The Honda Passport Is Seriously Good: SUV of the Year Finalist Balances Off-Road Capability and Daily Comfort

Honda’s SUV stood out in MotorTrend’s evaluations for its balance of ruggedness and comfort, making it a finalist for the 2026 SUV of the Year.

A Rare Balance: From Moab to the Road

When the 2026 Honda Passport was revealed, it immediately stood out with its squared-off silhouette, bold yellow daytime running lights, and rugged off-road hardware. On the sandstone trails of Moab, Utah, some of this country’s toughest, the Passport proved its mettle. It crawled over obstacles judges didn’t expect it to manage. Honda’s ambition went beyond just trail toughness, though; it also designed the Passport with daily commuting in mind. This delivers a level of comfort and civility contrasting its rough-and-ready image. This dual nature–hardcore when you want it, easygoing when you need it–helped it shine during MotorTrend’s 2026 SUV of the Year evaluations.

Despite competing in a crowded field of more than 30 nameplates, including some of the market’s newest EVs, the Passport quickly won over the judges. They praised the blend of off-road charisma and on-road comfort, a combination that proved surprisingly rare among its peers. Unlike traditional body-on-frame off-roaders, the unibody Passport doesn’t punish you with jittery, unsettled motions on pavement. Instead, it delivers a composed, agreeable ride that makes the daily grind feel natural. Associate editor Billy Rehbock said that the SUV blends a comfortable ride, stout power delivery, and precise steering for excellent daily drivability.

V6 Power and Old-School Controls

Although some judges pointed out the Passport sits lower to the ground than many traditional off-roaders, the flagship TrailSport trim hardly felt compromised out on the trail. Its all-wheel-drive (AWD) system delivered capability on par with more robust 4×4 setups. It confidently handled the rocky climbs and loose terrain on the test loop. Associate editor Alex Leanse said that this is one of the best AWD systems out there.

The Passport’s interior earned praise, as well. Editorial boss Ed Loh highlighted its straightforward, “old-school” controls, noting they’re arranged in a clean, cohesive layout. Guest judge Gordon Dickie appreciated the presence of hard buttons for the HVAC and audio systems in an era when many rivals bury such functions in screens. Beyond usability, the Passport’s five-seat layout, built on the same platform as the larger seven-seat Pilot, provides generous passenger space. Furthermore, it offers one of the most accommodating cargo areas in its class. Motivation comes from a 3.5-liter V-6 producing 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Dickey and several other judges agreed that Honda missed an opportunity to offer a hybrid engine in this segment.

SUV of the Year Finalist

When it came time to narrow the field to finalists, the Passport impressed with its balance of strengths: solid engineering, thoughtful design, and strong value. At $46,245, the RTL trim is especially compelling. The evaluation was conducted based on six key criteria: efficiency, design, safety, engineering excellence, value, and performance of intended function. The 2026 Honda Passport proved sticking to the basics–and nailing them–still matters. With its mix of rugged trail chops, everyday comfort, and solid value, the Passport needs no gimmicks to make an impression.