It was a bit eye-opening to realize how relatively little many automobiles seem to change these days.

A 25 year-old automobile today doesn't seem NEARLY as old as a 25 year-old automobile 25 years ago.

My first car was 25 years old at the time and it seemed really old. It had a carburetor, AM radio, manual windows, and two-piece seat belts at a time when most cars had fuel injection, AM/FM/cassette radios, and modern seat belts.

Today, a 25 year-old Buick would be a 2000 year model and doesn't seem nearly as old. It still has modern-day features such as power windows, remote keyless entry, anti-lock brakes, air bags, traction control, fuel injection, computer-controlled transmission, etc.

 

It was a bit eye-opening to realize how relatively little many automobiles seem to change these days.

A 25 year-old automobile today doesn't seem NEARLY as old as a 25 year-old automobile 25 years ago.

My first car was 25 years old at the time and it seemed really old. It had a carburetor, AM radio, manual windows, and two-piece seat belts. At a time when most cars had fuel injection, AM/FM/cassette radios, and modern seat belts.

Today, a 25 year-old Buick would be a 2000 year model and doesn't seem nearly as old. It still has modern-day features such as power windows, remote keyless entry, anti-lock brakes, air bags, traction control, fuel injection, computer-controlled transmission, etc.

View attachment 458342

When I was 16, my 1st car was also 16 years old.
It had a carburetor with a manual choke. Manual everything actually, 3 on the tree. Roll up windows, vacuum powered windshield-wipers, and no seat belts and no radio

.But it did have 4 wheel brakes! Barely though as they we unassisted drum brakes

 

 

New videos dropping today. Like the return to the boxy shape but is this too much? Clearly Honda is looking to separate the Pilot and Passport looks wise. Still, no hybrid which IMO is going to be a problem. Originally I thought the Passport was going after Subaru but to me this looks like it's going after the 4 Runner, Land Cruises despite the Toyotas being body on frame. Around here, most Passport drivers I see are moms, don't know if anyone over 50 would be interested in this.
Curious what direction Honda will take for the next RL. I'm trying to figure if they put a lot of money into this next gen Passport or if it's just Trailsport appearance bits.

 

I've forgotten which vehicle Honda first applied the TrailSport name to - the Pilot or the Passport, but I recall one first got more actual hardware while the other was more or less an appearance package.

 

I think both Pilot and Passport got Trailsport trims for the 2022 MY, but only the Pilot offered the slight suspension lift (half an inch, I think?).

I like those HPD wheels 😍 I'm not wild on non-functional hood scoops on vehicles that don't have a top-mounted intercooler, but I like the general direction Honda is going style-wise.

 

I really like it a lot! Interior is similar to Pilot but looks better here for some reason.
Would really consider the '26 passport to replace my RL

Interesting, from the video it looks like there will be 2 trailsport trims - a trailsport and a trailsport elite

 

I really hope those colors come to the Ridgeline. I'm tired of Honda's 50 shades of grey.

@zroger73 i think Passport had the Trailsport name first, but was appearance package only. Pilot got the first functional goodies.

 

*

 

The 2026 Passport has all these new features:

• 10 speed transmission
• Upgraded all wheel drive system
• 360 Camera
• Larger front rotors
• Tow Mode
• Electronic Parking Brake
• 12" Touch screen
• Optional full size spare

Let's hope if a Gen 3 (2027?) Ridgeline appears that it shares all these upgrades!

Best wishes

Siouxsie

 

I dont understand this. Is this the 2025 model?

The All-New 2025 Honda Passport Is A Pilot In A Rugged Flannel - The Autopian

The all-new Honda Passport is finally here and it’s dapper. Dressed up like a modern Land Rover, it basically answers the question: what would the Pilot be like if it were a little more rugged? Consider the Passport a more off-road-ready two-row Pilot. Basically, it could wear flannel and not...

www.theautopian.com

When you go to the Honda website this model is not shown?

Will it be available later in 2025?

I would love the looks of this to be the next Ridgeline and for it to have these off road abilities/features.

 

The title of the article is incorrect.

It's the 2026 Passport and should be with dealers early 2025, according to Honda.

Best wishes

Siouxsie

 

I hope the new ridgeline has the same front end as the new passport. Give it alittle more ground clearance, get rid of VCM or atleast have a way to disable it. Higher payload/towing capacity? Also I'd love to have the traditional shifter back vs the buttons. It will be between new ridgeline and tacoma when I decide to upgrade from my honda pilot.

 

I have a feeling the Odyssey will be replaced before the Ridgeline. They will start production just after the first of the year on the new Passport. The Pilot should be refreshed for 2026 also. The new Passport is essentially the same(mechanically) as the Pilot just with different body panels. The interior didn't get upgraded from the Pilot as its now an only Trails port. It now has a lot less competition being Trails port only. I would expect the Pilot to be upgraded as it has much more competition.

 

The 2026 Passport will also be available in RTL trim.

Honda Press Release Giving Details about 2026 Passport

 

I have a feeling that the RTL trim will be like a Trail Sport "Lite".

 

TrailSport is already Lite...

 

What comes to my mind is a kinder, gentler, more affordable (less capable?) Land Cruiser.

 

i wonder if the BE is dead

 

Looks like the BE for the 2026 Passport has been dropped. The 'Elite' trim is probably the equivalence.

 

My guess is since the TrailSport replaced the RTL-E if they moved to 3 trims they would eliminate the RTL and make more profit by selling mostly TrailSports. They would need the Sport for the lower price of entry and if they gave it a rear power window it would be even higher on functionality (and likely sell it for a current RTL price) while remain low on luxury amenities but appropriate for its price point.

 

Saw a new Passport this weekend, very nice.
Has me thinking about a jump over to a PP

 

Do you need a truck? If not, go for it.

If you do, I'd wait to see what the next generation Ridgeline looks like in a year or two.

 

Just now returned from test driving the Trailsport Elite (Orange). I love the room.

Honda made everything a huge improvement except for a couple of things. The Bose stereo must be the worst Bose has. Even the Ridgeline’s sounds better. ... the stupid behavior of the radio/phone shutting off immediate when the car is turn off (rather than waiting till the door is opened).

And even though it’s 5 more HP and a 10sp… the Ridgeline seems much peppier. Not much torque at take off at all. It seems to hold on the rev matching when let up, as well. Felt worse than the Ridgeline when aggressive, but nice on relaxed driving.

• No eco button (good riddance), but felt like it was in eco mode.
• No rocking when stopped. Felt great
• Brake feel is much improved
• Seats are not as comfortable as the Ridgeline. But the cabin feels a lot roomier and the center console is a comfortable arm rest (huge storage space in the console too)
• Tech is much better. No built in Nav, but it does have integrated Google maps. Need to pair phone for internet or download maps.
• Still slow seat heat, and weak seat ventilation. But at least it ventilates.
• A little tougher to see across hood than Ridgeline, and more dash obstruction from the stupid propped up screen that looks like an add-on.
• Dash display layout is very nice

Overall, I like the Pilot better but this is a great little vehicle. Nowhere near worth $10k more than a Ridgeline though. Felt like a budget-mobile in comparison. The Toyota Land Cruiser rides a LOT better (but that isn’t worth its money either)

I’m over it for now. But informative to test drive. The Ridgeline still wins for me in power feel and comfort.

 

Just now returned from test driving the Trailsport Elite (Orange). I love the room.

Honda made everything a huge improvement except for a couple of things. The Bose stereo must be the worst Bose has. Even the Ridgeline’s sounds better.

And even though it’s 5 more HP and a 10sp… the Ridgeline seems much peppier. Not much torque at take off at all. It seems to hold on the rev matching when let up, as well. Felt worse than the Ridgeline when aggressive, but nice on relaxed driving.

• No eco button (good riddance), but felt like it was in eco mode.
• No rocking when stopped. Felt great
• Brake feel is much improved
• Seats are not as comfortable as the Ridgeline. But the cabin feels a lot roomier and the center console is a comfortable arm rest (huge storage space in the console too)
• Tech is much better. No built in Nav, but it does have integrated Google maps. Need to pair phone for internet or download maps.
• Still slow seat heat, and weak seat ventilation. But at least it ventilates.
• A little tougher to see across hood than Ridgeline, and more dash obstruction from the stupid propped up screen that looks like an add-on.
• Dash display layout is very nice

Overall, I like the Pilot better but this is a great little vehicle. Nowhere near worth $10k more than a Ridgeline though. Felt like a budget-mobile in comparison. The Toyota Land Cruiser rides a LOT better (but that isn’t worth its money either)

I’m over it for now. But informative to test drive. The Ridgeline still wins for me in power feel and comfort.

Thank you for the great review of the Passport. "...a little tougher to see across the hood than Ridgeline...," so it better have a front parking sensor at least. I have never thought of my Ridgeline as being "peppier" than many other vehicles, thank you for the humor.

 

"...a little tougher to see across the hood than Ridgeline...," so it better have a front parking sensor at least.

I should’ve mentioned, the Elite does have a great camera system! Even rim/curb cameras which the others like the Jeep Wagoneer S do not (and not even tilt mirrors, btw).

When I say it is harder to see, that means in comparison to a Ridgeline if you are turning right into a space, you are blocked more for example on the front right side to judge. Not super hard, not even like a full size truck, it is a little more of a blind area.

I have never thought of my Ridgeline as being "peppier" than many other vehicles, thank you for the humor.

Ha yeah, me either. And I know the HP and torque are there on the Passport, it all just feels dampened… like I said, it almost feels like the ECO mode is half on. My girlfriends words were, “The Ridgeline has a lot more power, how small is this engine compared to it.”

I’m sure Honda put thought into the jumpy-jerky driving and still maintaining power when needed. But … doesn’t feel like it. And it felt lame trying to pass folks.

 

I should’ve mentioned, it does have a great camera system! Even rim/curb cameras which the others like the Jeep Wagoneer S does not.

When I say it is harder to see, that means in comparison to a Ridgeline if you are turning right into a space, you are blocked more for example on the front right side to judge. Not super hard, not even like a full size truck, it is a little more of a blind area.


Ha yeah, me either. And I know the HP and torque are there on the Passport, it all just feels dampened… like I said, it almost feels like the ECO mode is half on. My girlfriends words were, “The Ridgeline has a lot more power, how small is this engine compared to it.”

I’m sure Honda put thought into the jumpy-jerky driving and still maintaining power when needed. But … doesn’t feel like it. And it felt lame trying to pass folks.

Maybe a Pedal Commander or Sprint Booster would fix the acceleration (wrt "invisible Econ mode")?

I suspect that front cameras may become mandated in the near future as more and more trucks/ SUVs get implicated in hitting pedestrians (particularly kids) because they didn't see them.

The front camera should come on automatically at speeds below 10-15mph.

Also, the rear camera should stay on for 5-10 seconds after putting the truck in Park (i hope you're reading this @Honda ).

 

I feel like this Passport looks like a Dodge with a Honda badge. The current Passport wasn't all that outdated. Haven't seen one in person yet but it looks like an updated version of the 2015 Pilot to me. It seems to be well received but I'm reading a top of the line model was 60k OTD. It's not enough of an evolutionary step for that kind of money IMO. Maybe this will be like the Land Cruiser, marked up on something already overpriced to having money on the hood. It's like this new Passport should have been the one introduced in 2019.

My 2020 Passport was anemic with its throttle response, the 23 Ridgeline is better. I would have thought that the quick shifting 10 speed would have removed sluggishness but I guess not. Electrical assist always seems to solve the response issue even if the MPG's don't improve. It's always nice to have good throttle response out of the box. I don't want to play around with mods and modes just put it in D and go.

 

It's the one thing I really wish my Ridgeline had, a front camera. I do find it hard to judge where the front end is when parking.

So I tend to reverse in parking spots whenever I can. I absolutely love the Ridgeline's rear camera. Ironically maybe, after all the cameras and sensors were recalibrated following my deer strike, the rear camara is actually more accurate now distance wise than when it left the factory.

 

It's the one thing I really wish my Ridgeline had, a front camera. I do find it hard to judge where the front end is when parking.

So I tend to reverse in parking spots whenever I can. I absolutely love the Ridgeline's rear camera. Ironically maybe, after all the cameras and sensors were recalib rated following my deer strike, the camara is actually more accurate now didatnce wise than when it left the factory.

What I try to do is line up mirrors with the vehicle to the left or right of me otherwise I'm usually short.

If parking far away, I pull forward in the spot and then use the rear camera and put the rear bumper on the line.

Biggest problem is left to right when going through an 8 foot garage door opening. Only had to think about it for the mirrors on a 17 RL and 20 PP but with the 23 RL I find it difficult telling how many inches there are to spare on the front end left to right.

 

I'm excited about this!

 

Honda shows off strength of recovery points:

https://hondanews.com/en-US/honda-automobiles/releases/release-88c4329d95477de282a38d004607c319-2026-honda-passport-trailsport-hangs-tough-in-dramatic-new-video

A little more info here:

Honda Dangles A Couple Of 2026 Passports From A Crane To Show Off New Beefy Recovery Hooks - Jalopnik

You might assume recovery hooks are straightforward, but Honda had to strike a balance between strength and safety on the new 2026 Passport.

www.jalopnik.com

 

Honda should have released a similar photo showing how strong the Ridgeline's tailgate is.

OK – Engineering facts: The Ridgeline tailgate is rated at 300 pounds statically. That means you can load your 600 pound ATV on the tailgate while driving. The maximum load input you will see on the body in the vertical direction in a non-crash event is approximately 3gs x 300 = 1200 pounds static load. This is more than sufficient to withstand several robust individuals. It is the strongest tailgate on the market. The engineering example of this load might be two large guys loading a refrigerator on the tailgate. The competitors tell you to remove the tailgate before performing such a feat.

The comment about backing two Ridgelines lined up back-to back and parking another Ridgeline on the tailgate is not urban legend. The ultimate strength of the tailgate (before it breaks) is great enough to support another Ridgeline parked on the two adjacent tailgates. This is not an urban legend – it was verified the lab. AKA – myth busters confirmed true.
K

For those who don't know, @Kodiak was the chief engineer and large project leader for the first-generation Ridgeline. The tailgate carried over to the second generation.

 

Honda should have released a similar photo showing how strong the Ridgeline's tailgate is.



For those who don't know, @Kodiak was the chief engineer and large project leader for the first-generation Ridgeline. The tailgate carried over to the second generation.

I was thinking about the tailgate trick when i posted this!

 

So can you mount a brush guard from the tow hook points and withstand a deer hit?

That's a smart move, folks will remember that picture and sales of the Passport RTL be doomed.