'25 vs '26 Passport TrailSport
The '25 is my personal Passport (and my 2nd) and the '26 is one for have for sale at the dealership I work at. Tonight is the first time I've had the chance to drive the new model for more than a few minutes and I have some thoughts both good and bad on the new one. It feels 100% different in drivability compared to my 2025.
*The 2026 feels substantially heavier and solid than the 2025. Between the extra weight of the skid plates and overall in rigidity in the chassis and the latest generation of Honda SUV's being heavier overall it feels more like a truck than the 2025. Having said that you can still maneuver it pretty decently for a midsize SUV but in corners you can feel the weight. The 2025 is no corner champ but I feel like it's easier to throw in the corners than the new one.
*The ride comfort and quietness of the 2026 is far superior to the last generation. Considering the last generation Passport chassis originated with the 2016 Pilot it's easy to feel and hear this upgrade. Going over bumps is more cushioned with less tire kickback and feel than the 2025. Having said that the last generation Passport did have a slight sporting edge to the ride and handling (up to you if you consider that good or bad) that is completely gone with the 2026. Honda is going for Toyota's neck with the off-road upgrades and suspension and tire choices.
*The new DOHC V6 and Honda 10 Speed Automatic are much superior to the tuning in the current generation Pilot which feels MUCH lazier and lethargic in comparison but in my opinion it's no match for the sweet sound of the old SOHC VTEC V6. The 9 Speed transmission is lazier to shift than the new 10 Speed but it doesn't suffer the issues they had in the beginning. The new combo is still solid and has no problem getting up to speed and still sounds nice to other V6's and definitely better than any 4 cylinder. The new Passport feels at least half second slower to 60MPH than the 2025.
*If you've been inside a new Pilot then you've been inside the new Passport (minus the larger screen and some orange accents). Having said that the new Passport interior is a HUGE upgrade over the dated previous generation model. You finally get the upgraded Honda sensing suite, standard Google with Assist and Nav and the dashboard isn't 10 years behind. With that being said the materials themselves don't feel like a gigantic upgrade. I feel the seats in the 2025 are more comfortable (and real leather vs the new material) and the stereo in the 2025 is far superior to the standard TrailSport. The rear seat loses the sunshades and the rear seat no longer reclines. The panoramic roof is a nice upgrade. Again super quiet and more up to date.
Overall the new Passport is a really good, nice upgrade over the old model and I LOVE it. With that being said I saved $10k vs the new Passport with discounts and the interest rate is much better. I'm happy with my decision but I'll definitely upgrade in a few years.