Yes. The 2026 Honda Passport continues to use Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) on its 3.5-liter V6 to deactivate cylinders during light-load driving, aiding highway fuel economy.
The Passport shares its powertrain with other Honda mid-size SUVs such as the Pilot and maintains the 3.5L V6 paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Cylinder deactivation has been a longstanding feature of Honda’s VCM technology, switching between six-cylinder and reduced-cylinder operation to balance power and efficiency on the road.
How cylinder deactivation works in the Passport
Understanding what to look for helps drivers know what to expect from the Passport’s engine behavior.
- Technology at a glance: Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) on the 3.5L V6 enables operation with fewer cylinders under certain conditions.
- Active cylinder count: the system can toggle between six-cylinder mode and three-cylinder mode depending on load and throttle input.
- When it engages: VCM typically activates during light-load highway cruising or steady-state conditions to optimize fuel efficiency.
- Transition behavior: the switch between modes is designed to be smooth, with minimal perceptible impact on driving feel or sound.
- Power delivery: when you demand more power—accelerating, climbing grades, or quick overtakes—the engine returns to six-cylinder operation for full response.
- Fuel economy impact: VCM can improve highway efficiency, with gains varying by drivetrain (FWD vs. AWD) and individual driving style.
In short, the Passport’s VCM is intended to optimize efficiency during normal cruising without sacrificing required power when you push the throttle.
Real-world driving considerations
On a day-to-day basis, you’ll most often notice VCM during long highway drives or when maintaining a steady speed on flat roadways.
Drivers typically experience seamless transitions between modes, with the engine returning to full six-cylinder operation when heavier throttle input is needed. Honda’s implementation aims to keep the changeover quiet and unobtrusive, so most occupants won’t notice the switch unless engines sounds or RPM changes become more apparent during rapid acceleration or steep grades.
What buyers should know
For most buyers, the presence of VCM means the Passport can offer competitive highway fuel economy without compromising everyday performance. There is no user-controlled switch to disable VCM in typical models; the system operates automatically as part of the engine management strategy. Reliability remains in line with Honda’s V6 lineup, which has been a steady performer in recent generations.
Summary
The 2026 Honda Passport uses Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management on its 3.5L V6 to deactivate cylinders under light load, primarily during highway cruising, to boost fuel economy. The system switches between six- and three-cylinder modes automatically, prioritizing smoothness and responsive power when needed. Overall, VCM remains a core feature of the Passport’s engine strategy, balancing efficiency with practical performance for daily driving.