The Honda Passport, a midsize SUV that hasn’t been a major sales success, is undergoing a complete redesign for the 2026 model year. Scheduled to be revealed this fall, the first units will arrive in dealerships early next year with a new engine. The Passport is more rugged than the family oriented Pilot and currently features a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine known as the J35Y6.
This engine was used in the Pilot until 2022, when it was replaced by the J35Y8 in the 2023 model. The J35Y8 differs from the J35Y6 in several key areas. While both engines have similar bore and stroke dimensions, the J35Y8 is a double overhead cam design with variable timing control (VTC), whereas the J35Y6 has single overhead cams with variable valve timing (VTEC) only on the intake valves.
This difference results in a smoother engine operation, as VTC allows for continuous adjustment of camshaft phasing, while VTEC uses low and high-profile cam lobes at low and high engine speeds. Notably, the J35Y8 is Honda’s first naturally aspirated V6 engine without VTEC since the first-generation Acura NSX.
In the 2025 Pilot, the J35Y8 produces 285 horsepower and 262 pound feet of torque. The 2026 Honda Passport is a significant upgrade over its predecessor. While the new engine produces slightly more power and torque, it also boasts improved fuel economy and emissions. The 10-speed automatic transmission and advanced all wheel drive system further enhance the Passport’s performance and capability.
However, these enhancements come at a price, with the 2026 model expected to have a higher starting price than its predecessor. One of the most notable improvements in the 2026 Passport is its new engine. This engine is more efficient than its predecessor, resulting in improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.
Additionally, the new engine produces slightly more power and torque, making the Passport more responsive and capable. The 10-speed automatic transmission further enhances the Passport’s performance by providing smoother shifts and more precise gear selection.
The 2026 Passport also features a new all wheel drive system that is more advanced than the system used in the previous model. This new system provides better traction and stability in a variety of driving conditions. Additionally, the new system is more efficient, resulting in improved fuel economy.
The 2026 Honda Passport is a significant upgrade over its predecessor. The new engine, transmission, and all-wheel drive system provide improved performance, efficiency, and capability. However, these enhancements come at a price, with the 2026 model expected to have a higher starting price than its predecessor.
