Honda has officially launched production of its all-new 2026 Passport SUV and the rugged Passport TrailSport, reinforcing its commitment to off-road capability. The latest iteration of the Passport rolled off the assembly line at Honda’s Lincoln, Alabama, plant on Friday, marking the debut of a more adventure-ready design.
A Celebration of Innovation
The plant’s employees, joined by the energetic sounds of the Miles College Marching Band, celebrated the vehicle’s launch with cheers as the first models underwent inspection. The fourth-generation Passport brings notable enhancements, including a powerful 3.5-liter DOHC V-6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission—an upgrade designed to enhance both performance and efficiency.
Built for the Off-Road Enthusiast
According to Todd Hemmert, chief engineer of the Passport, this redesign is aimed at setting the SUV apart from Honda’s other off-road models. “We adjusted the vehicle’s proportions to enhance its rugged appeal, improving both approach and departure angles,” Hemmert explained. “It always had off-road capability, but now it looks the part, giving drivers even more confidence.”
Honda’s updated Passport is available in three trim levels: RTL, TrailSport, and the top-tier TrailSport Elite. Built on the same light-truck platform introduced with the latest Honda Pilot, the SUV boasts a highly rigid structure designed to tackle off-road adventures with ease. The base Passport RTL is expected to have a starting price around $45,000.
Customer-Driven Enhancements
Many of the refinements in the new Passport stemmed from owner feedback, dealer input, and shifting market trends. Honda’s approach involved close collaboration between teams at its Alabama plant and research and development teams in Ohio. For the first time, members of the Alabama New Model Team were stationed at Honda’s North American Automotive Development Center in Ohio, streamlining the design and production process.
Mike Smith, senior staff engineer at the Alabama Auto Plant, highlighted improvements that make assembly more efficient, such as a redesigned front section that allows technicians to step into the engine bay rather than reaching over it.
Rugged Features and Practical Design
The 2026 Passport TrailSport models come equipped with a factory-installed trailer hitch, capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, along with design elements that protect the rear fascia from off-road damage. Additionally, the rear cargo area features a durable matte finish, preventing scratches when loading gear such as skis or fishing poles.
Lamar Whitaker, plant leader at the Alabama Auto Plant, praised the effort behind the vehicle’s development. “Our Alabama associates brought ingenuity and determination to deliver Honda’s most rugged SUV yet,” he said.
Honda’s Commitment to Manufacturing Excellence
Honda’s Alabama facility employs over 4,500 workers and produces multiple models, including the Passport, Pilot, Odyssey, and Ridgeline, along with their TrailSport variants. With an annual production capacity exceeding 350,000 vehicles, the plant has built more than 6.5 million vehicles since opening in 2001. The company has invested over $3.1 billion in the 4.9-million-square-foot facility, reinforcing its long-term commitment to innovation and quality.
With the 2026 Passport, Honda continues to push the boundaries of adventure-ready SUVs, combining durability, performance, and customer-focused enhancements to meet the evolving demands of off-road enthusiasts.
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