Home Top 5 Reasons to Avoid the 2026 Honda Passport: Is It the Right SUV for You?

onJuly 8, 2025

Top 5 Reasons to Avoid the 2026 Honda Passport: Is It the Right SUV for You?

Car Review

5 min read

The 2026 Honda Passport has generated buzz with its rugged redesign, 285-hp V6 engine, and enhanced off-road capabilities, positioning it as a strong contender in the mid-size SUV market. Priced from $44,750 to $53,900, it appeals to families, adventure-seekers, and Honda loyalists with its spacious cabin, 5,000-pound towing capacity, and torque-vectoring AWD. However, despite its strengths, the Passport has notable drawbacks that may deter some buyers.

At My Pit Shop, we’ve analyzed expert reviews, mechanic insights, and early owner feedback to highlight the top 5 reasons to avoid the 2026 Honda Passport. If you’re considering this SUV, read on to make an informed decision!

Top 5 Reasons to Avoid the 2026 Honda Passport

1. No Hybrid Powertrain Option

Unlike competitors like the Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Hyundai Santa Fe, the 2026 Honda Passport lacks a hybrid powertrain, limiting its appeal for eco-conscious buyers or those prioritizing fuel efficiency.

Fuel Economy: The Passport achieves 19/25 mpg city/highway (RTL) or 18/23 mpg (Trailsport), which is decent but trails hybrid rivals like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid (36 mpg combined) or Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (34 mpg combined).
Market Trend: With SUVs increasingly offering electrified options, the absence of a hybrid or plug-in hybrid variant feels like a missed opportunity, especially for a newly redesigned model.
Environmental Impact: Buyers seeking lower emissions may prefer hybrids or EVs like the Honda Prologue, which offers better efficiency for city driving.

Why It Matters: Fuel costs add up, especially for frequent drivers, and the lack of a hybrid option puts the Passport behind competitors in efficiency and eco-friendliness.

2. Limited Off-Road Capability Compared to Body-on-Frame Rivals

While the Trailsport and Trailsport Elite trims boast off-road upgrades like all-terrain tires and skid plates, the Passport’s unibody construction and 8.3-inch ground clearance limit its capability compared to body-on-frame SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner or Jeep Wrangler.

Ground Clearance: At 8.3 inches, it’s lower than the Subaru Outback Wilderness (9.5 inches) or Toyota 4Runner (9.0 inches), restricting its ability to tackle extreme trails.
Suspension Limitations: The unibody design and suspension tuning, even on Trailsport models, can’t match the articulation and durability of body-on-frame rivals, leading to bottoming out on rough terrain, as noted in Puerto Rico tests.
No Low-Range Gearing: The absence of a dedicated low-range or differential locker limits its performance in hardcore off-roading scenarios compared to the Ford Bronco.

Why It Matters: Serious off-roaders may find the Passport’s capabilities more suited for light trails than challenging rock-crawling or dune-bashing, making competitors better for extreme adventures.

3. Higher Starting Price Than Competitors

The 2026 Honda Passport starts at $44,750 (RTL), which is higher than rivals like the Hyundai Santa Fe ($36,950), Subaru Outback ($30,190), or Chevy Blazer ($36,795), potentially deterring budget-conscious buyers.

Trim Pricing: The Trailsport ($49,900) and Trailsport Elite ($53,900) push the price into the range of premium SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee ($54,000+), which offers more luxury.
Value Concerns: While the Passport includes standard AWD and features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen, the base RTL lacks some off-road upgrades, making the price feel steep for what’s offered.
No Budget Trim: Unlike the Toyota 4Runner, which offers a lower-cost SR5 trim, the Passport’s lineup starts at a higher price point, limiting accessibility.

Why It Matters: The higher starting price may alienate buyers seeking affordable mid-size SUVs with similar features, especially without a hybrid option to offset costs.

4. Early Reports of Build Quality Issues

Early owner feedback on platforms like Reddit highlights cosmetic and build quality issues in some 2026 Honda Passport units, raising concerns about manufacturing consistency.

Reported Issues: Owners have noted bulging welds, rust spots, hood gaps, and paint inconsistencies (e.g., debris or pooling in door frames). Some reported loose roof rail covers and minor scratches on delivery.
First-Year Risks: As a redesigned model, the 2026 Passport may face initial production kinks, with some owners advising waiting until 2027 or 2028 for refined builds.
Infotainment Glitches: Early reports mention occasional touchscreen lag or software bugs, potentially requiring over-the-air updates.

Why It Matters: Honda’s reputation for reliability is strong, but these early issues could frustrate buyers expecting flawless quality, especially at a premium price. Thorough pre-purchase inspections are recommended.

5. Non-Functional Hood Scoop and Styling Gimmicks

The Passport’s bold, boxy redesign draws praise, but some styling elements, like the non-functional hood scoop, feel like cosmetic gimmicks that don’t add practical value.

Hood Scoop Critique: Described as “totally worthless” by reviewers, the fake scoop undermines the Trailsport’s rugged authenticity, unlike functional designs on rivals like the Ford Bronco.
Plastic Cladding: While protective, the extensive plastic cladding may appear excessive to some buyers, detracting from a premium aesthetic compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s sleeker look.
Styling Polarization: The retro-inspired design may not appeal to buyers preferring modern, streamlined SUVs like the Mazda CX-70.

Why It Matters: Buyers seeking genuine off-road aesthetics may be disappointed by superficial design choices, especially when competitors offer more functional styling.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Powerful 285-hp V6 engine with smooth 10-speed transmission.
Spacious cabin with 83.5 cubic feet of cargo and increased rear legroom.
Standard all-wheel drive and seven drive modes for versatility.
Comprehensive Honda Sensing safety suite, including Traffic Jam Assist.
Strong towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, surpassing some rivals.

Cons

No hybrid option limits fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness.
Limited off-road capability compared to body-on-frame SUVs.
Higher starting price than competitors like the Subaru Outback.
Early build quality concerns, including welds and paint issues.
Non-functional hood scoop and excessive cladding may feel gimmicky.

2026 Honda Passport vs. Competitors

Toyota 4Runner: Offers body-on-frame construction, 6,000-pound towing, and a hybrid option, but has a rougher ride and dated interior.
Jeep Grand Cherokee: Provides luxury, a hybrid variant, and better off-road capability, but is pricier and less reliable.
Subaru Outback Wilderness: Boasts higher ground clearance (9.5 inches) and better fuel economy, but lacks the Passport’s towing power.

Why It Matters: The Passport’s drawbacks may push buyers toward competitors with stronger off-road prowess, hybrid options, or lower prices.

Who Should Avoid the 2026 Honda Passport?

Eco-Conscious Buyers: Those prioritizing fuel efficiency or hybrid options should consider the Toyota Highlander Hybrid or Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid.
Hardcore Off-Roaders: Enthusiasts needing extreme trail capability may prefer the Toyota 4Runner or Jeep Wrangler.
Budget Shoppers: Buyers seeking affordable SUVs might opt for the Subaru Outback or Chevy Blazer.
Early Adopters Wary of Issues: Those concerned about first-year build quality should wait for 2027 models or inspect units thoroughly.

Buying Tips

Inspect Thoroughly: Check for welds, paint issues, and hood gaps before purchase, and review the Final Inspection Card (FIC) at the dealership.
Consider Alternatives: Test drive the Toyota 4Runner, Subaru Outback, or Hyundai Santa Fe for comparison.
Wait for Refinements: If concerned about build quality, consider waiting until mid-2026 or 2027 for improved production.
Explore Financing: Visit automobiles.honda.com for lease and finance offers to offset the higher price.

The 2026 Honda Passport offers a compelling mix of rugged style, V6 power, and family-friendly features, but its lack of a hybrid option, limited off-road capability, high starting price, early build quality concerns, and stylistic gimmicks may give buyers pause. While it excels as an all-rounder, competitors like the Toyota 4Runner or Hyundai Santa Fe may better suit specific needs. Before buying, test drive at a dealership like Honda of Downtown Los Angeles and inspect for quality issues. Share your thoughts on X with #2026HondaPassport!