Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a New 2026 Honda Passport near Berkeley, CA
If you want a rugged, comfortable, and tech-forward midsize SUV that feels at home on Bay Area streets and on dirt two-tracks beyond the city, the 2026 Honda Passport near Berkeley, CA deserves a close look. This all-new iteration brings elevated capability, refined design, and confidence-boosting technology together in a package that is easy to live with every day. At Honda of Oakland, we align the right trim, accessories, and test drive route to your lifestyle so you can make a decision with clarity and confidence. Below, you will find a complete guide with key highlights, features, and buying considerations to help you decide if the Passport fits your needs.
2026 Honda Passport Overview
The 2026 Honda Passport introduces meaningful upgrades centered on capability, durability, and driver confidence. It is billed as our most powerful Passport yet and pairs trail-ready hardware with modern connectivity and standard Honda Sensing® driver-assistive and safety technologies. A Second-Generation i-VTM4® AWD System is at the heart of its performance story, distributing power precisely to help you keep moving with control even when the pavement ends. An available Off-Road Tuned Suspension and available TrailWatch™ camera system add confidence when you explore tougher lines or navigate tight, technical trails. Rugged good looks are matched by thoughtful cabin design and cargo solutions, with TrailSport and TrailSport Elite trims offering bold styling cues and functional enhancements.
Make it yours with eye-catching colors such as Sunset Orange, Ash Green Metallic, Radiant Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, or Sonic Gray Pearl, and personalize capability with Honda Genuine Accessories, including HPD™ Front Scuff Plate and HPD™ Rock Sliders. Whether you are merging onto I-80 toward San Francisco or weekend-bound past Richmond, the Passport’s blend of power, control, and comfort supports every plan on your calendar.
5 Key Reasons the 2026 Honda Passport Stands Out near Berkeley, CA
- Proven capability, now more advanced: The Second-Generation i-VTM4® AWD System helps manage traction proactively on- and off-road.
- Trail-savvy camera tech: Available TrailWatch™ enhances visibility with helpful low-speed camera views when the going gets tight.
- Confidence from the first mile: Honda Sensing® is standard, adding driver-assistive features designed to support your awareness.
- Rugged style with function: TrailSport and TrailSport Elite bring bold design cues and purposeful hardware to your adventures.
- Built for real life: Spacious seating for five and flexible cargo solutions make everyday tasks and weekend getaways easier.
The Passport’s strongest appeal is how it balances ruggedness with daily comfort. The platform and driving dynamics feel composed around town, yet the hardware—AWD, available off-road suspension, and available TrailWatch™—is ready to help when you find a rutted fire road or need extra grip in the rain. If you are evaluating a 2026 Honda Passport near Berkeley, CA, this well-rounded performance is likely to stand out during your test drive.
Key Features of the 2026 Honda Passport
Second-Generation i-VTM4® AWD System
The Second-Generation i-VTM4® AWD System is the Passport’s capability cornerstone. i-VTM4® actively distributes torque not only front to rear but also side to side across the rear axle to help you track precisely through corners and maintain confident traction when the surface changes. Climbing a steep driveway with one wheel on gravel and the other on pavement is where this system shines—rather than waiting for slip, it works to send power to the wheel that can use it. On winding roads, it helps the Passport feel settled and responsive; on loose surfaces, it helps the SUV keep momentum. Pair i-VTM4® with the available Off-Road Tuned Suspension and you get a composed, sure-footed feel whether your day includes errands, trailheads, or both.
TrailWatch™
Available TrailWatch™ brings a helpful set of low-speed camera views that are especially useful when you cannot see what is directly in front of the bumper or just over a crest. On narrow trails, the system can help you thread between rocks, position a wheel correctly, or avoid a sudden ledge. In the city, TrailWatch™ is just as helpful for protecting wheels near high curbs or when maneuvering in a tight parking garage. By expanding your view where it matters most, TrailWatch™ adds peace of mind and precision to everyday driving and weekend exploring alike.
Off-Road Tuned Suspension
The available Off-Road Tuned Suspension gives the Passport a composed, controlled ride on broken pavement and when gravel turns washboard. Springs and dampers are calibrated to absorb sharp hits without losing control over body motions, helping the tires stay in contact with uneven surfaces. The result is reassuring feedback through the steering wheel and a planted stance that keeps you focused on the path ahead. If your weekend plans include a mix of trail access roads and highway stretches home, this suspension pays dividends in both comfort and confidence.
TrailSport Elite
TrailSport Elite turns the Passport’s adventurous mission into a full statement, with rugged styling cues and functional details that look as good as they work. Choose bold exterior colors like Sunset Orange or Ash Green Metallic, and personalize further with Honda Genuine Accessories such as the HPD™ Front Scuff Plate and HPD™ Rock Sliders. Inside, TrailSport Elite features an elevated cabin feel with available Brown or Black interior accents and practical add-ons including the accessory MOLLE Panel Set, Cargo Utility Light, and Tailgate Table Shelf to keep gear organized and within reach. It is a trim that blends distinctive design with trail-ready function, making every outing feel special.
Honda Sensing® Standard
Honda Sensing® is standard on every 2026 Passport, delivering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistive and safety technologies designed to support your awareness in busy traffic and on quiet backroads. From tools that can help you maintain lane position to systems that can assist with keeping distance from the vehicle ahead, Honda Sensing® works in the background to support better journey outcomes. When paired with the Passport’s stable chassis and available i-VTM4® AWD, this technology suite helps build a cocoon of confidence that you notice from the first mile.
5 Buying Considerations Before You Choose Your Honda Passport
- Traction needs and terrain: Decide whether you will benefit from the Second-Generation i-VTM4® AWD System for year-round traction and light trail use.
- Daily comfort versus adventure focus: Consider the available Off-Road Tuned Suspension and TrailSport trims if weekends tend to include dirt, gravel, or camping.
- Visibility enhancements: Evaluate whether available TrailWatch™ is important for trails, tight garages, or crowded city parking.
- Personalization and accessories: Review Honda Genuine Accessories like HPD™ Rock Sliders, HPD™ Front Scuff Plate, and cargo solutions to match your activities.
- Color and cabin ambiance: Explore bold finishes such as Sunset Orange, Ash Green Metallic, Radiant Red Metallic, and interior choices that suit your taste.
Before you finalize your build, think about where you drive most and how you spend weekends. Shoppers near Berkeley, CA who split time between weekday commuting and weekend exploring often favor i-VTM4® AWD, available TrailWatch™, and a TrailSport configuration for the added peace of mind and style. If your plans skew more urban, the Passport’s balanced ride, standard Honda Sensing®, and flexible cargo area still make it a standout choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Second-Generation i-VTM4® AWD System do that traditional AWD systems do not?
i-VTM4® can distribute torque side to side across the rear axle in addition to front-to-rear power transfer. This helps the Passport rotate more confidently in corners and keep traction when surfaces differ under each tire. In practice, that means better control on wet pavement, composed handling on winding roads, and enhanced capability on uneven or loose terrain.
Is TrailWatch™ offered on every trim of the 2026 Passport?
TrailWatch™ is available. We can show you which trims and packages include it and help you test the different camera views during your drive to see how they help in real situations like tight trailheads or busy parking structures.
How is TrailSport Elite different from other Passport models?
TrailSport Elite adds distinctive exterior cues, a refined interior ambiance, and functional upgrades aimed at off-road confidence, along with the opportunity to add Honda Genuine Accessories such as the HPD™ Front Scuff Plate and HPD™ Rock Sliders. It is the most expressive take on the Passport’s adventurous personality.
Which accessories are most useful for weekend adventures?
Popular choices include HPD™ Rock Sliders and HPD™ Front Scuff Plate for added protection and style, plus cargo solutions like the MOLLE Panel Set, Cargo Utility Light, and Tailgate Table Shelf for organizing gear. We can help you tailor an accessories package that fits hiking, biking, camping, or beach days.
Step-by-Step Tips for Test Driving the 2026 Honda Passport
- Start with familiar roads: Begin in your neighborhood to get a feel for throttle response, brake feel, and low-speed maneuverability.
- Add a twisty segment: Include a curved stretch to sense how the Second-Generation i-VTM4® AWD System helps the Passport feel planted.
- Try a rougher surface: If possible, incorporate a bumpy road or gravel turnout to appreciate the available Off-Road Tuned Suspension.
- Engage camera views: Test the available TrailWatch™ in a tight parking area to see how the low-speed views improve precision.
- Explore cargo usability: Fold the rear seats, load a couple of bulky items, and test how the cargo area fits your real-life gear.
- Evaluate visibility and seating: Adjust the seat and mirrors, then check sightlines in traffic and at intersections.
- Test driver-assist features: Ask us to demonstrate Honda Sensing® and review how the systems support you on regular routes.
A well-planned route highlights how the Passport handles daily life and weekend detours. We recommend including an urban portion near Berkeley, CA to gauge parking ease, plus a stretch of open road and a rougher surface to feel the suspension tuning and the composed response from i-VTM4®.
Why Buy from Honda of Oakland near Berkeley, CA?
- Local expertise: Our product specialists know the 2026 Passport lineup in detail and tailor recommendations to your routes and hobbies.
- Hands-on demonstrations: We set up side-by-side walkarounds of TrailSport and TrailSport Elite, plus accessory demos like HPD™ Rock Sliders.
- Customized test drives: We map routes that mirror your daily commute and favorite weekend destinations.
- Streamlined process: From trade-in evaluation to paperwork, our team keeps everything clear and efficient.
- Long-term support: Our service advisors and certified technicians help keep your Passport ready for every mile ahead.
Honda of Oakland is committed to making your shopping experience straightforward and rewarding. Our team will help you compare trims, explore accessories, and experience technologies like the Second-Generation i-VTM4® AWD System and available TrailWatch™ so you can choose with confidence.
Next Steps
- Explore trims online: Review TrailSport and TrailSport Elite to see which configuration fits your needs.
- Pick your palette: Compare colors such as Sunset Orange, Ash Green Metallic, and Radiant Red Metallic.
- List must-have features: Prioritize items like i-VTM4® AWD, available Off-Road Tuned Suspension, and TrailWatch™.
- Plan a route: Choose roads that reflect your everyday and weekend driving.
- Schedule a visit: Set an appointment so we can prepare the exact Passport you want to experience.
When you are ready, bring a short list of priorities and a couple of pieces of gear you might load every week, like a stroller, cooler, or bike rack. We will stage a vehicle to match your preferences and ensure your test drive answers every question.
Request More Info About the 2026 Honda Passport near Berkeley, CA
Ready to get serious about a 2026 Honda Passport near Berkeley, CA? Our team is here to help you compare trims, review accessories such as the HPD™ Front Scuff Plate and HPD™ Rock Sliders, and experience technologies like the Second-Generation i-VTM4® AWD System and available TrailWatch™. The 2026 Honda Passport near Berkeley, CA blends confident capability with everyday comfort, and we can show you how it fits your life—whether that means weekday commuting, school runs, or trailhead parking lots on Saturday morning. Honda of Oakland will walk you through color choices like Sunset Orange and Ash Green Metallic, cabin options, and practical cargo solutions so you leave with a clear plan. Reach out today to book your personalized test drive and let us know what you want to see and feel from behind the wheel.