The Split Headlight Debate: A Case for the 2026 Honda Passport
Most car design trends have their day in the sun and then fade away, but hang onto your hats—split headlights are here to stay. We covered this before, and the overly simplified takeaway is pretty clear: folks dig ’em. Especially when it comes to those towering new cars that seem to have more vacant real estate up front than ever. But are they a fit for every vehicle? I think not, and I’m about to make my case using the striking 2026 Honda Passport as solid evidence.
What’s All the Fuss About Split Headlights?
So let’s get some context out of the way—are you familiar with the split headlight trend? It’s that nifty trick where automakers mount a petite daytime running lamp above a heftier light that actually illuminates the road. It’s not just a quirk in America or Europe; it’s taken hold across the globe.
Take a gander at the current crop of vehicles. A snapshot from that earlier article packs in examples like the previous-gen Hyundai Kona, Chevy Blazer, Jeep Cherokee (RIP), and the fresh-faced BMW 7 Series—all flaunting split headlights.
What started as a design gimmick has somehow morphed into the embodiment of modernity by association. Stare at them long enough, and you’ll sense they’re new; your brain connects the dots because, let’s face it, split headlights weren’t a staple on vintage cars. Designers needed to fill the ever-expanding front ends of today’s beasts, and voila! Out pops a design trend.
The Lament of Modern Automotive Design
Now, cue the Cadillac Escalade, a bona fide behemoth. The designers snapped the narrow headlights high and tight, nestled right under the hoodline. And just like that, it looks like it’s perpetually squinting, as if it’s unsure whether to glare at you or blink in confusion. Even the vertical lighting accents can’t rescue that train wreck.
Herein lies the challenge for automotive design teams.
My buddy Peter Holderith once went to town with Photoshop, illustrating how today’s cars would look sans split headlights. Spoiler alert: the results are a bit unsettling, to say the least.
Now let’s pivot back to the 2026 Passport. How is it different, you ask? Well, much of its charm lies in its distinct front bumper. It’s a separate visual element that gives off a rugged vibe reminiscent of older body-on-frame models, cutting through the monotonous color-matching that plagues many modern front fascias. This separation fosters a cleaner aesthetic, allowing designers to craft a more defined look.
With its narrow grille fitting neatly between the headlights, you get a clean, compact appearance. As they say in the design world, less really can be more—but that notion tends to clash with the current design philosophy.
Honda’s clever use of the Passport’s vibrant orange DRLs further enhances its visuals. They illuminate the outer rim of the headlights instead of connecting them with a tiny vertical line, presenting a united front. Your gaze is drawn to a cohesive assembly rather than a disjointed trio (headlight + grille + headlight).
Sure, Honda could have gone the split headlight route—taller SUVs practically invite it—but their decision shows that you can still create a significant vehicle that feels unified by employing traditional techniques.
Why Retro Design Choices Matter
Designers of old faced fewer hurdles; they didn’t contend with the large, monochromatic spaces that dominate modern vehicles. Those mid-century chrome bumpers did a world of good, and while they’re unlikely to make a comeback, automakers still have a golden chance to appeal to today’s thrill-seeking consumers—just as Honda does here. Let’s face it: stop being shy about treating bumpers like bumpers.
Kudos to Honda for weaving all these elements into one compelling look.