Is the 2026 Honda Passport unibody?

Yes, the 2026 Honda Passport is a unibody SUV. The Passport is built on Honda's global light truck platform, which utilizes a unibody construction rather than a traditional body-on-frame design. This unibody architecture provides improved ride quality, handling, and fuel efficiency compared to body-on-frame SUVs.

What is Unibody Construction?

Unibody construction, also known as monocoque design, is a method of vehicle manufacturing where the body and frame are integrated into a single, unified structure. This contrasts with the traditional body-on-frame design, where the body is mounted on a separate, underlying frame. Unibody construction results in a lighter, more rigid vehicle that is better able to absorb impacts and provide a more comfortable ride.

Benefits of Unibody Construction

The key benefits of unibody construction for the 2026 Honda Passport include:

• Improved Handling and Ride Quality: The integrated body and frame design provides a more responsive and agile driving experience, with better weight distribution and reduced body roll.


• Enhanced Safety: Unibody construction allows for more effective crumple zones and energy absorption in the event of a collision, improving occupant protection.


• Increased Fuel Efficiency: The lighter weight of a unibody design results in better fuel economy compared to a traditional body-on-frame SUV.


• Increased Cargo Space: The elimination of a separate frame allows for a more spacious and versatile interior layout.

By utilizing a unibody design, the 2026 Honda Passport is able to offer a more refined and efficient driving experience while maintaining the capability and utility expected of a midsize SUV.

Is the 2026 Honda Passport an unibody?

The newest fourth-gen Passport is also unibody and features a fully modern interior, although you could say that its naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 seems positively old school when most of its competitors use turbocharged four-cylinder or hybrid powertrains.

Is the new Passport unibody?

They praised the blend of off-road charisma and on-road comfort, a combination that proved surprisingly rare among its peers. Unlike traditional body-on-frame off-roaders, the unibody Passport doesn't punish you with jittery, unsettled motions on pavement.

Is the Honda Passport unibody?

Yes, the Honda Passport is unibody, meaning its body and frame are a single structure. This construction method provides advantages like a more comfortable ride and better on-road handling compared to traditional body-on-frame SUVs. Honda has enhanced the unibody frame for the newer models to improve their off-road capabilities.
 

• Unibody construction: The Passport's body and frame are integrated into a single, rigid unit. 
• Ride quality: Unibody construction results in a more refined, quieter, and comfortable driving experience, especially on paved roads. 
• Off-road capability: For the latest models, Honda has reinforced the unibody chassis and added features like torque-vectoring all-wheel drive and an independent suspension to make it more capable off-road. 
• Comparison to body-on-frame: This design is different from more rugged SUVs that use a body-on-frame construction, which typically involves a separate frame and body. 

What is the difference between 2025 and 2026 Honda Passport?

The main differences are a redesigned, more rugged exterior and a more capable, more powerful powertrain in the 2026 Honda Passport compared to the 2025 model. Key upgrades for the 2026 model include a new 10-speed automatic transmission, a slight increase in horsepower to 285285285 hp, and a stiffer chassis for improved stability. The interior also sees a larger infotainment screen and a fully digital instrument cluster, and the 2026 model offers more cargo and rear passenger space.
 
This video shows the exterior differences between the 2025 and 2026 Honda Passport: 57sVagabond BuildsYouTube · Mar 27, 2025
Exterior and design

• 2026: Features a more squared-off, rugged look with a flatter nose, taller roof rails, and a redesigned grille and headlights. 
• 2025: Has a more rounded, curvy design with a taller but rounded nose and crisp accents. 

Performance and capability

• 2026: Has a slightly more powerful 3.5L V6 engine (285285285 hp) and a new 10-speed automatic transmission. It also features a stiffer chassis, larger brake rotors, and a 0.2-inch increase in ground clearance (to 8.3 inches) for improved off-road performance.
• 2025: Uses a 3.5L V6 engine with 280280280 hp and a 9-speed automatic transmission. 

Interior and technology

• 2026:
  • Features a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.
  • Comes with a Wi-Fi hotspot capability and a 9-speaker audio system (up from 7 speakers).
  • Offers a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with memory.
• 2025:
  • Has an 8-inch color infotainment touchscreen.
  • Includes a 7-speaker audio system and lacks a Wi-Fi hotspot. 

This video compares the interior and technology of the 2025 and 2026 Honda Passport: 56sCar ConfectionsYouTube · Apr 13, 2025
Cargo and space

• 2026: Offers more cargo space with 83.583.583.5 cubic feet behind the first row (up from 77.777.777.7 in 2025) and more rear legroom due to a longer wheelbase.
• 2025: Provides 77.777.777.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row.