What the 2024 Honda Passport TrailSport is and who it's built for

The 2024 Honda Passport TrailSport is a mid-size SUV designed for owners who want serious off-road capability without the size or fuel consumption of a full-size truck. It sits between Honda's CR-V (smaller, more urban) and Pilot (larger, more family-focused) in the lineup. The TrailSport trim level adds all-terrain tires, all-wheel drive, skid plates, and a locking rear differential — features that matter if you plan to drive on unpaved roads, rocky terrain, or in snow regularly.

Honda positions this vehicle for people who split their time between highway driving and backcountry use. It's not a luxury SUV; it's a tool. The TrailSport trim costs more than the base Passport but less than fully loaded versions, and it bundles the off-road gear you'd otherwise buy separately.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2024 Passport TrailSport uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
  • Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds with the standard hitch, which is modest compared to truck-based SUVs but sufficient for small trailers and jet skis.
  • Standard all-wheel drive, locking rear differential, and all-terrain tires come on the TrailSport trim, eliminating the need to buy these upgrades separately.
  • Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, and the approach angle (the steepness a vehicle can climb without scraping the front bumper) is 37 degrees — both strong for a unibody SUV.
  • Real-world fuel economy runs 19 to 21 miles per gallon combined, depending on driving conditions and whether you use all-wheel or two-wheel drive mode.

Engine performance and fuel economy

The 2024 Passport TrailSport is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine is shared across Honda's larger SUVs and trucks, so parts and service are widely available. The 9-speed automatic transmission handles gear changes smoothly on highways and provides enough low-end gearing for off-road crawling.

Fuel economy is a trade-off. The EPA rates the TrailSport at 19 miles per gallon city, 24 highway, and 21 combined when using all-wheel drive. Switching to two-wheel drive mode (available at the push of a button) can improve highway mileage slightly, but most owners report real-world combined economy between 19 and 21 miles per gallon. If you drive mostly in cities or tow regularly, expect closer to 18 to 19. Highway-heavy driving can push it toward 23 to 24.

The fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons, giving a theoretical range of around 350 to 400 miles per tank depending on your driving mix. That's enough for a full day of backcountry driving without refueling, but not enough to ignore gas stations on long road trips.

Towing and payload capacity

The 2024 Passport TrailSport can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the standard hitch receiver. This is lower than truck-based SUVs (which often tow 6,000 to 8,000 pounds) but adequate for small utility trailers, jet skis, ATVs, or a modest travel trailer. Payload capacity — the weight you can carry in the bed or cabin — is around 1,500 pounds, which covers gear, passengers, and camping equipment for most trips.

If you plan to tow regularly, you'll want to factor in the weight of the trailer itself plus cargo. A 4,000-pound loaded trailer leaves little margin. For heavier towing (boats, large RVs, or multiple vehicles), a truck-based SUV or pickup truck is a better choice. Honda does not offer a factory integrated trailer brake controller on the Passport, so you may need to add an aftermarket unit if your trailer requires electric brakes.

Off-road capability and terrain management

The TrailSport trim comes standard with all-wheel drive, a locking rear differential, and all-terrain tires — the three features that matter most for unpaved driving. The locking differential forces both rear wheels to turn at the same speed, which prevents wheel spin when one side loses traction. This is essential for rocky terrain or deep mud where a standard open differential would leave you stranded.

Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, and the approach angle is 37 degrees. These numbers mean the Passport can clear most rocks and logs without scraping the front bumper, and it can climb steep inclines without high-centering (getting stuck on the frame). The departure angle (how steep a downslope it can handle) is 26 degrees, which is less impressive but still respectable for a unibody SUV.

Honda's Terrain Management system lets you shift between two-wheel drive (for pavement and light off-road use) and all-wheel drive (for snow, mud, and serious terrain). There's no low-range transfer case like you'd find in a body-on-frame truck, so extreme rock crawling is beyond the Passport's design. But for forest service roads, sandy beaches, and moderate trails, it performs well.

Interior space and comfort features

The Passport seats five across two rows. The second row has good legroom for adults on short trips, but it's not a third-row vehicle like the Pilot. Cargo space behind the rear seats is 36.3 cubic feet; with the rear seats folded, that expands to 76.5 cubic feet — enough for camping gear, tools, or a week's worth of supplies for a backcountry trip.

The TrailSport trim includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, and power windows and locks. Leather seats are not standard on the TrailSport; they're available as an upgrade. The interior is designed for durability rather than luxury — hard plastics and rubber mats are easier to clean after muddy hikes than fabric or soft-touch materials.

Safety ratings and driver information technology

The 2024 Passport earned a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars for frontal crash and rollover and four stars for side crash. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it a "Good" rating in most crash tests, though it did not receive the top "Superior" rating for front crash prevention.

Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, and a rearview camera. The TrailSport adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. These systems help on highways and in parking lots, but they don't change the vehicle's off-road behavior — they're designed for road use.

Price and trim comparison

The 2024 Passport TrailSport starts around $42,000 to $44,000 before destination fees and taxes, depending on your region and dealer. This positions it above the base Passport (which starts around $38,000) but below the fully loaded Passport Touring trim (which can exceed $50,000). The TrailSport bundles off-road gear that would cost $3,000 to $5,000 if bought separately, so the price difference is justified if you plan to use those features.

Honda also offers the Passport in standard and EX trims, which lack the locking differential and all-terrain tires. If you only drive on pavement and light snow, those trims are cheaper and adequate. The TrailSport is the choice if you want the off-road hardware included and don't want to negotiate with dealers about aftermarket upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the 2024 Passport TrailSport handle snow and ice as well as a truck?

Yes, for most winter driving. The all-wheel drive system and all-terrain tires provide good traction on snow and ice. The lower ground clearance compared to trucks means you may scrape snow buildup more easily, but the Passport is a capable winter vehicle. Winter tires are still recommended for cold climates.

What's the difference between the TrailSport and the standard Passport?

The TrailSport adds a locking rear differential, all-terrain tires, and all-wheel drive as standard. The base Passport offers two-wheel drive and all-season tires. If you plan off-road driving, the TrailSport saves you money and hassle. For highway-only use, the base model is sufficient.

How does the Passport compare to the Toyota 4Runner in off-road ability?

The 4Runner has a body-on-frame design and a low-range transfer case, making it better for extreme rock crawling and deep water crossings. The Passport is lighter, more fuel-efficient, and better on pavement. For moderate trails and backcountry roads, both perform well; for serious rock crawling, the 4Runner is the stronger choice.

Is the 5,000-pound towing capacity enough for a travel trailer?

It depends on the trailer's weight. A lightweight travel trailer (2,500 to 3,500 pounds loaded) is fine. Larger trailers (4,500 to 5,000 pounds) leave little safety margin. Check the trailer's actual dry weight and add cargo weight before deciding; many owners find the Passport better suited to towing smaller trailers or non-trailer cargo like ATVs and jet skis.

Does the Passport have a third row of seats?

No. The Passport seats five across two rows. If you need a third row, Honda's Pilot is the next step up, though it's larger and less focused on off-road capability.