r/cars • u/hehechibby '18 Lexus GX • 3d ago
2026 Honda Passport | First Drive, Avoiding Trouble [savagegeese]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3WoRN1ytLg
Hopefully the styling carries over to the Ridgeline soon
Interesting that SG says others to consider are Toyota RAV4, Highlander, Chevy Blazer, Ford Explorer, and Subaru Outback when the biggest cross-shopped vehicle I thought it would be is the Toyota 4Runner; when one wanted a 'off-roading' or overtrailing vehicle from Toyota or Honda, it's pretty much decided if you want unibody (Passport) or body on frame (4R) etc
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u/Sweet-Gushin-Gilfs 2d ago
Mark getting his breast augmentation surgery after golfing was truly what I needed to convince me the Honda Passport is the best SUV in its segment.
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u/tclark2006 2d ago
I wonder if they'll siphon off any 4runner buyers who were put off by the new 4 cylinder turbo. I'm all for keeping n/a v6 engines around for midsized vehicle duty.
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u/DodgerBlueRobert1 '09 Civic Si sedan 2d ago
And not only that, but the new 4Runner's styling is...quite busy and messy imo, both on the exterior and interior. I think the outgoing 4Runner's exterior styling (specifically post-refreshed TRD OR and PRO trims) was pretty much perfect. Toyota nailed the exterior of that generation, and I think it'll really stand the test of time.
To me, the new Passport's styling is more cohesive, restrained, and is a more handsome design overall compared to the new 4Runner...both inside and out. With that being said, the rear is a little off to me. But yeah, I'd much rather have a n/a V6 over a turbo 4.
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u/SorbetArtistic7913 2d ago
I don't really mind the styling of the 4runner tbh. When it came out people seemed to be pretty happy with the styling. Personally while I really like how the new Passport looks, it reminds me of a Bronco Sport every damn time I look at it!
Some other things to note is the 4runner is 4K less expensive to start (only 2K less if you add AWD). But a 4runner Limited is 4.5K more expensive. All the higher priced trims of the 4runner are Hybrid Max setups and offer stuff the Passport doesn't. Important to note though the Honda V6 requires a timing belt changed every 100K miles which is a 1K+ job at least at any reputable dealer shop these days.
Personally I'd go Honda if I was forced to choose between the two because I'm never gonna off road and the Honda will 100% drive better. Owned 2 older Honda V6 with vtec. Awesome engines but they are quite thirsty and require the stupid timing belt which is why I would never buy a new Honda V6. But if I was actually shopping in this category with my own money I would have to go Santa Fe Hybrid or something. Still has the boxy look but should be much much cheaper to keep around for 100-150K miles. Honda might be more reliable to 200K miles but by then you would have spent around 40K in maintainence/gas on the Honda assuming 20mpg and 3.5/gallon for gas. Santa Fe would have been under 25K assuming 32mpg. I guess that's assuming the Hyundai does not break down... lol
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u/cloudofevil 2d ago
I could see that. It also makes more sense for buyers who aren't doing any serious off-roading. A lot of 4runners are bought based on reliability, looks and perception. For people that don't want an egg shaped crossover but also don't do much off-roading the Passport fills that niche.
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u/altacan 2d ago
What about the new Pathfinder? They got rid of the CVT and now have an off road trim level + 3ed row seat. OFC Nissan has their corporate problems. But on paper it's a viable 'soft-roader' competitor to the Passport and 4Runner.
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u/cloudofevil 2d ago
Interesting. Honestly I don't know anything about the new Pathfinder. I kinda quit paying attention to Nissan.
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u/Sryzon 2023 Passport 2015 FiST 2d ago
I personally don't see the 3rd row as a benefit. It will stay down 99% of the time and the fold-flat mechanisms are just crevices for things like dirt, leaves, dog hair, or toddler snacks to fall into. If I wanted a third row, I'd shop in that segment (Telluride, Pilot, etc).
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u/WIN_WITH_VOLUME 2016 Mazda 6 GT 2d ago
I don’t even have an argument against the Pathfinder, i think it’s great. But it’s also been out for a couple years now, as long as the Pilot, and is slotted as a Pilot competitor with both having 3 rows. So the question of its appeal is already evident in its sales, the question the Passport has to answer is if it’s a great alternative for someone who is against getting a vehicle with a third row.
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u/coffeebribesaccepted '15 Golf R, '17 Jeep Compass 2d ago
Personally I don't really like the look of the Pathfinder, and I used to have a Highlander with a third row that I never used. I'm glad to see more options in the segment though.
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u/tugtugtugtug4 2d ago
I think people who buy 4Runners largely do it for the aftermarket and the resale, neither of which this passport will have. The mall crawler crowd will be turned off by the abysmal fuel mileage on this.
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u/FlourCity 2d ago
It also makes more sense for buyers who aren't doing any serious off-roading.
You mean the bulk of 4Runner buyers?
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u/TallFontPie 2d ago
At least one, me.
Turbo 4 plus the price difference and ride quality means Honda all day.
The passport more than meets my off-road needs (Midwest winters and a few ski trips a year).
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u/bikedork5000 '19 Golf Alltrack SEL 6MT 2d ago
If I were in the market for this type of vehicle, which I might be in the future, you literally just described me. I was really excited for the reveal on the new 4Runner, thought it was a big letdown, and have turned my eye 100% to the Passport Trailsport.
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u/ulikescience '24 Alfa Romeo Giulia 2d ago
I appreciate that SG is different from other car review channels. The AI bullshit. The abstract tangents. Older videos used wonderful quotes. It's a bold choice.
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u/SavageGooseJack 2d ago
That was all real. Mark really did die on the green. Im glad he went out like a king.
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u/SavageGooseJack 2d ago
Thanks for posting OP. My thoughts are with Mark’s cabal of mistresses. We should all wish him a speedy recovery
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u/Sir_Sir_ExcuseMe_Sir '18 Ford Focus ST 2d ago
There are going to be so many of these at upper-middle class suburban malls in Florida.
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u/longgamma 2018 VW GTI 2d ago
How would this compare to the 4runner and LC? Curious why you guys compared it with the outback.
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u/tugtugtugtug4 2d ago
Hopefully the styling carries over to the Ridgeline soon
Rumor is Ridgeline is getting discontinued. Sales are abysmal and they have a shit load of inventory unsold. I think the Maverick ate its lunch with people who want a bed, but don't need to haul/tow heavy, don't need to go offroad, and care about fuel economy.
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u/gonzo_gat0r 2d ago
I want to like it, but the price is too high for what it competes against.
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u/tugtugtugtug4 2d ago
You can get a lot of money off at dealerships on them, which makes it less egregious in that respect, but it needs a refresh badly to make sense and it doesn't sound like that's in the cards.
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u/gonzo_gat0r 2d ago
I mean, from what I see the MSRP starts at $40k. A Ranger starts at $33k. They’d have to knock off a lot. It’s not BOF, so the Ridgeline starts less capable at almost $10k above similar trucks. That is a tough sell imo. A Maverick is less capable, but it’s priced accordingly. I say this as someone who likes the Ridgeline’s current look and features. I’m not sure who the Ridgeline is made for at that price point.
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u/n0ah_fense '14 Volt | '11 Jeep WK2 2d ago
Option them out similarly, the Colorado and ranger are super bare bones vs the base Ridgeline
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u/xarune 2022 Leaf, 2024 Transit, 2022 Ridgeline, 2012 F350 based RV 2d ago
They are really expensive new, or at least were before the BoF midsizers all got refreshed.
But they were a great value lightly used CPO/used, because the depreciation is nearly flat years 3-8. But that is exactly what causes them to not sell well.
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u/FlourCity 2d ago
Doesn't get better gas mileage, doesnt have better safety ratings, doesn't hold more... The only thing it does better is drive more car-like (and have a cool tailgate) but costs slightly more than the competition. Most truck buyers like that trucks drive like trucks, so saving some cash and getting a Ranger, Colorado, or Frontier seems so obvious.
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u/Drzhivago138 2018 F-150 XLT SuperCab/8' HDPP 5.0, 2009 Forester 5MT 2d ago
It almost seems like they could downsize it to CR-V size to better compete with the Maverick.
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u/tugtugtugtug4 2d ago
I think they should go the other way and keep the size, but either improve packaging or take 6 inches from the bed to make the back seats true family-capable. There are no compact or mid-sized trucks right now that can comfortably fit adults or rear-facing car seats behind an adult in the seat in front.
If the Ridgeline could do that, it has instant appeal to families that want the bed, but can't afford to have a car that can't haul the entire family on longer drives.
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u/markyymark13 '18 Mazda CX5 2d ago
I actually want one! But the problem is A. its far too expensive for what it is and B. it's still on last gens interior, which I'm not a fan of.
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u/cowabungathunda 2d ago
If Honda made a Ridgeline that looks like the new passport they would sell more of them. I don't think they ever caught on because the first gen was weird looking and the second gen looks like a minivan with a truck bed. Make it look cool and it won't be a problem.
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u/KeyboardGunner 2d ago
Not to mention that the current generation Ridgeline is almost 9 years old at this point.
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u/SqueekyDickFartz 2d ago
I'm about to give a wild take, but if the ridgeline took a page from the last Jeep Cherokee trailhawk and figured out a low range and rear locker in the most offroad capable trim, it would have fit in a niche that isn't currently being fulfilled. Most buyers would never use that stuff, but it would have snagged Maverick shoppers who want "real 4wd", and midsize shoppers who are too stubborn to admit they don't need a truck, but don't want the downsides of BOF. It'd also have given it street cred as a real truck, even if it was just on one trim.
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u/n0ah_fense '14 Volt | '11 Jeep WK2 2d ago
I like my Ridgeline because it isn't for offroading. And is bigger than a maverick.
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u/Gospeedracist '21 Camry TRD 2d ago
I like everything about it other than it looks a little Bronco Sport-ish
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u/RollTh3Maps 2d ago
I actually like the look of the Bronco Sport but think it's a little too small for what I'd want, so I actually like that aspect of it.
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u/dreamingtree1855 3d ago
Just started watching. Definitely some twists and turns in this one! Made me want to drive straight from my local country club to the Honda dealership ;)
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u/stav_and_nick General Motors' Strongest Warrior 2d ago
The bit about Latinas was interesting; I always assumed Mark and Jack were, uh, Confirmed Bachelors
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u/CarbonCrew 2d ago
I really like the new Passport and the discussion. Could have done without the weird fucking b roll.
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u/DodgerBlueRobert1 '09 Civic Si sedan 2d ago
Yeah, I much prefer when their videos just stick to the car content. I know they're trying to be funny, but they've done these weird AI tangents far too many times now.
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u/Signal_Ball4634 2d ago
I wish they found a way to put a hybrid drivetrain in this but otherwise this is a great improvement on the previous Passport.
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u/thefanciestcat 2d ago edited 2d ago
While I don't think the CR-V lends itself to a TrailSport exactly, I think a trim level for the AWD version that emphasizes its ability to drive on dirt roads with smaller diameter wheels with more rubber, AT tires, a unique roof rack, ruggedized interior elements, a tiny lift, a skid plate just to say it has one, cladding in blue like the original Element to make it distinct from the other CR-Vs, and a lower fascia that's more durable would sell like crazy. Get that Bronco Sport money.
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u/Snakepli55ken 2d ago
What is with that horrible fake hood scoop?
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u/GoBSAGo 2018 WRX CVT 2d ago
What hood scoop?
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u/DodgerBlueRobert1 '09 Civic Si sedan 2d ago
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u/GoBSAGo 2018 WRX CVT 2d ago
A- that’s not a scoop
B- it’s not fake
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u/DodgerBlueRobert1 '09 Civic Si sedan 2d ago
Ok, you're playing semantics. You can "have this one".
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u/skyswordsman 1d ago
Im very excited for this model. I have a '19 Ridgeline now, and while I really like it, I do wish for a bit more capability (mostly in the ground clearance). The prices are insane like all other vehicles, but maybe in a few years ill trade in the ridgeline and move to this.
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u/Flat-Mountain1936 20h ago
I don’t get the appeal of the push-button shifter in the larger Honda SUVs these days. Personally I wish they would have ditched that years ago for a traditional lever.
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u/barbarino 2d ago
Lease broker here, unless you marry the Passport by financing and plan on keeping it 6+ years, it leases terribly. So if you plan on leasing go with the Pilot if you must have a Honda. Wish the Passport would lease better as it would be a hit for single young men clients but it would probably cannibalized the CRV. Plus they never have any inventory of these and it's not a demand issue, same with the Ridgeline.
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u/EntertainerTrick6711 '19 Cayman S | '23 Mazda3 Turbo 2d ago
Sorry but the CX70 already destroyed the ~40,000$ market. If you aren't off-roading, why arent you buying that instead. Its better in every way.
I highly doubt there are enough offroaders in the US to have this many "off road" vehicles...
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u/DodgerBlueRobert1 '09 Civic Si sedan 2d ago
If you aren't off-roading, why arent you buying that instead.
Here are some reasons: styling, less complicated n/a engine, shorter in length by about 10", more rear passenger and cargo space.
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u/idownvoteanimalpics 2d ago
Timing belt job at around 120k miles, but luckily not a horrible undertaking
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u/WIN_WITH_VOLUME 2016 Mazda 6 GT 2d ago
This is always posted as a knock against these Honda engines, but it’s a $1000(?) job that’ll get you another 100k miles. Tires also need to be replaced after 50/60k, wear items wear out, it goes with the territory of owning a vehicle. I don’t know why that would make me shy away from considering any current Honda.
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u/idownvoteanimalpics 2d ago
Yeah 100% agree, not a huge expense for the quality engine you're getting, and not the worst diy project, though relatively time-consuming with some risk in aligning cam gears correctly.
I always want to know timing belt vs chain when considering cars, thus the call-out
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u/tugtugtugtug4 2d ago
If you're trading it in or selling to Carvana it doesn't matter, but a DIY timing belt job is kryptonite to private resellers.
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u/idownvoteanimalpics 2d ago
Hmm, usually you'll know pretty quickly if you didn't DIY it correctly, when the valves and pistons engage in a forbidden kiss soon after first start post-job.
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u/DeLoreanAirlines 2d ago
These will have timing chains no? They don’t need replacing. My Del Sol on the other hand.
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u/WIN_WITH_VOLUME 2016 Mazda 6 GT 2d ago
The Pilot and Passport share an engine, and that engine has a timing belt which needs replacing at about 100k miles.
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u/DeLoreanAirlines 2d ago
Interesting. I thought they phased those out but I haven’t bought a car outside of the 90’s so I’m on old tech.
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u/ACG3185 2d ago
105k miles.
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u/idownvoteanimalpics 2d ago
*First maintenance minder alert after 105,000 miles, so sometime soon after 105k. Fwiw, my OEM belt looked brand new when I changed it at 120
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u/ACG3185 2d ago
The belt usually isn’t the issue. The timing belt tensioner is the part that can fail around that mileage.
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u/idownvoteanimalpics 2d ago
Pulling the pin on the new one was the hardest part of the job for me, lol
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u/stav_and_nick General Motors' Strongest Warrior 3d ago edited 3d ago
I think that's the issue though; most people don't say "I want an offroader from the Japanese" and go from there. I think most people say "I want a Big SUV" and then go from there based on how it looks and how big it is
Anyway, I really like how this looks. I have zero desire to offroad (videoes of it look like the worst parts of the underground parking lot experience) but it looks comfy and big and has decent power behind it. Love the Honda interiors tbh, just very ergonomic