Honda’s gamble to toughen up the Passport has paid off, big time. Through September 2025, the automaker sold 41,450 units of its freshly redesigned SUV, a staggering 74.8% jump compared to the same period last year. The secret sauce? A tougher look, a clearer purpose, and a version buyers can’t get enough of, the off-road-focused TrailSport.
Nearly 80% of all Passport buyers are choosing the TrailSport trim. Sure, it’s available across four of the SUV’s seven trims, but the numbers show where the heart of the market lies: outdoorsy looks, some real capability, and everyday comfort.
From Soft Edges to Sharp Lines
The 2026 Passport doesn’t just look different; it feels like a different SUV. Gone is the rounded, friendly shape of the old model. In its place: squared edges, a bolder stance, and a front end that looks like it means business.
Under the hood, Honda’s familiar 3.5-liter V6 stays on duty, now paired with a 10-speed automatic. The engine makes 285 horsepower, sending power through an all-wheel-drive system designed to handle dirt, gravel, and bad weather without drama.
The TrailSport model takes things a step further with all-terrain tires, steel skid plates, and a little extra ride height. It’s not pretending to be a rock crawler, but it can handle a muddy campsite or forest trail better than before. Inside, the cabin ditches clutter for simplicity, big screens, clean lines, and materials that feel tough yet comfortable.
The Toyota 4Runner Shadow
The Passport’s closest rival, the Toyota 4Runner, still outsells it, but not by much, and not with the same momentum. Toyota sold about 67,000 4Runners through September, but that’s actually down 40% from last year.
The difference lies in philosophy. Toyota’s moving toward turbocharged and hybrid setups, while Honda’s sticking with a tried-and-true V6. In a market obsessed with electrification, that’s a bold (some might say stubborn) move. But it seems to be working. Drivers who want something rugged without the complexity of hybrid systems are flocking to Honda’s corner.
Meanwhile, Honda’s Prologue EV Surges
The Passport isn’t Honda’s only success story this year. The company’s first mass-market electric SUV, the Prologue, is quietly building serious momentum. Sales are up nearly 158% 36,553 units sold so far, surpassing its entire 2024 total.
It’s not all organic growth; generous discounts helped push the EV into more garages. Still, that kind of jump shows Honda’s getting traction in a space it’s been late to enter. The Prologue, built on GM’s Ultium platform, might not yet have a “Honda soul,” but it’s clearly catching on.
A Balanced Year for Honda
Across all models including Acura Honda has sold nearly 1.1 million vehicles through September, marking a 3.9% rise from last year. Hybrid sales remain strong thanks to the Civic and Accord, while EVs are beginning to pull their weight.
What’s interesting is how Honda’s strategy seems to straddle two worlds: keeping loyal customers happy with refined gas-powered models like the Passport, while cautiously testing the EV waters with the Prologue.
What It All Says About Honda Right Now
Honda’s not rushing the EV race, and that patience may be its quiet advantage. The Passport’s success shows that clear identity, not just tech headlines, still matters. Buyers want capability, familiarity, and design that feels confident.
The 2026 Passport delivers all three. And for Honda, that’s proof that going back to basics can sometimes feel brand new.
