Honda’s New Passport: Sleek Redesign and 10-Speed Automatic Transmission Coming Soon

Honda Prepares to Unveil New Passport
Teaser Images and Renderings Reveal Major Design Updates

Honda is gearing up to launch the next-generation Passport, its flagship family SUV, in the U.S. market. With teaser videos and images already circulating, there’s growing anticipation for the new model, especially with significant design changes expected. Notably, the TrailSport edition, Honda’s off-road-focused version of the Passport, will also be updated alongside the new model launch.

The Passport, which first debuted in 1993 through badge-engineering of the Isuzu Rodeo, has evolved over the years. By 2019, Honda had fully controlled the vehicle’s development by introducing the third-generation Passport. The current model is a facelift of that third generation, released in 2021. Now, Honda is preparing for a significant overhaul.

Slimmer Grille and Boxier Headlights: A Tougher Look

Kolesa recently released renderings of the new Passport based on the prototype seen in the teaser videos. These renderings highlight key design changes. The front grille has shifted to a slimmer, rectangular shape, with a hexagonal pattern inside and Honda’s logo prominently placed in the center. The headlights have been reshaped into a horizontal, boxy design, giving the SUV a more rugged and straightforward appearance than its predecessor.

Other front-end details include a split air intake integrated with the bumper’s cladding, while a silver skid plate adds a touch of off-road capability. A tow hook has also been added between the skid plates, emphasizing the Passport’s outdoor utility.

Cladding and Rear Glass Redesign Signal Modern Tweaks

On the side, the cladding changes somewhat uniquely. Some of the circular cladding protrudes into a square shape. Also, the shape of the side glass window changes. The area of ​​the rear quarter glass, which was wide, has narrowed to a triangular shape. Instead, a rear glass shape that starts from the rear and continues to the side has been adopted.

Here, dedicated tires optimized for off-road driving performance and thick cladding on the side rocker panels are applied. The door handles are treated in black to contrast with the body color. The roof line slightly slopes toward the rear, and the boxy shape secures interior space. A roof rack is installed on the ceiling.

Vertical Tail Lights and a Powerful V6 Engine

At the rear, the Passport’s taillights have transitioned to a vertical, boxy design. Previously extending towards the rear quarter panel, the new taillights are more streamlined and feature a bold T-shaped graphic. A black high-gloss garnish spans the tailgate between the lights, and the bumper design has been refined for a cleaner look, incorporating horizontal reflectors and a rear diffuser.

Under the hood, the familiar V6 3.5L engine will continue to power the Passport, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TrailSport edition, designed for off-road enthusiasts, will feature specialized wheels, all-terrain tires, and Honda’s second-generation i-VTM4 four-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring, making it more capable of handling rough terrain.

Honda plans to unveil the new Passport officially this fall, and with these updates, it’s clear the company is focusing on both style and performance for its latest SUV offering.