The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite Blackout is a mid-size SUV built for off-road driving with a blacked-out exterior and premium interior features

The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite Blackout combines Honda's rugged mid-size SUV platform with a specific trim level that emphasizes both capability and appearance. The "Blackout" designation refers to the exterior styling package — darkened trim, black wheels, and a more aggressive visual presentation. The TrailSport Elite sits at the upper end of the Passport lineup, meaning it includes more comfort and technology features than base models while retaining the off-road suspension and underbody protection that define the Passport line.

This model is designed for buyers who want a vehicle that can handle unpaved terrain, rocky trails, and water crossings, but who also spend time on highways and in urban settings. The TrailSport Elite Blackout does not sacrifice interior comfort or modern conveniences to achieve that balance.

Key Takeaways

  • The TrailSport Elite Blackout includes all-terrain tires, an independent double-wishbone front suspension tuned for off-road use, and skid plates protecting the engine and fuel tank.
  • The Blackout package adds darkened exterior trim, black 18-inch wheels, and a more aggressive grille compared to standard Passport models.
  • The Elite trim level includes leather upholstery, a power moonroof, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and wireless smartphone integration.
  • The Passport uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
  • Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, and the vehicle can ford through water up to 24 inches deep when properly equipped.

Engine, Transmission, and Powertrain

The 2026 Passport TrailSport Elite Blackout 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 through Honda's Real Time all-wheel-drive system. The system can shift power between the front and rear axles based on road conditions, and the driver can lock the center differential for maximum traction on difficult terrain.

Fuel economy estimates for the 2026 model year have not been finalized by the EPA at the time of publication, but previous Passport models with this engine and transmission typically achieve 21 miles per gallon on the highway and 17 miles per gallon in the city. The vehicle requires regular unleaded gasoline and has a fuel tank capacity of approximately 19.5 gallons.

The transmission includes a low-range gearing option that reduces engine speed relative to wheel speed, allowing the driver to navigate steep descents and rocky terrain with greater control. This feature is engaged through a button on the dashboard and is available only when the vehicle is in four-wheel-drive mode.

Off-Road Capability and Suspension

The Passport TrailSport Elite Blackout is built on a body-on-frame platform with an independent double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. Both are tuned with increased ground clearance and articulation compared to Honda's on-road SUVs. The vehicle sits 8.6 inches off the ground, and the suspension allows the wheels to move independently over obstacles without tilting the vehicle body excessively.

Standard equipment includes skid plates that protect the engine, transmission, and fuel tank from rocks and debris. The all-terrain tires are sized at 265/70R18 and provide grip on loose surfaces like sand, gravel, and mud. The vehicle can ford through water up to 24 inches deep, and the air intake is positioned high on the body to prevent water from entering the engine during water crossings.

The TrailSport Elite Blackout does not include electronic locking differentials, which are available on some competing models. Instead, it relies on the all-wheel-drive system's torque-vectoring capability and the low-range transmission to manage traction. For buyers who plan extensive rock crawling or extreme off-road use, this is a meaningful limitation compared to vehicles with locking differentials.

Interior Comfort and Technology

The Elite trim level includes leather-trimmed front seats with power adjustment and heating. The driver's seat includes a power lumbar support adjustment. The second row is a 60/40 split-folding bench seat that can accommodate three passengers, though the middle position is narrower than the outboard seats. With the second row folded, the cargo area expands to 76.5 cubic feet.

The infotainment system is a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Both smartphone integration systems are wireless, meaning the driver does not need to plug in a cable. The system includes a backup camera as standard, and a surround-view camera system is available. The audio system includes eight speakers and supports Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling.

Climate control is dual-zone automatic, allowing the driver and front passenger to set different temperatures. The power moonroof is a single-pane glass panel that tilts and slides open. The vehicle includes a power liftgate, keyless entry with push-button start, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster that displays vehicle information and off-road diagnostics.

Safety Features and Driver information

The 2026 Passport TrailSport Elite Blackout includes Honda Sensing, which is Honda's suite of driver-information technologies. This includes adaptive cruise control that maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, lane-keeping information that gently steers the vehicle back into its lane if it drifts, and automatic emergency braking that applies the brakes if a collision is imminent. The system also includes traffic sign recognition and lane departure warning.

Passive safety features include dual front airbags, side-curtain airbags that extend the full length of the cabin, and a reinforced steel frame. The vehicle has a backup camera as standard and a surround-view camera system available on higher trims. Electronic stability control and traction control are standard and cannot be disabled, though the driver can adjust their sensitivity through the infotainment menu.

The Passport has not yet been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2026 model year. Previous model years received good ratings from both organizations, though specific results vary by test type and year.

Exterior Styling and the Blackout Package

The Blackout package darkens the exterior trim that would otherwise be chrome or silver on standard Passport models. This includes the grille surround, door handles, roof rails, and window trim. The package also includes 18-inch black aluminum wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. The front and rear bumpers remain body-colored rather than black, maintaining a contrast with the darkened trim.

The TrailSport Elite Blackout is available in several exterior colors, including Pearl White, Sonic Gray, and Obsidian Blue. The Blackout package styling is the same regardless of body color, though the visual effect differs — the darkened trim is more subtle on lighter colors and more pronounced on darker ones.

The vehicle includes roof rails rated to carry 150 pounds of cargo, and the roof can accommodate a roof rack or cargo basket. The approach angle (the steepness the vehicle can climb without the front bumper hitting an obstacle) is 27.8 degrees, the departure angle is 24.1 degrees, and the breakover angle (the steepness the vehicle can traverse without the undercarriage hitting) is 19.9 degrees. These angles are competitive within the mid-size SUV segment.

Towing and Cargo Capacity

The 2026 Passport TrailSport Elite Blackout has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with a trailer hitch and brake controller. The vehicle does not come with a factory-installed hitch, but Honda offers one as an accessory. The hitch is rated for Class III towing, which is suitable for small to mid-size trailers.

The payload capacity (the weight the truck bed can carry) is approximately 1,500 pounds, though this varies based on the specific configuration and optional equipment. The vehicle does not have a traditional truck bed; instead, it has a cargo area behind the rear seats. With the second row folded, the cargo area provides 76.5 cubic feet of space. With the second row in place, the cargo area behind the rear seats is 10.4 cubic feet.

The roof rails can carry an additional 150 pounds, making them suitable for a roof basket or cargo carrier. The vehicle does not include a roof rack as standard equipment, though one can be purchased separately from Honda or aftermarket suppliers.

Pricing and Trim Comparison

The 2026 Honda Passport lineup includes several trim levels below the TrailSport Elite Blackout, including the base TrailSport and the mid-level TrailSport EX. The TrailSport Elite Blackout sits at the top of the lineup. Pricing for the 2026 model year has not been officially announced, but previous model years show that the Elite trim commands a premium of approximately $3,000 to $4,000 over the EX trim, and the Blackout package adds approximately $1,500 to $2,000 to the price.

The main differences between trims are interior materials, technology features, and exterior styling. The base TrailSport includes cloth upholstery and a smaller infotainment screen. The EX adds leather upholstery and the 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Elite adds the power moonroof and additional comfort features. The Blackout package is available on the TrailSport and EX trims as well, though it is most commonly paired with the Elite trim.

Destination and handling charges, taxes, and dealer fees are not included in these estimates and vary by location and dealer. Buyers should contact local Honda dealers for current pricing and availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the TrailSport Elite Blackout and the TrailSport EX?

The Elite trim adds a power moonroof, upgraded leather upholstery with power lumbar support on the driver's seat, and additional convenience features. The Blackout package darkens the exterior trim and adds black wheels. The EX trim has cloth upholstery and does not include the moonroof, though the Blackout package can be added to the EX as well.

Can the Passport handle serious rock crawling and extreme off-road use?

The Passport is capable on moderate to difficult terrain, but it lacks electronic locking differentials that are standard on some competing vehicles. For serious rock crawling or extreme off-road use, vehicles with locking differentials and higher ground clearance may be better suited. The Passport excels at trail driving, water crossings, and rough forest roads.

How much cargo space does the Passport have?

With the second row folded, the cargo area provides 76.5 cubic feet of space. With the second row in place, the area behind the rear seats is 10.4 cubic feet. The roof rails can carry an additional 150 pounds with a roof basket or cargo carrier.

Does the 2026 Passport come with a trailer hitch?

No, the factory-installed hitch is not included as standard equipment. Honda offers a Class III hitch as an accessory that can be installed by a dealer or aftermarket shop. The vehicle's 5,000-pound towing capacity requires a properly installed hitch and brake controller.

What is included in Honda Sensing?

Honda Sensing includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, and lane departure warning. These systems are standard on all 2026 Passport models and cannot be removed as an option.