle, dropping lower street-oriented trims to focus entirely on its off-road-focused identity. Every Canadian model now wears the TrailSport badge, bringing a brawnier boxy design, a sophisticated torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, and an upgraded powertrain built to handle Canadian winters and backcountry trails alike.
Starting at an MSRP of $57,090 (plus freight, PDI, and local taxes), the latest Passport steps into a competitive ring against rugged alternatives like the Toyota 4Runner and Subaru Outback. It packs a natural V6 punch, a cavernous cabin, and plenty of clever storage solutions designed for outdoor enthusiasts.
Pricing and Trim Structure in Canada
Honda streamlined the Canadian lineup for this generation, eliminating the old Sport, EX-L, and Black Edition trims. Buyers choose between two core iterations, both utilizing the TrailSport foundation:
- TrailSport Base: Starting at $57,090 MSRP, this model includes the i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system, 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in chunky all-terrain rubber, a panoramic moonroof, and a 10.2-inch digital cluster.
- TrailSport Touring: Sitting at the top of the hierarchy, this tier adds premium cabin upgrades, ventilated front seats, a Bose audio system, and the essential TrailWatch exterior camera setup.
Keep in mind that total out-the-door costs across Canadian dealerships factor in a standard $2,000 freight and PDI charge, federal A/C taxes, and provincial fees such as OMVIC in Ontario or AMVIC in Alberta. Optional premium paint finishes add an extra $550 to $600 depending on the specific hue.
Powertrain and Mechanical Performance
Under the hood, Honda swapped out the old transmission configuration for a much-needed mechanical upgrade. The vehicle relies on a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine pumping out 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: It's paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission featuring steering wheel paddle shifters, replacing the older 9-speed unit.
- All-Wheel Drive: Power hits the pavement via the second-generation i-VTM4 torque-vectoring system. This setup can route up to 70% of engine torque to the rear axle and distribute 100% of that rear power entirely to either the left or right individual wheel.
- Towing: Standard integrated Class III trailer hitches give the Passport a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, ideal for hauling small camping trailers or utility loads.
Fuel economy ratings published by Honda Canada sit at 12.6 L/100 km in the city, 9.9 L/100 km on the highway, and 11.4 L/100 km combined. While these figures are practical for a heavy V6 utility vehicle, efficiency-minded buyers might miss the absence of a hybrid variant.
Exterior Dimensions and Off-Road Prowess
The body grew noticeably during this redesign. Wheelbase expanded by 2.7 inches, overall length grew by 2.4 inches, and the stance widened by 0.8 inches. This wider track improves stability on loose gravel and snow.
With 8.3 inches of ground clearance, front steel recovery hooks, and heavy-duty underbody skid plates protecting vital components, the vehicle feels secure away from paved roads. General Grabber all-terrain tires (size 275/60R18) wrap the exclusive wheels, digging into mud and sand without generating excessive highway drone.
TrailSport Touring models feature the TrailWatch camera system. At low speeds in Trail mode, front, rear, and side camera angles display automatically on the central screen, helping drivers spot hidden boulders or deep ruts before clearing them.
Cabin Comfort and Cargo Utility
Inside, the layout trades excessive gloss for durable, tactile materials styled with high-contrast orange stitching unique to the TrailSport line. Front occupants get body-stabilizing seats designed to minimize fatigue over long cross-country drives.
- Passenger Space: Rear-seat passengers enjoy generous legroom, outboard heating elements, and integrated manual sunshades.
- Technology: A crisp 12.3-inch touchscreen anchors the dashboard, featuring Google built-in alongside wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Off-road diagnostic menus display pitch, roll, and elevation angles in real time.
- Cargo Innovation: Behind the second row, total cargo volume reaches up to 2,356 litres with seats folded. Clever underfloor storage cubbies in the cargo bay conceal gear out of sight, and one side is thoughtfully designed to hold a compact portable generator or wet muddy gear. Unlike many competitors that rely solely on temporary inflation kits, Honda includes a physical full-size spare tire mounted securely underneath.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Destination Fees: Don't budget solely around the base $57,090 MSRP. Factoring in mandatory freight, air taxes, and dealer documentation pushes real-world starting figures closer to $60,000 before provincial sales tax.
- Expecting Hybrid Economy: If you commute long distances through heavy urban gridlock expecting hybrid-level fuel sipping, look elsewhere. The V6 engine drinks regular fuel at a traditional rate.
- Overlooking Trim Specifics: Ensure you verify whether your chosen lot model features the base TrailSport or the TrailSport Touring if advanced multi-angle exterior trail cameras are a priority for your driving style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2026 Honda Passport offer a third-row seating option in Canada?
No. The Passport remains strictly a five-passenger, two-row midsize SUV. If you need three rows, look toward its corporate sibling, the Honda Pilot.
What kind of fuel does the V6 engine require?
The 3.5-litre V6 engine runs comfortably on regular 87-octane gasoline, saving you money at the pump compared to vehicles requiring premium fuel.
Is a full-size spare tire included standard?
Yes. Honda includes a proper physical spare tire stored securely in the cargo area, which provides immense peace of mind when exploring remote trails without cell service.
How does the all-wheel-drive system handle deep snow?
The i-VTM4 system features dedicated Snow, Sand, and Trail modes. Its ability to shift up to 100% of rear torque to an individual wheel helps pull the vehicle through deep drifts and slippery winter road conditions with minimal drama.
