2026 Honda Passport TrailSport: A Comprehensive Review

The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport takes a bold step forward in the world of off-road SUVs. With this latest model, Honda aims to deliver a capable, rugged vehicle that doesn’t compromise on comfort or style. Designed for both serious off-road enthusiasts and families looking for a dependable daily driver, the Passport TrailSport combines advanced technology with reliable performance, ensuring a smooth ride across varied terrains. This in-depth review dives into the key elements that make the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport a standout in its class, including its exterior upgrades, powerful engine, interior amenities, and enhanced off-road features.

Exterior Design and Build

The exterior design of the 2026 Passport TrailSport is a mix of boldness and functionality, reflecting Honda’s dedication to producing an SUV that can handle the wilderness just as easily as it does city streets. Moving away from the sleeker, more urban look of previous models, the Passport TrailSport has adopted a more angular, squared-off silhouette. This shift aligns with the growing popularity of adventure-ready SUVs, which favor durability and rugged styling over delicate lines.

Key upgrades to the exterior include:

• Wider Stance: The Passport TrailSport has been made 1 inch wider than its cousin, the Honda Pilot, giving it a more aggressive look and providing extra stability on uneven ground.
• Extended Wheelbase: With a 2.75-inch increase in wheelbase, the TrailSport not only looks more commanding but also handles challenging terrain with greater ease.
• Shorter Front Overhang: By shortening the front overhang, Honda has enhanced the Passport’s approach angle, reducing the risk of scraping or damaging the front bumper during steep climbs and descents.
• 31-Inch All-Terrain Tires: Equipped with General Grabber all-terrain tires, the Passport TrailSport is ready for rough surfaces and dirt roads, all while offering a relatively smooth ride on highways. These 18-inch wheels provide a balance of ruggedness and performance, suited for off-road trails and city streets alike.
• Body Cladding and Fender Flares: Black body cladding and fender flares not only add to the SUV’s aesthetic appeal but also provide protection from rocks, mud, and debris on off-road adventures.
• Eye-Catching Color Options: Honda has expanded the color palette to include bolder options like a vibrant orange, ensuring that the Passport TrailSport stands out from the crowd.

These updates reflect Honda’s commitment to producing a truly off-road-ready SUV, engineered to meet the demands of adventurous drivers who expect their vehicle to handle rough terrain while looking stylish on city streets.

Off-Road Recovery Points and Skid Plates

When venturing off the beaten path, protection for vital components and reliable recovery points are essential. Honda has equipped the Passport TrailSport with industry-leading safety and durability features, especially geared towards off-road recovery.

• Front Recovery Points: The patented retractable front recovery points allow for easy access during recovery operations, retracting to avoid snagging on obstacles.
• Durable Skid Plates: The Passport TrailSport comes with 4mm steel skid plates that cover critical parts like the oil pan, fuel tank, and other vital components. This extra layer of protection ensures the vehicle can withstand impacts from rocks and debris without damaging essential parts.
• Rear Recovery Points and Integrated Tow Hitch: Rear recovery points provide an anchor during recovery situations, while the standard tow hitch offers extra functionality for towing and transporting gear.
• Recessed Exhaust Design: Unlike many vehicles that expose the exhaust system, Honda has designed the Passport TrailSport with a recessed exhaust, so it’s not the lowest point on the vehicle, further reducing the risk of damage on rugged trails.

These elements underscore Honda’s attention to detail and commitment to off-road performance, giving drivers confidence that the Passport TrailSport can handle challenging terrain and recover from difficult situations with ease.

Unmatched Off-Road Capabilities

For adventurers, off-road capabilities can make or break an SUV’s appeal. The 2026 Passport TrailSport is purpose-built with off-roading in mind, providing features that allow it to navigate varied and unpredictable landscapes:

• Increased Ground Clearance: Though a slight improvement, the increase from 8.1 inches to 8.3 inches makes a noticeable difference when driving over rocks, mud, or other obstacles. This extra clearance allows for better maneuverability in off-road settings, enhancing the vehicle’s overall capabilities.
• Seven Distinct Drive Modes: The Passport TrailSport comes with seven different driving modes to handle diverse conditions and environments. Each mode adjusts the vehicle’s throttle response, traction control, and all-wheel drive configuration for optimal performance:
  • Sand Mode: Maintains stability on loose, sandy surfaces by adjusting the power distribution and traction.
  • Tow Mode: Optimizes the powertrain and transmission settings for towing up to the Passport’s maximum capacity.
  • Trail Mode: Ideal for rough, uneven surfaces, Trail Mode gives the driver more control and stability.
  • Snow Mode: Adjusts the drivetrain to prevent wheel slippage on snow and ice.
  • Econ Mode: Reduces power output for fuel efficiency during city and highway driving.
  • Sport Mode: Sharpens throttle response and steering sensitivity for a more dynamic driving experience.
  • Normal Mode: Provides a balanced setting for typical everyday driving.

These modes help adapt the Passport TrailSport to a wide range of conditions, ensuring drivers can confidently tackle everything from snowy roads to rocky trails.

• Optional Rock Sliders: Hidden underneath the body, rock sliders provide additional protection for the undercarriage during rocky or challenging off-road excursions. These sliders prevent significant body damage when driving over large obstacles, making the TrailSport more durable.

Together, these features make the TrailSport a highly capable and versatile off-road vehicle, ready to tackle almost any terrain.

Interior Features and Practical Amenities

The interior of the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is designed with functionality and durability in mind, incorporating easy-to-clean materials that withstand the wear and tear of outdoor adventures. Honda has created a space that remains comfortable and spacious while providing the practical amenities drivers need.

• Synthetic Fabric Upholstery: Honda opted for durable synthetic fabric instead of leather, with orange contrast stitching and topographical patterns that add a distinct style. The fabric is easy to clean, making it ideal for families and those who frequently venture outdoors.
• Extended Rear Seat Legroom: Thanks to the increased wheelbase, passengers in the back enjoy an additional 1.3 inches of legroom, enhancing comfort on long drives.
• Impressive Cargo Space:
  • 44 cubic feet behind the second row
  • 85 cubic feet with the second row folded down
• Innovative Storage Solutions: Honda has introduced several clever storage accessories to maximize cargo utility:
  • Multi-Purpose Cargo Cover: The cargo cover doubles as a table with collapsible legs, ideal for camping trips or tailgating.
  • Full-Size Spare Tire Storage: Honda has included space for a full-size spare tire in the rear cargo area, secured safely with a seatbelt.
  • MOLLE Board in the Cargo Area: The MOLLE board offers customizable storage for outdoor gear, able to hold up to 11 pounds. This feature is particularly useful for attaching smaller items or camping equipment securely.

The interior of the Passport TrailSport emphasizes utility and comfort, making it perfect for drivers who expect their vehicle to accommodate both their gear and their passengers on lengthy adventures.

Cutting-Edge Technology and Safety

The 2026 Passport TrailSport doesn’t just focus on physical durability; it’s also packed with advanced technology and safety features, creating a more connected and secure driving experience:

• 12.3-Inch Touchscreen Display: Located in the center console, the large touchscreen display provides intuitive access to entertainment and navigation. It’s compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing drivers to stay connected without needing a cable.
• Wireless Charging: A dedicated charging area supports wireless charging for up to two phones, ensuring devices remain powered on the go.
• Honda Sensing Safety Suite: Honda’s safety package includes:
  • Collision Mitigation Braking System: Helps to prevent or reduce the severity of a frontal collision.
  • Road Departure Mitigation System: Alerts and corrects steering if the vehicle unintentionally veers out of the lane.
  • Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a safe following distance on highways.
  • Lane Keeping Assist System: Keeps the vehicle centered in its lane.

Trail Watch Camera System

The Trail Watch camera system on the TrailSport Elite trim provides real-time visuals of the ground directly in front of the wheels, helping drivers avoid unseen obstacles. This is particularly valuable for navigating narrow trails where precise wheel placement is essential.

Engine Performance and Powertrain

The Passport TrailSport comes equipped with Honda’s dependable 3.5-liter V6 engine:

• Horsepower: Producing 285 horsepower
• Torque: Generating 262 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 RPM
• Transmission: Connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission

Honda’s i-VTM4 Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive System further enhances its off-road capabilities, allowing for up to 70% of torque to be transferred to the rear axle and redistributed between the rear wheels as needed. This ensures optimal grip, even on surfaces where traction is uneven.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport combines rugged design, advanced safety features, and off-road capabilities in a single package, delivering on Honda’s promise of a versatile SUV suited for both city and outdoor adventures. It’s an appealing option for those seeking a vehicle that is as comfortable on the highway as it is on rocky trails, offering reliability and innovation at every turn