2027 Honda Passport vs 2026 Ford Explorer

The Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, the Honda Pilot, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Nissan Pathfinder, and the Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update.

Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models.

Though the Passport was redesigned for the 2026 model year, Honda has updated the two TrailSport trims with upgraded suspension and extra ground clearance for 2027. The base TrailSport trim gets the most significant upgrade with a standard surround-view camera system, a front camera washer, and a heated steering wheel. The base RTL trim carries over unchanged but is packed with tech and safety features as well as standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

Verdict: The Honda Passport is a great family vehicle with plenty of cargo space. It’s one of the few SUVs in its class with a standard V6 engine, and the refreshed TrailSport trims are now better equipped to tackle rugged terrain. While the Passport has a higher starting price than its competitors, it includes a lot of standard amenities that are options on other two-row midsize SUVs.