The Honda Passport Trail Sport is a mid-size SUV built for off-road driving with street comfort

The Honda Passport Trail Sport sits between a traditional SUV and a dedicated off-road vehicle. It shares its frame and engine with the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, which means it has a unibody construction rather than the body-on-frame design of older truck-based SUVs. This makes it lighter and more fuel-efficient than competitors like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, but it also means less ground clearance and approach angles for serious rock crawling.

The Trail Sport trim is Honda's off-road focused version. It comes standard with all-terrain tires, skid plates under the engine and fuel tank, a locking rear differential, and hill descent control. The suspension is tuned for rough terrain without sacrificing highway manners. If you want the Passport but plan to stay mostly on pavement, Honda offers the base Passport, EX, and EX-L trims with fewer off-road features and lower prices.

The engine is a 3.5-liter V6 producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Real-world fuel economy runs around 19 to 21 miles per gallon combined, depending on driving conditions and whether you choose front-wheel drive or the standard all-wheel drive on Trail Sport models.

Key Takeaways

  • The Passport Trail Sport uses a unibody frame shared with the Ridgeline, making it lighter and more efficient than body-on-frame competitors but with less extreme off-road capability.
  • Standard Trail Sport equipment includes all-terrain tires, locking rear differential, skid plates, and hill descent control for moderate off-road use.
  • The 3.5-liter V6 produces 280 horsepower with real-world fuel economy between 19 and 21 miles per gallon combined.
  • Interior space is tight compared to three-row SUVs; the Passport seats five and has limited rear cargo room with the seats up.
  • Pricing for the Trail Sport typically runs several thousand dollars higher than the base Passport, reflecting the off-road equipment and tuning.

Off-Road Capability and Terrain Performance

The Trail Sport handles forest roads, rocky trails, and sand better than a standard SUV but not as well as a Jeep Wrangler or Land Rover Defender. Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, which is adequate for most trails but low for extreme obstacles. Approach angle is 28 degrees and departure angle is 26 degrees — numbers that matter when climbing steep terrain or backing off a ridge.

The locking rear differential is the standout feature for traction. When engaged, it forces both rear wheels to turn at the same speed, which prevents one wheel from spinning uselessly if it loses grip. This makes a real difference in mud, sand, or loose rock. The all-wheel-drive system defaults to front-wheel drive for fuel economy and switches power to the rear wheels as needed.

Hill descent control automatically modulates the brakes on steep downhill sections, letting you maintain a steady speed without riding the brake pedal. This feature is useful on rocky descents but is not a substitute for proper technique and experience. The skid plates protect the engine, transmission, and fuel tank from rocks and debris, though they do not cover the entire undercarriage.

Interior Space and Comfort Features

The Passport seats five across two rows. The front seats are supportive and adjustable, with good visibility for the driver. The rear bench is narrower than you might expect and best suited for two adults or three children on shorter trips. Legroom in back is adequate but not generous.

Cargo space behind the rear seats is 39.3 cubic feet, which is less than many compact crossovers. Fold the rear seats and you get 76.5 cubic feet, but the floor is not flat and the opening is not as wide as a traditional SUV. If you regularly haul large items or need to carry a family of five with luggage, the Passport will feel cramped.

The Trail Sport includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, and dual-zone climate control. Higher trims add features like a power sunroof, leather upholstery, and a 12-speaker audio system. The interior materials are durable plastic rather than soft-touch surfaces, which is appropriate for a vehicle designed to handle dirt and mud.

Fuel Economy and Running Costs

EPA estimates for the all-wheel-drive Passport Trail Sport are 19 miles per gallon city and 24 highway, with a combined rating of 21. Real-world numbers tend to run slightly lower, especially if you drive in stop-and-go traffic or tow. Front-wheel-drive models are rated at 20 city and 26 highway.

The Passport requires regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. Oil changes are due every 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Tire rotations should happen every 7,500 miles. All-terrain tires wear faster than highway tires, so budget for replacement every 30,000 to 40,000 miles depending on driving style and terrain.

Insurance costs are moderate for a vehicle in this class. Repair and maintenance costs are reasonable because Honda parts are widely available and the Passport shares many components with the Ridgeline. Extended warranties are available but not necessary if you plan to keep the vehicle for fewer than five years or under 60,000 miles.

How the Trail Sport Compares to Other Off-Road SUVs

The Jeep Wrangler is the most direct competitor. It has a body-on-frame design, more extreme approach and departure angles, and a removable roof and doors. The Wrangler is more capable on technical terrain but less comfortable on the highway and less fuel-efficient. Wrangler prices are similar to the Passport Trail Sport, though used Wranglers hold their value better.

The Ford Bronco is newer and offers two-door and four-door versions with removable roof panels. It has better ground clearance than the Passport and more off-road pedigree, but it is also heavier, less efficient, and typically more expensive. The Bronco appeals to buyers who want a more traditional truck-based SUV feel.

The Toyota 4Runner is larger, seats eight, and has a body-on-frame design with more ground clearance. It is significantly more expensive and less fuel-efficient than the Passport. The 4Runner is better for families who need three rows and plan serious off-road expeditions.

The Subaru Outback is smaller, more car-like, and cheaper than the Passport. It handles light trails and unpaved roads but is not designed for rocky terrain or water crossings. If your off-roading is mostly forest service roads and gravel, the Outback may be sufficient and will save you money on purchase and fuel.

Maintenance and Reliability Expectations

Honda Passports have a solid reliability record. The V6 engine and nine-speed transmission are proven designs used in multiple Honda and Acura models. Common issues reported by owners include wind noise around the door seals and occasional transmission hesitation in cold weather, but these are minor compared to problems seen in some competitors.

The all-wheel-drive system and locking differential require no special maintenance beyond regular fluid checks. The skid plates can rust over time if not cleaned regularly, especially in areas with road salt. Undercarriage washing after off-road trips extends the life of protective coatings and prevents corrosion.

Scheduled maintenance includes transmission fluid changes every 60,000 miles, coolant replacement every 100,000 miles, and spark plug replacement every 105,000 miles. Brake fluid should be changed every two years regardless of mileage. Following the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual is the best way to avoid unexpected repairs.

Towing and Payload Capacity

The Passport Trail Sport can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped with a trailer hitch and brake controller. This is enough for a small utility trailer, jet ski, or lightweight boat, but not for a full-size travel trailer. Payload capacity is 1,000 pounds, meaning you can carry passengers and gear but not a heavy roof rack setup plus camping equipment.

If you plan to tow regularly or carry heavy loads, the Passport is not the right vehicle. The Ridgeline pickup truck, which shares the same engine, has higher towing and payload ratings because of its truck design. The Wrangler and 4Runner also offer better towing capacity for serious hauling needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Passport Trail Sport handle water crossings?

The Passport can ford through water up to about 19 inches deep, which covers most stream crossings on established trails. Deeper water risks hydro-locking the engine. Always scout the crossing first and drive slowly to avoid creating a wake that could enter the air intake.

What is the difference between Trail Sport and other Passport trims?

The Trail Sport includes all-terrain tires, locking rear differential, skid plates, and hill descent control as standard. Other trims have highway tires, no locking differential, and less undercarriage protection. The Trail Sport suspension is also slightly stiffer for off-road use.

Does the Passport have a third row of seats?

No. The Passport is a two-row, five-seat vehicle. If you need to carry more than five people regularly, you need a three-row SUV like the 4Runner, Pilot, or Highlander.

How does the Passport perform in snow and ice?

The all-wheel-drive system and available winter tires make the Passport competent in snow. It is not as capable as a Subaru in icy conditions, but it handles winter driving better than a rear-wheel-drive SUV. Ground clearance is adequate for moderate snow, though deep snow can cause the undercarriage to drag.

Is the Passport good for daily commuting?

Yes, if you do not mind the higher fuel costs and smaller cargo space compared to a traditional crossover. The Passport is comfortable on highways, has good visibility, and the interior is quiet. If your commute is mostly pavement and you rarely use the off-road features, a Honda CR-V or Pilot would be more practical and cheaper to own.