The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is a mid-size SUV built for off-road driving

The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is Honda's answer to serious off-road capability in a vehicle smaller than a full-size truck. It sits between Honda's CR-V (a crossover for daily driving) and larger body-on-frame SUVs, with a focus on rough terrain rather than highway comfort. The TrailSport trim is the off-road-focused version, meaning it comes standard with features designed for unpaved surfaces, rocky trails, and water crossings.

This is not a luxury SUV or a family hauler first—it is built to go places where pavement ends. If you spend weekends on forest roads, need to tow a trailer to remote locations, or want an SUV that can handle both city driving and serious trails, this vehicle is worth understanding. If you mostly drive highways and need maximum interior space, a different Honda model may suit you better.

Key Takeaways

  • The TrailSport trim comes with all-terrain tires, all-wheel drive, and an electronically locking rear differential as standard equipment.
  • The engine is a 3.5-liter V6 producing 280 horsepower, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
  • Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, and the vehicle has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
  • The TrailSport includes skid plates to protect the undercarriage, a terrain management system, and hill descent control for steep descents.
  • Seating is five passengers, and the cargo area behind the rear seats holds 39.3 cubic feet with seats up.

Engine, transmission, and fuel economy

The 2026 Passport TrailSport uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. The V6 is the only engine option for the Passport line—there is no four-cylinder or hybrid version.

Fuel economy for the TrailSport is estimated at 19 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway, according to EPA ratings. Real-world mileage varies based on driving conditions, terrain, and how much weight you carry. Off-road driving, towing, and frequent idling in traffic will lower these numbers. The vehicle requires regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

The V6 is adequate for trail driving and highway merging, but it is not designed for extreme performance. It prioritizes reliability and steady power delivery over raw acceleration. If you tow frequently or drive in mountainous terrain, the engine handles both without strain, though fuel consumption increases under load.

Off-road features and terrain management

The TrailSport trim includes several systems designed specifically for off-road use. An electronically locking rear differential is standard, which means the rear wheels can be locked together to provide equal power to both sides—useful when one wheel loses traction in mud or sand. The vehicle also has a terrain management system that adjusts throttle response, transmission behavior, and traction control based on the surface you select: Snow, Mud, Sand, or Rock modes.

Hill descent control allows you to descend steep slopes at a controlled speed without riding the brakes, which prevents brake fade on long downhill sections. The vehicle comes with all-terrain tires designed to grip both pavement and unpaved surfaces, though they are not as aggressive as dedicated mud-terrain tires. Skid plates protect the engine, transmission, and fuel tank from rocks and obstacles.

Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, which is moderate for an off-road vehicle. This is enough for most forest roads and rocky trails but may not be sufficient for extreme rock crawling or deep water crossings. Approach angle (the steepness the front can climb) is 28.2 degrees, and departure angle (the steepness the rear can descend) is 26.1 degrees—both reasonable for trail driving.

Interior space, seating, and cargo

The Passport seats five passengers across two rows. The front seats are individual buckets with adjustable lumbar support, and the rear bench folds to create cargo space. Behind the rear seats, there are 39.3 cubic feet of cargo room. With the rear seats folded, total cargo space expands to 76.5 cubic feet, which is useful for camping gear, tools, or equipment.

The interior is designed for durability rather than luxury. Surfaces are straightforward to clean—important if you track dirt and mud inside after trail driving. The dashboard includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to connect your phone for navigation and music. Climate control is automatic, and the TrailSport includes heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

Storage compartments are scattered throughout the cabin, including door pockets, a center console, and under-seat storage. Towing capacity is 3,500 pounds when the vehicle is properly equipped with a trailer hitch and brake controller. This is adequate for small trailers, jet skis, or light camping trailers, but not for large travel trailers.

Safety features and driver information

The 2026 Passport TrailSport includes Honda Sensing, a suite of driver information features. This package includes adaptive cruise control (which maintains a set distance from the car ahead), lane keeping information (which gently steers to keep you centered in your lane), collision mitigation braking (which can explore the brakes if a collision is imminent), and road departure mitigation (which alerts you if you drift off the road).

The vehicle also has a rearview camera that displays on the touchscreen when you shift into reverse, and a multi-angle camera system that shows overhead and side views to help with parking and tight maneuvers. Blind spot monitoring alerts you to vehicles in your side blind spots, and cross-traffic alert warns you of approaching traffic when backing out of a parking space.

Crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) are not yet available for the 2026 model year, as the vehicle is new. Previous Passport generations performed well in these tests, but you should check the official NHTSA and IIHS websites for the most current 2026 data once testing is complete.

Trim levels and standard equipment

Honda offers the Passport in multiple trims: TrailSport, TrailSport Touring, and TrailSport Touring with Technology Package. The base TrailSport includes the locking rear differential, all-terrain tires, skid plates, terrain management system, and hill descent control. The TrailSport Touring adds leather upholstery, a power moonroof, and upgraded audio.

The Technology Package adds a navigation system integrated into the touchscreen, a premium audio system, and additional safety features. All TrailSport trims come with all-wheel drive—there is no two-wheel-drive option. Pricing varies by trim level and your location, so you should contact local Honda dealers for current pricing and availability.

Maintenance and reliability expectations

Honda vehicles generally have a strong reputation for reliability, and the Passport is no exception. The V6 engine and nine-speed transmission are proven designs used across multiple Honda models. Routine maintenance includes oil changes every 10,000 miles (or as indicated by the vehicle's maintenance reminder system), tire rotations, fluid checks, and filter replacements.

Off-road driving increases wear on certain components—tires wear faster on rough terrain, undercarriage components may need inspection more frequently, and skid plates should be checked for damage after difficult trails. The locking rear differential requires special attention; if it is engaged frequently, have a Honda technician inspect it periodically. All-terrain tires typically last 30,000 to 50,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

Honda's factory warranty covers the vehicle for three years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first) for general coverage, and five years or 60,000 miles for the powertrain. Extended warranties are available through Honda dealers if you want coverage beyond the factory period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the 2026 Passport TrailSport handle serious rock crawling?

The TrailSport is capable on moderate trails and forest roads, but it is not designed for extreme rock crawling. The 8.6-inch ground clearance and approach/departure angles are moderate, not extreme. If you plan to tackle difficult rock formations or very steep terrain, a vehicle with higher clearance and more aggressive angles would be better suited.

How does the terrain management system work?

You select a mode using a dial on the dashboard: Snow, Mud, Sand, or Rock. Each mode adjusts throttle sensitivity, transmission shift points, and traction control settings to match the surface. Rock mode, for example, maximizes traction and engine response for climbing steep rocky slopes. You can switch modes while driving.

Is the Passport good for daily driving and commuting?

Yes. The Passport drives like a normal SUV on highways and city streets. It is quieter and more comfortable than a truck, and the automatic transmission handles traffic easily. The trade-off is that it is not as fuel-efficient as smaller crossovers, and the focus on off-road capability means less interior refinement than luxury SUVs.

What is the difference between the TrailSport and other Passport trims?

The TrailSport is the only trim level for the 2026 Passport. Within TrailSport, you can choose the base model, Touring (with leather and moonroof), or Touring with Technology Package (adding navigation and premium audio). All versions have the same off-road equipment and engine.

Can I use the locking rear differential on pavement?

The locking rear differential should only be used on unpaved surfaces. Using it on pavement can cause tire scrubbing, increased wear, and stress on the drivetrain. The vehicle is designed to lock the differential automatically when you select Rock mode on unpaved terrain, and you can also engage it manually using a button on the dashboard when off-road.