Will the Honda Passport get a 10-speed transmission?
No. As of late 2025, Honda has not announced a plan to equip the Passport with a 10-speed transmission. The current Passport model uses a 9-speed automatic paired with a 3.5-liter V6, and there is no official confirmation of a switch to a 10-speed gearbox in the near term.
Current baseline: the Passport's powertrain
Overview of the drivetrain
The Passport's latest configurations center on a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering about 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optional, and the setup emphasizes strong mid-range torque and towing capability rather than ultralow gearing.
Here are the key drivetrain details most buyers should know:
- 9-speed automatic transmission (9AT)
- 3.5-liter V6 engine (roughly 280 hp, 262 lb-ft)
- Front-wheel drive as standard; all-wheel drive available
- Towing capacity around 5,000 pounds
In sum, the Passport relies on a mature, reliable 9-speed setup that balances performance, towing, and everyday usability without a shift to a 10-speed gearbox.
What a 10-speed could mean for the Passport
Potential benefits and engineering considerations
A 10-speed automatic could, in theory, improve highway efficiency and provide smoother, more refined gearing across a wider range. Integrating a 10-speed with the Passport's 3.5-liter V6 would require redesigns to the transmission control software, calibration, and possibly the drivetrain’s mechanical interfaces. It would also affect weight, cost, and packaging inside the vehicle.
- Possible gains in highway fuel economy and smoother acceleration due to an additional, tighter gear spread.
- Engineering and calibration work to ensure seamless interaction with the existing V6 and drivetrain controls.
- Impact on vehicle weight, overall cost, and reliability considerations over the long term.
- Potential changes to towing feel and shift characteristics, since towing-tuned transmissions are often optimized differently than everyday driving gears.
Overall, adopting a 10-speed would be a significant engineering move for the Passport, requiring a thorough evaluation of benefits versus cost and risk for the model’s lifecycle.
Context: Honda’s broader strategy and the Passport’s place in it
Where Honda stands on transmissions and electrification
Honda has pursued efficiency and reliability across its lineup, with refinements to existing transmissions and a strong push into electrified powertrains. The 9AT family remains a core part of several mainstream models, including the Passport, Pilot, and Ridgeline, while Honda continues to explore hybrid and plug-in options for midsize and larger SUVs. There has been no official signal from Honda that the Passport will transition to a 10-speed automatic in the near term.
What buyers can expect in the near term
For potential Passport buyers seeking improved fuel economy or smoother highway cruising, the options today lie in drivetrain tuning, eco-mode programming, and potential future electrified variants rather than a wholesale shift to a 10-speed transmission in the current generation. Any update to a 10-speed would likely be announced as part of a generation refresh or a new model year rollout rather than a mid-cycle change.
Bottom line
At present, there is no official confirmation that the Honda Passport will receive a 10-speed transmission. Honda’s current Passport lineup continues with a 9-speed automatic paired to a 3.5-liter V6, offering solid performance and towing capability. Any move to a 10-speed would represent a substantial reengineering effort and would typically come with a broader update to the model or generation.
Summary
The Passport remains equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission as the standard pairing with its 3.5L V6. While a 10-speed gearbox could offer theoretical gains in efficiency and refinement, Honda has not announced such a change for the Passport as of late 2025. Prospective buyers should monitor official Honda communications for any future drivetrain updates, and consumers should consider current fuel economy, towing needs, and ride quality plans when evaluating the Passport today.
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 kind of transmission is in the Honda Passport 2026?
2026 Honda Passport Specifications & Features
| POWER UNIT | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2nd-Gen Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ (i-VTM4™) AWD System | • | • |
| Trail Torque Logic | • | • |
| 10-Speed Automatic Transmission (10AT) with Shift-By-Wire (SBW) and Paddle Shifters | • | • |
| Gear Ratios: |
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
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.
