How's the fuel economy on the 2026 Honda Passport? Let's cut to the chase - it's decent but not groundbreaking. The standard Passport gets 19 mpg city/25 highway/21 combined, while the rugged TrailSport version drops to 18/23/20 mpg. Here's the deal: if you're comparing it to other V-6 powered midsize SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Chevy Blazer, these numbers are pretty typical. But let's be honest - in 2026 when hybrids are everywhere, we were kinda hoping Honda would step up their game with this refresh.What surprised me is how little the TrailSport's off-road upgrades hurt efficiency. That 1-2 mpg penalty is way better than I expected from something with knobby tires and extra ground clearance. And with its 18.5-gallon tank, you're looking at nearly 400 miles of range - perfect for road trips where gas stations might be few and far between.Bottom line? The Passport's fuel economy won't win any awards, but it's right in line with what you'd expect from a capable, V-6 powered midsize SUV. If you're okay with visiting the pump a bit more often in exchange for that Honda reliability and TrailSport capability, this could be your perfect match.
E.g. ：2026 Cadillac Optiq-V: Performance & Price Breakdown
- 1、The 2026 Honda Passport: A Midsize SUV With Muscle and... Okay Fuel Economy
- 2、What Else Should You Know About the 2026 Passport?
- 3、FAQs
The 2026 Honda Passport: A Midsize SUV With Muscle and... Okay Fuel Economy
Meet the New Passport – Still Packing That V-6 Punch
Let me tell you, the 2026 Honda Passport isn't just another boring SUV. This thing looks mean with its muscular redesign, especially that badass TrailSport version that's ready to tackle dirt roads. But here's the thing – under that shiny new hood? Same old 3.5-liter V-6 engine we've seen before.
Now don't get me wrong, this engine gets the job done with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic and standard AWD – perfect for when you need to haul your mountain bikes or tow a small trailer. But let's be real, in 2026, we were kinda hoping for something more... efficient?
Fuel Economy: Not Winning Any Awards
Here's the deal with the numbers:
| Model | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport RTL | 19 | 25 | 21 |
| TrailSport | 18 | 23 | 20 |
That 18.5-gallon tank gives you about 389 miles of range in the standard model – enough to get from LA to San Francisco with maybe one quick stop. The TrailSport? You'll lose about 20 miles of range, which honestly isn't bad considering its off-road upgrades.
Photos provided by pixabay
How Does It Stack Up Against the Competition?
You might be wondering – is the Passport's fuel economy really that bad? Well, let's put it this way:
The Jeep Grand Cherokee (V-6 model) gets almost identical numbers. The Chevy Blazer? Same story. Toyota's new 4Runner actually does slightly better with its turbo four-cylinder. And if you look at something like the Hyundai Santa Fe with its smaller turbo engine, you're getting 22-24 mpg combined.
But here's the thing – the Passport isn't trying to be the most efficient SUV on the block. Honda's clearly positioning this as a lifestyle vehicle for people who care more about capability than squeezing out every last mile per gallon.
The TrailSport Surprise
Now here's something interesting – that rugged TrailSport version? It only loses 1-2 mpg compared to the standard model. How is that possible with its knobby tires and lifted suspension?
Turns out Honda's engineers did some clever work with aerodynamics. The higher ride height and protective skid plates don't hurt efficiency as much as you'd think. Those all-terrain tires? They're designed to balance off-road grip with on-road rolling resistance. Smart!
Could Honda Do Better?
Let me ask you this – why isn't there a hybrid Passport? In 2026, when even pickup trucks are going hybrid, it seems like a missed opportunity. A hybrid system could easily boost those mpg numbers into the mid-20s without sacrificing too much power.
The answer probably comes down to cost and positioning. Honda seems to be targeting buyers who want simple, reliable powertrains. And let's face it – compared to body-on-frame SUVs like the 4Runner, 21 mpg combined isn't terrible.
Photos provided by pixabay
How Does It Stack Up Against the Competition?
If you're the type who:
- Wants more space than a CR-V but don't need three rows
- Appreciates Honda's reputation for reliability
- Actually uses your SUV's capability (not just for Starbucks runs)
Then the Passport makes a lot of sense. Sure, the fuel economy won't wow you, but it's par for the course in this segment. And that TrailSport model? It's one of the most capable off-roaders Honda's ever made – while still being civilized enough for daily driving.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, the 2026 Passport is about balance. It's more rugged than a Pilot but more practical than a 4Runner. The V-6 gives you plenty of power, even if it's thirsty by modern standards. And while we'd love to see a hybrid option, the current setup gets the job done for most buyers.
Just remember – if you're looking at the TrailSport, budget for slightly more frequent gas station visits. But hey, at least you'll look good pulling up to the pump!
What Else Should You Know About the 2026 Passport?
The Tech That Makes Daily Driving Easier
You know what's wild? The Passport's 9-inch touchscreen now responds faster than my teenager when I mention pizza for dinner. Honda's finally nailed the infotainment system - no more frustrating lag when you're trying to skip songs on your road trip playlist.
Let me paint you a picture: You're cruising down the highway, the sun's setting, and you want to adjust the climate control without taking your eyes off the road. The physical knobs and buttons are right where you need them - none of that "buried in touchscreen menus" nonsense some other SUVs pull. And get this - the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto actually stay connected reliably. What a concept!
Photos provided by pixabay
How Does It Stack Up Against the Competition?
Ever had that moment when you're checking your blind spot and suddenly the car in front of you brakes hard? The Passport's Collision Mitigation Braking System has saved my bacon more than once in city traffic. It's like having an extra set of eyes on the road.
Here's a quick comparison of standard safety tech across competitors:
| Feature | Passport | 4Runner | Grand Cherokee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic Emergency Braking | Standard | Optional | Standard |
| Lane Keeping Assist | Standard | Not Available | Standard |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Optional | Standard |
The TrailSport adds some clever off-road specific safety features too - like hill descent control that's smoother than my grandpa's jazz records. You can literally crawl down steep slopes while the system handles the braking for you.
Storage Solutions That'll Make You Smile
Why do so many SUVs forget that we actually need to put stuff somewhere? The Passport's got this brilliant hidden compartment under the cargo floor - perfect for stashing your gym bag or hiding Christmas presents from snoopy kids. And the rear seats? They fold flat with one pull of a lever - no wrestling match required.
I once fit an entire drum set in the back (don't ask why). The 77.9 cubic feet of cargo space swallowed it whole with room to spare for the guitarist's oversized ego. Try doing that in a compact SUV!
That Honda Reliability We All Love
Here's a question: How many 200,000-mile SUVs do you see still rolling around town? With Hondas, it's like spotting pigeons in New York - they're everywhere. The Passport inherits that legendary durability, which means you'll probably get bored with it before it actually breaks down.
The secret sauce? Honda's been refining this V-6 for years - all the kinks are worked out. While competitors are experimenting with fancy new turbo setups that mechanics are still learning to fix, your local Honda dealer could rebuild this engine in their sleep. That peace of mind is worth a couple extra trips to the pump if you ask me.
Customization Options Galore
Want to know something cool? The TrailSport comes with factory-installed accessory mounts for roof racks, light bars, and even a portable air compressor. It's like Honda knew we'd want to trick these things out without voiding the warranty. The color options? From "Sonic Gray Pearl" (fancy talk for awesome) to "Deep Scarlet Pearl" (red that'll make your neighbors jealous).
My personal favorite touch? The rubberized cargo area lining that laughs at spilled coffee and muddy dog paws. You can literally hose it out - try that with your fancy German SUV's carpeted trunk!
The Verdict From Real Owners
After chatting with dozens of Passport owners at trailheads and school pickup lines, here's the consensus: They bought it for the capability but fell in love with the daily usability. One guy told me he traded in his luxury SUV because he got tired of worrying about potholes and dirt roads. Another said her kids call it "the adventure mobile" because weekend trips became so much easier.
Sure, you'll hear the occasional complaint about fuel costs, but as one owner put it: "I smile every time I merge onto the highway or hit a dirt road - that's worth a few extra bucks at the pump." Can't argue with that logic!
E.g. ：2026 - real MPG : r/hondapassport
FAQs
Q: How does the 2026 Honda Passport's fuel economy compare to the Honda Pilot?
A: Here's something interesting - despite being smaller and lighter than the three-row Pilot, the two-row Passport gets identical fuel economy numbers. Both SUVs use the same 3.5-liter V-6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission combo, resulting in 19/25/21 mpg (city/highway/combined) for the standard models. We were surprised too! The main difference comes down to driving dynamics - the Passport feels sportier thanks to its shorter wheelbase, but you're paying the same at the pump either way.
Q: Is the TrailSport version much worse on gas than the regular Passport?
A: Surprisingly no! The TrailSport's off-road upgrades only cost you 1 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway. Here's why that's impressive: this version has all-terrain tires, a lifted suspension, skid plates, and more aggressive bodywork - all things that typically murder fuel efficiency. Honda's engineers clearly put work into optimizing the aerodynamics and tire design. You'll still get about 370 miles per tank - just 20 fewer than the standard model.
Q: Why didn't Honda improve the Passport's MPG for 2026?
A: Great question! While the 2026 model got a complete exterior redesign, Honda stuck with the proven V-6 instead of introducing a hybrid or turbocharged option. Our guess? They're positioning the Passport as a simple, reliable choice in a segment where many buyers still prefer traditional powertrains. That said, we're disappointed there's no hybrid option - a system like what's in the CR-V could've boosted efficiency without sacrificing too much power.
Q: How does the Passport compare to the Toyota 4Runner for fuel efficiency?
A: The new turbocharged 4Runner actually does slightly better than the Passport, getting up to 22 mpg combined. But here's the thing - the 4Runner is body-on-frame (like a truck) versus the Passport's car-like unibody construction. For what it is, the Passport's efficiency is respectable. If you're cross-shopping these two, ask yourself: do you need the 4Runner's extreme off-road capability? If not, the Passport gives you similar mpg with better on-road manners.
Q: What's the real-world range I can expect from a full tank?
A: With its 18.5-gallon tank and 21 mpg combined rating, the standard Passport should go about 389 miles between fill-ups. That's enough to drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco with maybe one quick stop. The TrailSport's 20 mpg combined rating gives you around 370 miles. Pro tip: these are EPA estimates - your actual range will depend on how you drive. Heavy foot? Expect less. Cruise control on the highway? You might even beat these numbers!
