2026 Honda Passport Becomes Honda's Most Expensive SUV
The pricing of the new Honda Passport has sparked interest in Honda's 2026 lineup, especially given the significant price increase of this fourth-generation model compared to other Honda SUVs.
The 2026 Honda Passport sits in the mid-size crossover SUV category, making it larger than the 2025 Honda CR-V but smaller than the 2025 Honda Pilot, which remains Honda's largest SUV.
Pricing of the 2026 Honda Passport
Honda officially launched sales of the 2026 Passport on Tuesday, confirming that the base Passport RTL starts at $46,200 (173,250 SAR), making it Honda's most expensive gasoline-powered SUV.
This price reflects a notable increase compared to the previous generation, which started at $43,850 (164,437 SAR).
2026 Honda Passport Prices in the Global Market
Honda Passport RTL 2026 – $46,200 (173,250 SAR)
Passport RTL Towing 2026 – $46,900 (175,875 SAR)
Honda Passport RTL Blackout 2026 – $47,400 (177,750 SAR)
Honda Passport TrailSport 2026 – $49,900 (187,125 SAR)
Honda Passport TrailSport Blackout 2026 – $51,100 (191,625 SAR)
Honda Passport TrailSport Elite 2026 – $53,900 (202,125 SAR)
Honda Passport TrailSport Elite Blackout 2026 – $55,100 (206,625 SAR)
All prices include a $1,450 (5,437 SAR) destination fee.
Trim-Specific Features
The RTL Tow Package includes a Class 3 hitch and integrated rear recovery points.
The TrailSport model enhances off-road capabilities with all-terrain tires, additional recovery points, steel skid plates, and suspension tuning.
The TrailSport Elite package adds luxury features such as a heated steering wheel, ventilated seats, keyless entry, and an off-road camera system.
The Blackout Package brings a sleek blacked-out exterior for a sportier look.
Performance and Engineering
Built on the same platform as the new Honda Pilot, the 2026 Honda Passport is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 355 Nm of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive (AWD) comes standard, enhancing both on-road stability and off-road performance.
Unlike its predecessor, which was essentially a shortened version of the Pilot, the new Passport features a more distinct design and a refined AWD system, making it more capable on rough terrain. While it may not be the most powerful off-road SUV, it offers a balanced mix of comfort, technology, and ruggedness, catering to a broad range of buyers looking for a reliable adventure-ready vehicle.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ArabGT
6 days ago
- ArabGT
Why Are Rear Wipers Still a Joke on Big Family SUVs?
There's a detail on many family SUVs that often goes unnoticed — until it rains or mud splashes your rear windshield: the rear wiper. And when it comes to visibility, especially in large family vehicles, its performance matters more than you might think. In a lighthearted and ironic feature, we raised a curious question: Which cars are battling it out for the title of the world's tiniest rear wiper? These oddly undersized wipers often leave large portions of the rear glass untouched — an inconvenience that turns into frustration in real driving conditions. Small Wipers, Big Vehicles: The Worst Offenders Let's take a closer look at some of the most glaring examples of rear wiper design gone wrong — and explore why this puzzling trend persists. Honda Prologue and Chevrolet Blazer EV: Great Size, Tiny Swipe From a distance, the Honda Prologue might look like a compact SUV — until you realize it's hiding a rear wiper so short it's practically decorative. The blade covers only a sliver of the glass, making it nearly useless in poor weather. The same problem plagues its sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer EV. Both models share the same platform, and both suffer from the same design compromise: a high beltline and narrow rear window opening that restrict the size and movement of the wiper. If a longer blade were used, it would clash with the upper spoiler, so the designers opted for a minimal solution — a small, low-mounted wiper that delivers little functional benefit and draws more laughs than praise. Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Wagoneer, and Ford Bronco Sport: Unmet Expectations The problem doesn't end with Honda and Chevy. Even full-size SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Wagoneer, with their large rear windows, suffer from the same misstep: rear wipers that only clean the lowest strip of glass. The result? A massive rear windshield with just a tiny clean patch — not exactly ideal for visibility or aesthetics. The Ford Bronco Sport, with its rugged appeal, falls into the same trap. Its rear wiper is disproportionately short, especially considering the vehicle's size and adventurous image. When snow or dirt builds up, drivers are often forced to step out and clean the glass themselves — a frustrating task in a vehicle meant for comfort and capability. What Hyundai and Kia Got Right: The Elegant Fix Thankfully, not all automakers are missing the mark. Hyundai and Kia have implemented a simple yet brilliant design tweak on models like the Tucson and Sportage. Instead of mounting the rear wiper at the base of the window, they've cleverly integrated it under the upper spoiler. This hidden, spoiler-mounted setup keeps the rear glass visually clean when the wiper isn't in use, while still delivering full coverage when it's needed. It's a seamless blend of form and function — discreet, effective, and a small innovation that makes a big impact. More Than an Afterthought These examples show that the rear wiper isn't just an aesthetic feature — it's essential for safety and visibility. Unfortunately, poor design choices can turn it into a design joke, as seen in many large SUVs. But as Hyundai and Kia have demonstrated, thoughtful engineering can resolve the issue without compromising the vehicle's design language. So next time you're standing behind a massive SUV with a rear wiper that looks like it belongs on a toy car, ask yourself: How did we end up here? And better yet, what simple ideas could help fix it? We'd love to hear from you — have you experienced the woes of a barely functional rear wiper? Or do you prefer the sleek, hidden approach adopted by some brands? Let us know your thoughts, and share your tips for improving this often-overlooked feature.
ArabGT
26-05-2025
- ArabGT
Auto Industry Headlines You Shouldn't Miss This Week
Last week witnessed a series of pivotal developments in the global automotive industry — from the launch of new models to political moves that could reshape the trade map, along with strategic decisions by major manufacturers that reflect the scale of transformation currently underway in the sector. We've selected the 5 most impactful stories shaping the automotive scene right now: BYD Overtakes Tesla in Europe for the First Time In a milestone moment in the global electric vehicle race, Chinese automaker BYD surpassed Tesla in EV sales across the European market for the first time. In April, BYD registered 7,231 new electric vehicles in Europe, slightly ahead of Tesla's 7,165 units, according to market data. Analysts attribute Tesla's decline partly to its aging lineup and the political controversies surrounding its CEO Elon Musk. Meanwhile, Chinese brands have maintained strong momentum despite new EU tariffs on their vehicles. Honda Cuts EV Investments and Refocuses on Hybrids Honda announced a strategic retreat from its electrification plans, cutting its planned investment in EVs and software by 30%, and dropping its earlier goal of having electric vehicles make up 30% of its sales by 2030. The revised forecast now targets just 20%. Instead, Honda will focus on launching 13 new hybrid models by 2027 — a shift that mirrors moves by other global automakers amid reduced government incentives and rising costs. Toyota Officially Reveals Hybrid-Only RAV4 Toyota has officially unveiled the sixth-generation RAV4, which is set to launch globally in March 2026. The model will be offered exclusively as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, eliminating the traditional gasoline-only version. As one of the world's top-selling SUVs, the RAV4's electrified transition signals Toyota's full commitment to electrifying its core models — a shift that could significantly influence hybrid adoption in both emerging and developed markets. U.S. Delays Tariffs on European Cars President Donald Trump has postponed the implementation of proposed 50% tariffs on European car imports from June 1 to July 9, 2025, following a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who requested more time for negotiations. The decision brought temporary relief to financial markets, but concerns remain that the eventual imposition of tariffs could seriously impact German automakers, who rely heavily on the U.S. market, and destabilize global trade. U.S. Senate Revokes California's Authority to Ban Gasoline Cars On May 22, 2025, the U.S. Senate voted to revoke California's authority to set its own vehicle emissions standards, including its plan to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035. This decision ends a long-standing EPA waiver and affects 16 other states that follow California's rules. State officials have announced their intention to sue the federal government, calling the decision illegal and harmful to public health. The resolution now awaits President Trump's signature and could mark a major shift in U.S. climate and transportation policy by limiting states' power to regulate emissions.
ArabGT
19-05-2025
- ArabGT
Toyota Steps In to Support Nissan After Collapse of Merger with Honda
In an unexpected twist following the breakdown of merger discussions between Nissan and Honda, Toyota took a surprising initiative. A senior Toyota executive reached out to Nissan leadership, offering assistance and solidarity in response to the failure of what could have been a landmark alliance in Japan's auto industry—an agreement poised to create the country's largest carmaker and the third-largest globally. The Unraveling of a Historic Deal Back on December 23, 2024, Nissan and Honda signed a memorandum of understanding to explore a potential merger that would yield a powerhouse selling around 14 million cars annually. This vision materialized shortly after Mitsubishi was dropped from the talks. Despite the deal being valued at an estimated $60 billion, deep disagreements surfaced. The most contentious issue stemmed from Honda's push to make Nissan a subsidiary—an idea that sparked major resistance within Nissan's boardroom. After two months of high-stakes negotiations, the deal officially fell apart on February 13, 2025. The stumbling blocks: unresolved governance structures and disputes over influence within the proposed entity. Toyota's Quiet Intervention As reports of the deal's collapse made headlines, a confidential report surfaced suggesting Toyota had quietly taken steps to support Nissan during this turbulent phase. With fears growing that Nissan might face serious setbacks, Toyota's leadership—without fanfare—offered to assist in several strategic domains: advanced engineering, software development, electrification, and product planning. The offer also extended to helping Nissan optimize costs. This outreach comes in the context of Toyota's broader efforts to reinforce Japan's domestic automotive strength. Already aligned with Subaru, Mazda, and Suzuki, Toyota appears committed to preserving a robust Japanese presence on the global electric vehicle stage. Why Toyota Acted Several motives underpin this unusual move: Safeguarding Japan's Auto Industry : Toyota sees Nissan's stability as vital to maintaining healthy competition at home, especially in key areas like battery technology and driver assistance systems. Alliance Over Domination : Rather than using the moment to assert dominance, Toyota's approach suggests a preference for collaboration over rivalry—seeking unity among Japanese automakers to counter global pressure. EV Leadership: With the collapse of Nissan and Honda's plans for hybrid and fuel-cell collaboration, Toyota may now help Nissan independently advance its electric platforms and software solutions. Industry Reactions and the Road Ahead As of now, Nissan has not released any formal comments about Toyota's offer. However, insiders report the company views the gesture positively and may consider drawing on Toyota's strength in electric drivetrain innovation and its efficiency-first production model. Although Honda wasn't part of this post-merger contact, industry observers believe it will likely support any steps that enhance synergy and resilience within Japan's automotive ecosystem. Market analysts suggest this unexpected move could lay the groundwork for a new chapter in inter-company cooperation among Japanese carmakers, possibly softening the blow of the failed merger on Nissan's market performance. Looking Forward The ambitious Nissan-Honda merger, hailed as one of the largest ever in Japan's auto sector, may have ended abruptly, but Toyota's discreet offer marks a noteworthy shift. It highlights an emerging trend toward unity in the face of mounting competition from global challengers—especially the surging presence of Chinese automakers in international markets. Whether this remains a symbolic act of goodwill or evolves into a full-fledged strategic partnership remains to be seen. All eyes are now on Nissan's next move.
