March 11, 2025
By Justin Fuller, Top Car Review Expert

The 2026 Honda Passport is a rugged midsize SUV that blends off-road grit with urban smarts, and it’s hitting Australian roads with a bang. But even the savviest owners might miss its clever features. From keyless hacks to cargo secrets, here are the top 10 tips and tricks—curated from expert Justin Fuller’s insights—to unlock your Passport’s full potential. Whether you’re rocking the TrailSport or RTL trim, these will save time, add convenience, and wow your passengers. Buckle up—let’s explore!

1. Unlock All Doors with One Touch

The 2026 Passport’s smart key entry is slick—just grab the driver’s door handle with the fob in your pocket, and it unlocks. By default, though, it only opens that one door, leaving your crew waiting. Want everyone to pile in at once? Customize it: head to Vehicle Settings > Keyless Access Setup > Door Unlock Mode, then switch from “Driver Door” to “All Doors.” Now, a single touch opens every door—ideal for family road trips, carpool runs, or spontaneous outings with mates. No more awkward delays!

2. Remote Window Roll-Down

Beat the heat before you even step inside—press the key fob’s unlock button once, then press and hold it a second time. All windows and the optional moonroof drop down, airing out your Passport in seconds. It’s a lifesaver on scorching Aussie days, but what if you accidentally trigger it lounging at home? Disable it via Vehicle Settings > Door Setup > Keyless Remote Power Window Controls, then toggle it off. No more soggy seats from an unexpected storm—control is yours!

3. Personalize Your Display

Here’s a delightful Easter egg for tech lovers: The infotainment screen’s car icon can mirror your Passport’s real-world paint. Navigate to Vehicle Settings, tweak the menu view, and select your exterior color—think Sunset Orange, Ash Green, or Crystal Black. It’s a small but satisfying tweak that makes flicking through the 12.3-inch touchscreen feel uniquely yours. Whether you’re adjusting the climate or navigation, this personal touch adds flair to every drive.

4. Auto-Unlock on Exit

Ever had backseat passengers fumbling for an unlock button as you park? The Passport can streamline exits—set it to unlock all doors automatically when you stop. Go to Vehicle Settings > Door Setup > Auto Door Unlock, then choose from “Shift to Park,” “Ignition Off,” or the default “Driver Door Opens.” Prefer manual control for extra security? Turn it off entirely. Either way, it’s a game-changer for smooth drop-offs or unloading gear after a weekend adventure.

5. Walk-Away Auto-Lock

Forget that nagging “Did I lock it?” feeling. The Passport’s walk-away auto-lock feature secures your ride when you’re 10 feet away—no extra button presses are needed. Activate it by heading to Vehicle Settings > Door Setup > Walk-Away Auto-Lock and flipping it on (it’s off by default). Perfect for busy shopping trips or when your hands are full of gear—just walk off, and it locks itself. Say goodbye to trekking back to double-check!

6. Tailgate Height Adjustment

The power tailgate is a Passport perk, but you can make it even better. Adjust its height for your comfort—open it, set the ideal level, and then press and hold the button until you hear a double beep. Do you have a higher trim like TrailSport? Kick your leg under the bumper for a hands-free opening. Bonus: The cargo floor flips up for hidden storage or pops out entirely, revealing the spare tire compartment. Practicality meets ingenuity!

7. Fuel Funnel & Emergency Key

Stranded with an empty tank? The rear cargo area hides a clever fix—a built-in funnel. Unlock the doors, pop the fuel door, and pour gas in without a jerry can. If the fuel door jams, slide out the key fob’s hidden key (press the button to release it), then use the cargo notch to pry it open. Plus, a 115V AC outlet back there powers anything from a laptop to a mini fridge—roadside hero status, unlocked!

8. Secure Remote Start

Warm up or cool down your Passport before you hop in—press the lock button, then hold the circle button on the fob. Lights flash, the engine fires up, and doors stay locked for safety (driving requires the key). Nervous about it? Disable it via Vehicle Settings > Keyless Access Setup > Remote Start System > Off. It’s a winter morning savior or summer heat buster—your climate, your rules.

9. Lock While Running

Need to keep the AC or heater running while stepping out—say, for a pet or quick errand? Unlock the doors, roll down the driver’s window, leave the key on the seat, lock via the door button, then use the fob to roll the window up. It’s locked and running! To get back in, use the hidden key under the driver’s handle slot (slide it out from the fob). Test with a passenger window down first—safety matters!

SEO Angle: “Lock 2026 Honda Passport while running.”

10. Brake & Speed Smarts

Three handy features here:

• Auto Brake Release: Buckle up, shift to Drive, and accelerate—the parking brake disengages itself, no button needed.
• Brake Hold: In Drive, tap “Brake Hold” for traffic or drive-thru ease—foot off, it stays put until you tap the gas.
• Speed Alerts: Go to Driver Assist > Traffic Sign Recognition > On, then set audible warnings at 3, 5, or 10 km/h over—perfect for dodging speed traps!

Why These Elevate Your 2026 Passport Experience

As of March 11, 2025, the Passport’s 285-hp V6, 10-speed auto, and AWD options (plus that TrailSport off-road cred) make it a Toyota 4Runner rival with Honda’s tech edge. Priced from the mid-$40,000s, these tricks—straight from the pros—turn convenience into mastery, whether you’re hauling gear or cruising highways.

Which tip’s your favorite? Share below and let’s keep the Passport vibes rolling!