Will Honda Passport get 10 speed transmission?
No. Honda has not announced a 10-speed transmission for the Passport; current models use a 9-speed automatic.
The Passport sits on a shared platform with the Pilot and uses a 3.5-liter V6 paired with a 9-speed automatic. There is no official word from Honda about a move to a 10-speed transmission for the Passport in the near term, even as some competitors have adopted 10-speed automatics in recent years.
Current powertrain and performance
The Honda Passport is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers about 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It teams with a 9-speed automatic transmission and offers Real-Time AWD with available torque-vectoring for enhanced handling in various conditions. This setup has been standard for the Passport since its introduction and through subsequent refreshes.
Passport and Pilot: shared platform and transmission choices
Key platform and drivetrain context
Honda designed the Passport and Pilot around a common architecture, including similar transmission choices. The 9-speed automatic is the established standard for these models, and Honda has not published any plan to switch to a 10-speed transmission for the Passport in upcoming updates.
- Powertrain: 3.5L V6 with 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic across the Passport lineup
- Drivetrain: Real-Time AWD with available torque-vectoring on appropriate trims
In short, the Passport’s current configuration remains faithful to the established 9-speed setup shared with related models, with no official 10-speed announcement from Honda.
Why a 10-speed has not appeared in the Passport
Automotive engineers weigh benefits like smoother shifting and improved highway efficiency against factors such as weight, complexity, cost, and reliability. For the Passport, Honda has continued to refine the existing 9-speed automatic rather than moving to a new 10-speed design. There has been no official confirmation from Honda about a 10-speed transmission for the Passport, even as rivals in the segment push newer transmission architectures in some models.
What a 10-speed would bring
Experts often discuss potential pros and cons if the Passport were to adopt a 10-speed automatic. These include:
- Potential benefits: smoother gear transitions, marginal gains in highway fuel economy, and improved acceleration response in certain driving conditions.
- Potential drawbacks: added weight, higher manufacturing and maintenance costs, and the risk of increased complexity or refinement challenges during real-world use.
Until Honda publicly signals a change, these points remain speculative. Any shift to a 10-speed would likely accompany a broader refresh or a new generation of the Passport.
What to watch next
To stay updated, monitor Honda’s official press releases, the Honda USA website, and major automotive outlets. A formal announcement would accompany a model refresh, redesign, or a powertrain overhaul for the Passport or its platform siblings.
Summary
Bottom line: as of 2025, the Honda Passport does not have a 10-speed transmission, and there is no official plan from Honda to introduce one in the near term. The model continues with a 9-speed automatic paired to a 3.5-liter V6, with Real-Time AWD available. For buyers curious about future changes, the best course is to watch for official announcements tied to a redesign or next-generation Passport.
Which Honda Pilot has a 10-speed transmission?
New 2025 Honda Pilot Touring 10-Speed Automatic w/OD Sport Utility AWD CVT Regular Unleaded V-6 3.5 L/212.
What transmission does the 2026 Honda Passport have?
The 2026 Honda Passport features a 10-speed automatic transmission that is a significant upgrade from the previous 9-speed model. It is paired with the 3.5L V6 engine and is designed to provide quick downshifts and smooth acceleration. The transmission is equipped with paddle shifters for manual control and includes Shift-By-Wire technology, which allows for a cleaner center console design.
This video demonstrates the 10-speed automatic transmission of the 2026 Honda Passport: 53sMotormouthYouTube · Jun 21, 2025
Key features of the 10-speed automatic transmission
- Improved performance: The new transmission is designed to be more responsive and is specifically tuned for the Passport, offering a wider gear ratio range and a lower first gear for better acceleration and launching.
- Manual control: Paddle shifters are standard on all trims, allowing drivers to manually select gears, which is especially useful for engine braking or for holding a specific gear in hilly terrain.
- Shift-By-Wire: This technology uses push buttons to select gears instead of a traditional lever, which helps to free up space in the center console.
- Enhanced smoothness: The transmission includes an updated torque converter with a pendulum damper to counteract engine vibrations and improve overall smoothness and efficiency.
- Multi-gear downshifts: The system is engineered to allow for rapid downshifts of up to four gears when quick passing power is needed.
This video explains the benefits of the 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters: 1mRaiti's RidesYouTube · Nov 15, 2025
What is the 2026 Honda Passport redesign?
The new Passport rides on a longer wheelbase and has a wider track, and ground clearance is now up a smidge to 8.3 inches. Interior updates include a new, larger, infotainment screen and standard heated seats, and we're happy to report there's an optional picnic table.
What transmission does a 2025 Honda Passport have?
The 2025 Honda Passport comes with a standard 9-speed automatic transmission. This transmission is paired with a 3.5L V6 engine and is standard across all trims, which also feature Shift-By-Wire and paddle shifters for manual control.
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic with Shift-By-Wire and paddle shifters
- Drivetrain: Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ (i-VTM4) all-wheel-drive system is standard on all 2025 Passports
- Engine: 3.5L V6 engine
- Horsepower: 280 hp
- Torque: 262 lb-ft
