2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Review: A Rugged Crossover Ready for Adventure
2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Review
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport review reveals a midsize SUV built with adventure in mind. Designed for drivers who want to leave the pavement behind, this updated TrailSport edition comes packed with off-road features, improved driving dynamics, and modern tech enhancements. While it may not match the extreme capabilities of a Jeep Grand Cherokee or Toyota 4Runner, the 2026 Passport TrailSport delivers a solid balance of comfort, capability, and practicality.
Let’s dive deep into this off-road-focused SUV and discover how Honda’s latest effort pushes boundaries.
1. What’s New in the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport?
The 2026 model year brings substantial improvements over the previous TrailSport version, making it more capable and family-friendly.
1.1 Major Upgrades
- New TrailWatch camera system
- Updated 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine
- Revised 10-speed automatic transmission
- Improved off-road suspension
- Hill Descent Control added
- New Sand and Trail driving modes
1.2 Design Tweaks
- Wider track: +1.3″ front / +1.5″ rear
- Longer wheelbase: +2.8″
- Increased ground clearance (+0.2 inches)
- New grille and bumper treatments
2. Off-Road Capabilities: Where the Trail Begins
Off-road credibility is the essence of the TrailSport badge. Honda has clearly invested in giving this midsize SUV real dirt prowess.
2.1 Key Off-Road Features
- TrailWatch Camera System
- Automatically activates under 15 mph in Trail Mode
- Offers forward and side views to avoid hidden hazards
- i-VTM4 All-Wheel Drive
- Sends up to 70% torque to the rear axle
- Capable of transferring 100% of that torque to one wheel
- Reacts 30% quicker and handles 40% more torque than before
- Hill Descent Control
- Maintains safe downhill speeds between 2–12 mph
- All-Terrain Tires
- 275/60R18 General Grabber A/T tires developed with Honda
- Provide excellent grip in sand, mud, and shallow water
- Trail and Sand Modes
- Trail Mode: softens throttle, adjusts traction/braking
- Sand Mode: livelier throttle, higher RPMs, less traction control
- Skid Plates and Rock Rails
- Skid plates protect the engine and gas tank
- Optional rock rails shield the vehicle’s underbody ($915)
3. On-Road Driving and Ride Quality
Honda hasn’t just made the Passport TrailSport a trail machine—it’s also an excellent daily driver.
3.1 Engine and Transmission
- Engine: 3.5L DOHC V6 (285 hp / 262 lb-ft)
- Transmission: New 10-speed automatic with smoother shifts
- Performance Gains: Better acceleration, improved towing
3.2 Suspension and Chassis
- Front lateral rigidity up 72%
- Rear torsional rigidity up 50%
- Front and rear subframes now rigid-mounted
- Softer stabilizer bars for greater articulation
- Tuned dampers for bump absorption
3.3 Steering and Braking
- Quicker steering ratio: 16.1:1
- Larger front brake rotors: 13.8 inches
- Shorter pedal travel, more responsive stopping
3.4 Fuel Economy
| Trim | City MPG | Hwy MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTL | 19 | 25 | 21 |
| TrailSport | 18 | 23 | 20 |
4. Interior Comfort and Technology
Comfort is a core value of the 2026 Passport, even when heading off the beaten path.
4.1 Cabin Comfort
- Heated front seats (standard)
- Softer suspension for better ride quality
- Low tire noise despite aggressive tread
- Quiet cabin with active noise cancellation
4.2 Technology
- 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Wireless phone charging
- TrailWatch off-road display
- Optional Bose 12-speaker audio system
4.3 Space and Practicality
| Area | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Cargo (max) | 83.8 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats up) | 44.0 cu ft |
| Rear Legroom | +1.3 inches |
5. Pricing and Trim Levels
5.1 Available Trims
- TrailSport – Starting at $49,900
- TrailSport Elite – Starting at $53,900
5.2 TrailSport Elite Adds
- TrailWatch camera system
- Cooled front seats
- Heated rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Premium leather upholstery
6. Limitations and Drawbacks
The 2026 Passport TrailSport is a serious contender, but it’s not perfect.
- Breakover Angle: Slightly reduced (16.7 degrees) due to longer wheelbase
- Departure Angle: Decreased slightly due to the hitch (23.1 degrees)
- No Air Suspension: Unlike the Grand Cherokee or 4Runner
- No Front Locker or Disconnecting Stabilizer Bar
- TrailWatch Not Standard: Only available on Elite trim
7. How It Compares: 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport vs Rivals
| Feature | Honda Passport TrailSport | Jeep Grand Cherokee | Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Price | $49,900 | $45,000 (est.) | $52,000 (est.) |
| Max Horsepower | 285 hp | 293 hp | 270 hp |
| AWD System | i-VTM4 torque-vectoring | Quadra-Trac II | Part-time 4WD |
| Off-Road Modes | Trail, Sand | Rock, Snow, Mud, etc. | Multi-Terrain Select |
| Ground Clearance | ~8.1 inches | 10.9 inches (air) | 9.6 inches |
| Suspension Tech | Soft-tuned, no lift | Air suspension | TRD tuned shocks |
| Interior Tech | 12.3″ screen, Google built-in | Uconnect 5 | 8″ screen (older tech) |
Is the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Worth It?
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport review shows a well-rounded SUV that’s as ready for a weekend in the mountains as it is for a grocery run in the city. While it doesn’t offer the hardcore hardware found in some competitors, it’s a fantastic middle-ground for families wanting more than a soft-roader but less than a rock-crawler.
With its trail-ready upgrades, premium ride, and everyday usability, the 2026 Passport TrailSport delivers value and versatility. If you’re looking for a rugged midsize SUV that blends capability with comfort, Honda’s got your back.
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