Honda is now fully committing to SUVs. Evidence can be seen in the midsize 2026 Passport TrailSport that I recently navigated through challenging terrain featuring forests, coastal areas, and mountain paths.
Even though Honda has an extensive background in manufacturing dirt bikes and ATVs, their SUVs have always lacked genuine off-road prowess. These vehicles were more suited for light terrain rather than serious off-roading.
The 2026 Passport TrailSport alters this.
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I drove the Passport TrailSport for a few days, navigating through tight and twisty coastal routes as well as challenging off-road paths over rough volcanic terrain. This vehicle handled situations where older Honda SUV models might have struggled, turning around at the trailhead. For everyday use by typical drivers, this robust five-seater performed quietly, smoothly, and comfortably even when stopped and started frequently on regular city streets, thanks to its sturdy build, equipped with 31-inch all-terrain tires and 18-inch rims.
The Passport's fuel efficiency is underwhelming, yet there are numerous positives regarding Honda’s initial venture into off-roading.
Honda anticipates that the TrailSport will make up roughly 20% of Passport sales. The lower trim levels were not offered for test drives.
The 2026 Honda Passport is available for purchase now.
The ups and downs of my journey along the Passport TrailSport are as follows:
2025 Honda Passport versions and their costs
- RTL: $44,750
- RTL Towing: $45,450
- RTL Blackout: $45,950
- TrailSport: $48,450
- TrailSport Blackout: $49,650
- TrailSport Elite: $52,450
- TrailSport Elite Blackout: $53,650
All-wheel drive standard
The price does not include a $1,450 destination fee.
Source: Honda
New off-road gear
Honda developed the Passport at its extensive facility in Ohio for both engineering and manufacturing purposes. The company produces this SUV in Lincoln, Alabama, along with the larger, three-row Pilot SUV.
The Passport employs the same platform as the Pilot, yet it received substantial enhancements for off-roading, with top priority given to:
- The system includes four recovery loops, with each loop capable of handling up to double the vehicle’s maximum capacity.
- The capability to direct 70% of the engine's torque to the rear wheels, with all of that going to one specific wheel as needed.
- C-pillar and reinforcement of the suspension to handle off-road stress.
- Instruments such as an inclinometer and an altimeter.
- Enhanced ingress and egress trajectories.
- 8.4 inches shorter in length compared to the Pilot, with almost the same wheelbase.
- The antenna is integrated into the back windshield instead of being placed on the roof.
Other goodies include:
- Revised springs and shocks
- 31-inch General Grabber all-terrain tires
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Hill descent control
Chosen 2026 Honda Passport rivals
- Chevrolet Blazer
- Ford Bronco
- Jeep Wrangler
- Hyundai Tucson
- Kia Sorento
- Nissan Murano
- Toyota 4Runner
- VW Tiguan
Interior feel and features
The inside is cozy and welcoming. Both seating rows offer ample overhead clearance, and the cargo area is generously sized with various features such as a rubber floor mat, pet-friendly options, and an organized underfloor storage spot designed to fit a full-sized spare tire—a must-have feature for dedicated off-road enthusiasts.
The seating was pleasant. The TrailSport model I tested featured both leatherette and cloth upholstery. To be honest, I wasn’t entirely certain about what "leatherette" meant until then; however, it proved to be comfy and sturdy. Additionally, the fabric accents appeared and felt quite nice.
The control panel featured knobs for adjusting volume, temperature, and fan speed. The 12.3-inch touchscreen was conveniently positioned and highly responsive. During my off-roading with the TrailSport Elite, the multiview cameras proved invaluable when tackling steep inclines, navigating through thick, muddy ruts, and maneuvering past closely packed palm trees.
Driving impressions
The 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission and advanced electronics ensured powerful performance and instant responsiveness on challenging terrains like steep gravel inclines and soft earthen paths. This updated rear-wheel drive system was not only faster but also more adept at handling difficult conditions compared to its predecessor. During my two-hour test drive across various settings—from woodland slopes to sandy stretches and dense muddy areas where wheels would occasionally lift off—the quick application of torque prevented any loss of traction, maintaining control throughout all maneuvers.
The Passport doesn’t come with a physical low-range gear setup, but I found myself missing it none whatsoever.
Honda’s electronic hill descent control proved highly efficient and simple to adjust for velocities between 2 and 12 miles per hour. In contrast to rival systems requiring activation every time they're used, this feature remained inactive unless the Passport detected a significant incline, automatically turning itself back on as needed.
The passport proved easy to navigate through bustling towns and provided a smooth ride along twisty coastal routes.
2026 Honda Passport TrailSport notable characteristics
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Structural reinforcements
- Trailer hitch
- 5,000-pound towing capacity
- Four recovery loops
- 18-inch wheels
- 31-inch General Grabber all-terrain tires
- Wireless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless device charging
- Available seats with heating and ventilation for the front row
- Available panoramic sun roof
- Bose Audio
What’s missing?
The Passport TrailSport has an EPA fuel efficiency of 18 miles per gallon in urban areas, 23 mpg on highways, and 20 mpg overall. When compared to well-established off-road vehicles that have loyal fan bases, the Passport’s combined mileage falls short of the 4WD Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner but matches that of the 4WD Ford Bronco.
Honda did not supply the non-TrailSport variants, which are expected to make up most of the Passport’s sales, for testing. However, even their Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rating of 19 city/25 highway/21 combined miles per gallon falls short compared to rival mainstream midsize SUVs. The more potent V6 all-wheel-drive (AWD) Chevrolet Blazer matches these figures, whereas the four-cylinder version outperforms them with an impressive 24 mpg. In contrast, both the four-cylinder Toyota RAV4 achieves a commendable 29 mpg and the hybrid Hyundai Santa Fe reaches an outstanding 34 mpg, leaving the Passport trailing behind.
A combined Passport solution might significantly help address the problem. Although batteries add weight, an electric motor’s torque could compensate for this and maintain — perhaps even improve — theTrailSport’s capability in off-roading.
What makes purchasing a 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport worth considering?
The 2026 Passport TrailSport introduces Honda’s proven history of dependability and meticulous design into the off-road market. This SUV offers an enjoyable driving experience, combining capability with comfort and unexpected spaciousness. Its robust take on Honda’s well-known and appealing styling can be seen both inside and out.
In 2026, the Honda Passport offers these key features:
All-wheel-drive five-passenger compact electric SUV
Starting at $44,750 (all prices do not include a $1,450 destination fee).
On sale now
The main model tested was the TrailSport Elite.
Price as tested: $52,450
Engine: 3.5L V6
Power: 285 hp at 6,100 rpm; Torque: 262 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
The EPA projected fuel efficiency: 18 mpg for urban areas, 23 mpg for highways, and 20 mpg overall. It requires regular gas with an anticipated yearly fuel expense of $2,300.
Wheelbase: 113.6 inches
Length: 191.5 inches
Width: 79.4 inches
Height: 73.1 inches
Ground clearance: 8.3 inches
Passenger capacity: 119.1 cubic feet
Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds
Cargo capacity: 44 cubic feet behind the second row; 83.8 cubic feet behind the front seats.
Curb weight: 4,478 pounds
Assembled in Lincoln, Alabama
Reach out to Mark Phelan at 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com . Follow him on X @ mark_phelan . Read more on autos and register for our autos newsletter . Become a subscriber .
The article initially appeared in the Detroit Free Press. The 2026 Honda Passport SUV has seen a significant enhancement in its off-road capabilities with the introduction of the TrailSport version.