2026 Honda Passport: Rugged Resurgence
Honda has leaned much more into the "rugged" aesthetic than in previous years for the 2026 Honda Passport. Although the design is more rugged, the Passport is still a master of versatility and balance. It uses a unibody construction (based on the Pilot), which means it drives like a car on the highway but has the hardware to handle surprisingly tough trails.
Best Features
-
Interior Real Estate: The Passport dominates in cargo space, offering up to 104.6 cubic feet with the seats down. It feels significantly airier and more family-friendly than the 4Runner.
-
Tech Integration: Every trim comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen featuring Google built-in. It’s fast, intuitive, and feels a generation ahead of standard infotainment systems.
-
TrailSport Trim: For those going off-road, the TrailSport adds all-terrain tires, steel skid plates, and an off-road-tuned suspension without sacrificing daily commute comfort.
2026 Toyota 4Runner: Recently Refreshed
The 2026 Toyota 4Runner was just redesigned last year for its 2025 model year, so things stay mostly the same this time around. The 4Runner remains a "body-on-frame" SUV. It’s essentially a truck with a cap, built for people who want to thrive on smooth highways and rough off-road terrain as well.
Best Features
-
Off-Road Artillery: With an available stabilizer disconnect mechanism, locking rear differential, and Crawl Control, the 4Runner can go places the Passport simply cannot.
-
The "Roll-Down" Window: The legendary power-retractable rear glass remains, perfect for long items or just catching some nice cool breeze.
-
Trailhunter & TRD Pro Trims: These are factory-built beasts with FOX shocks, 33-inch tires, and ARB roof racks.
Toyota 4Runner vs Honda Passport Specs Comparison
| 2026 Honda Passport | 2026 Toyota 4Runner | |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 2.4L Turbo 4-Cylinder |
| Torque | 232 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft torque |
| Horsepower | 285 horsepower | 278 horsepower |
| Transmition | 10-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Automatic |
| 0-60 MPH | 7.3 Seconds | 7.5 Seconds |
| Combined MPG | 21 MPG | 17 MPG |
Pricing
| Trim Level | 2026 Honda Passport MSRP | 2026 Toyota 4Runner MSRP |
| Base | $44,950 (RTL) | $43,065 (SR5) |
| Mid-Tier/Off-Road | $48,650 (TrailSport) | $51,485 (TRD Off-Road) |
| Top-Tier Luxury | $52,650 (TrailSport Elite) | $57,695 (Limited) |
| Max Capability | $69,395 (TRD Pro / Trailhunter) |
Conclusion
Pricing starts at $44,950 MSRP for the Honda Passport and $43,065 MSRP for the 2026 Toyota 4Runner. Overall, the Honda Passport has more to offer than the 4Runner for relatively the same base price. Although you may be getting a few more features with the highest-end 4Runner TRD Pro trim, you would be paying significantly more money, with around a $10,000 price difference. The Passport is built for most drivers in mind in a world of uninspiring 4-cylinders; its efficient V6 provides a premium, confident sound that the 4Runner simply can't match. If you are interested in the 2026 Honda Passport, visit our Safford Honda Glen Burnie store in Glen Burnie, MD.