The 2026 Honda Passport Earns GearJunkie Adventure Honor major recognition, securing the “Adventure Vehicle of the Year” Competing in the 2-row SUV category. Both the standard Passport and the rugged Passport TrailSport stood out for their balance of off-road toughness and everyday drivability.
This achievement further strengthens Honda’s reputation for building vehicles that are equally capable on highways and off the beaten path.
Honda’s Continued Success with GearJunkie Awards
This win represents the second time Honda has received a GearJunkie Adventure Vehicle of the Year honor. Previously, the 2024 Honda Transalp 750 was recognized as Best Motorcycle of the Year in 2023, highlighting Honda’s versatility across multiple vehicle segments.
GearJunkie’s annual awards focus on adventure-ready vehicles released over the past year. After hands-on evaluations of numerous new models, the editorial team selects standout winners across several categories, recommending them to buyers searching for reliable, capable adventure vehicles.
Why the 2026 Honda Passport Earns GearJunkie Adventure Honor
Editor Impressions
GearJunkie editors praised the redesigned 2026 Passport for its bold styling and meaningful improvements in off-road capability—especially in TrailSport trim. Although the SUV does not feature a low-range transfer case, its well-engineered off-road hardware and smart drivetrain technology deliver confident performance in demanding conditions.
According to the editors, the Passport successfully combines trail-ready features with refined on-road comfort, resulting in a vehicle that feels equally at home on long road trips and rugged trails.
Overview of the All-New 2026 Honda Passport
Developed, engineered, and assembled in the United States, the 2026 Honda Passport represents Honda’s most adventure-focused SUV offering to date. Built with a mix of domestic and globally sourced components, it delivers a strong blend of durability, performance, and everyday usability.
Available Trim Levels
The 2026 Passport lineup includes three highly equipped trims:
- RTL
- TrailSport
- TrailSport Elite (new for 2026)
Every Passport comes standard with a powerful V6 engine and Honda’s advanced i-VTM4® torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, ensuring confident traction across changing terrain.
Passport TrailSport: Built for Serious Exploration
Honda’s Most Capable Off-Road SUV
The Passport TrailSport is the most off-road-capable SUV Honda has ever produced. It is purpose-built for adventure enthusiasts who demand more than basic all-wheel drive.
- Standard TrailSport features include:
- Off-road-specific suspension tuning
- Enhanced all-wheel-drive performance
- Steel skid plates for underbody protection
- High-visibility recovery points
- All-terrain tires engineered for rough surfaces
These upgrades allow drivers to confidently explore trails, mountain paths, and remote destinations.
TrailSport Elite: Adventure Meets Premium Comfort
Top-Tier Features with Rugged Capability
The TrailSport Elite takes everything that makes the TrailSport capable and adds upscale comfort and technology. This trim is designed for drivers who want off-road confidence without giving up premium features.
Key highlights include:
TrailWatch™ camera system for enhanced off-road visibility
Perforated leather seating
12-speaker Bose® premium sound system
The TrailSport Elite blends refinement and toughness into a single, adventure-ready package.
Strong Sales Growth Reflects Rising Demand
The Honda Passport’s popularity continues to grow. In 2025, Passport sales increased by nearly 70% compared to the previous year, marking a new high for the model. Rugged TrailSport variants accounted for approximately 80% of total sales, signaling strong consumer interest in adventure-oriented SUVs.
About Honda Passport
Honda offers a wide range of safe, efficient, and innovative vehicles through more than 1,000 independent dealerships across the United States. Its lineup includes well-known models such as the Civic, Prelude, Accord, and SUVs like the HR-V, CR-V, Passport, Prologue, and Pilot, along with the Ridgeline pickup and Odyssey minivan.
Electrified Vehicle Leadership
Electrified vehicles represented nearly one-third of Honda’s U.S. sales in 2025, including:
The all-electric Prologue SUV
Hybrid versions of the Accord, CR-V, Civic, and Prelude
The fuel-cell-powered CR-V e:FCEV
Honda has been manufacturing vehicles in America for over four decades and currently operates eight major production facilities nationwide. In 2025, nearly all Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. were built in North America, with a majority assembled in the United States using both domestic and global components.
(FAQs) Honda Passport 2026
What award did the 2026 Honda Passport win?
The 2026 Honda Passport was named Adventure Vehicle of the Year by GearJunkie in the 2-row SUV category, recognizing its strong balance of off-road capability and everyday usability.
Which Honda Passport models received the GearJunkie recognition?
Both the standard 2026 Honda Passport and the Passport TrailSport were honored for their performance, rugged design, and adventure-focused features.
Why did GearJunkie select the 2026 Honda Passport?
GearJunkie editors praised the Passport for its updated aggressive styling, improved off-road capability—especially in TrailSport trim—and its ability to remain comfortable and refined for daily driving.
Does the 2026 Honda Passport have serious off-road capability?
Yes. The Passport, particularly in TrailSport trim, includes off-road-tuned suspension, enhanced all-wheel drive, skid plates, recovery points, and all-terrain tires designed for challenging terrain.
What makes the Passport TrailSport different from other trims?
The TrailSport is Honda’s most off-road-capable SUV, featuring specialized suspension tuning, underbody protection, high-visibility recovery hooks, and rugged tires for trail-focused driving.
What is unique about the TrailSport Elite trim?
The TrailSport Elite combines off-road performance with premium features such as perforated leather seating, a 12-speaker Bose® audio system, and the TrailWatch™ camera system for enhanced off-road visibility.
What engine and drivetrain does the 2026 Honda Passport use?
All 2026 Honda Passport models come standard with a V6 engine and Honda’s i-VTM4® torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system for improved traction and control.
Where is the 2026 Honda Passport built?
The 2026 Honda Passport is designed, developed, and built in the United States, using a combination of domestic and globally sourced parts.
How did the Honda Passport perform in sales during 2025?
Honda Passport sales rose by nearly 70% in 2025, with TrailSport trims accounting for about 80% of total sales, showing strong consumer demand for rugged SUVs.
Has Honda won GearJunkie awards before?
Yes. Honda previously received a GearJunkie honor when the 2024 Honda Transalp 750 was named Best Motorcycle of the Year in 2023.
What is GearJunkie’s Adventure Vehicle of the Year award?
GearJunkie’s annual award recognizes the most capable on-road and off-road vehicles released in the past year, based on real-world testing and editorial evaluation.
Is the 2026 Honda Passport suitable for daily driving as well as adventure use?
Yes. GearJunkie highlighted the Passport’s ability to deliver a comfortable, refined ride for everyday driving while still offering strong off-road performance when needed.
