Honda is reportedly considering a more aggressive redesign for the Passport to compete directly with Toyota's revived 4Runner, according to Road & Track. The move reflects intensifying competition in the midsize SUV segment, where rugged, body-on-frame vehicles command premium pricing and loyal customer bases.
The current Passport, launched in 2019, borrows its platform and powertrain from the Ridgeline truck but targets a lifestyle audience. A sharper design would emphasize off-road capability and stand out against Toyota's newly redesigned 4Runner, which offers genuine trail credibility and starts at $47,215. Honda faces pressure to justify the Passport's $47,000+ pricing against a competitor that delivers stronger brand heritage in the adventure space.
Honda hasn't revealed specific styling details, but any redesign would likely emphasize the Passport's truck roots. Expect bolder grille treatment, more squared-off bodywork, and possibly enhanced underbody protection to signal serious off-road intent. The engine lineup would likely remain anchored by the 3.5-liter V6 producing 280 horsepower, unless Honda pursues electrification for future variants.
The company also plans to refresh the Accord, with the next generation expected to gain more distinctive styling to compete with the Mazda6 and evolving segment preferences. Honda's design language has shifted toward bolder proportions, and the Accord refresh should reflect this direction.
The Passport occupies an interesting niche. It delivers genuine Honda engineering reliability but lacks the 4Runner's cultural cachet. A more aggressive look won't fix that entirely, but it addresses customer perception. Buyers want their midsize SUV to look capable, even if they never venture off-road. The 4Runner proved the market rewards authenticity. Honda's redesign gambit suggests it recognizes this