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

The Honda Passport TrailSport is a body-on-frame SUV that Honda designed specifically for unpaved terrain and backcountry driving. Unlike Honda's other SUVs, which prioritize on-road comfort, the Passport TrailSport comes standard with all-wheel drive, a locking rear differential, and an electronically controlled suspension that adjusts for different driving surfaces. It sits between Honda's smaller CR-V and larger Pilot in the lineup.

The TrailSport trim level is the off-road focused variant within the Passport line. It adds features like all-terrain tires, skid plates underneath the engine and fuel tank, and a multi-terrain response system that optimizes traction on sand, mud, rock, and snow. The vehicle is roughly 190 inches long and seats five adults, with a cargo bed behind the rear seats that can hold gear or equipment.

Key Takeaways

  • The Passport TrailSport comes standard with all-wheel drive, a locking rear differential, and all-terrain tires designed for unpaved surfaces.
  • The suspension system electronically adjusts between different terrain modes, which you select using controls on the dashboard.
  • Skid plates protect the undercarriage on rocky or rough ground, and the vehicle has a 9-inch ground clearance for obstacles.
  • The TrailSport trim costs more than base Passport models but includes off-road equipment that would otherwise be optional or unavailable.
  • Fuel economy ranges from 18 to 22 miles per gallon depending on driving conditions, which is typical for vehicles in this class.

Engine, transmission, and towing capacity

The Passport TrailSport uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Power goes to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine and transmission combination is shared across the entire Passport lineup, so the TrailSport does not have a unique powertrain.

The vehicle can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which is enough for a small utility trailer or boat. Honda includes a trailer hitch receiver rated for that capacity. Payload capacity—the weight you can carry in the cargo bed and interior—is approximately 1,500 pounds, though this varies slightly depending on options you choose.

Standard features on the TrailSport trim

The TrailSport comes with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can mirror your phone for navigation and music. The system also displays a camera feed from the front and rear of the vehicle, which is useful when navigating tight trails. A six-speaker audio system is standard, though you can upgrade to a premium system.

Climate control is dual-zone automatic, meaning the driver and front passenger can set different temperatures. Heated front seats are standard on the TrailSport. The steering wheel is heated as well, which is useful in cold weather. Seating is upholstered in a durable fabric designed to resist staining and wear.

Safety features include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, and a blind-spot monitoring system. Honda's system alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots and can explore the brakes if you begin to drift into an occupied lane. A rearview camera is standard, and the front and rear camera feeds display on the infotainment screen.

Off-road specific equipment and terrain modes

The TrailSport's multi-terrain response system has four modes: Normal, Sand, Mud, and Rock. You select the mode using a dial on the dashboard, and the system adjusts engine throttle response, transmission shift points, and suspension damping to match the surface. In Rock mode, for example, the suspension stiffens to improve control over boulders and ruts, while Sand mode loosens the suspension for better flotation on soft ground.

A locking rear differential is standard on the TrailSport. This feature locks the two rear wheels together so they spin at the same speed, which increases traction when one wheel loses grip. You engage the lock using a button on the dashboard, and it is most useful on steep hills, loose gravel, or muddy terrain. On normal roads, the differential unlocks automatically.

All-terrain tires come standard and are designed to grip on unpaved surfaces while still performing acceptably on highways. The tires are all-season, so they work year-round in most climates. Skid plates protect the engine, transmission, fuel tank, and transfer case from rocks and obstacles. These plates are aluminum and bolt underneath the vehicle.

Interior space and cargo configuration

The Passport TrailSport seats five people across two rows. The front seats are individual buckets with adjustable lumbar support, and the rear bench seat folds flat to expand cargo space. Behind the rear seats is a small cargo bed with a tonneau cover (a rigid cover that rolls or lifts off). The bed measures roughly 24 inches deep and can hold gear, tools, or camping equipment.

Total cargo space with the rear seats up is approximately 28 cubic feet in the bed and behind the seats combined. Folding the rear seats flat increases this to around 76 cubic feet. The tonneau cover is removable, so you can take it off if you need to carry taller items. Tie-down points are built into the bed rails for securing cargo with straps or bungee cords.

Interior storage includes a center console with a sliding armrest, door pockets, and a small shelf above the windshield. Cup holders are positioned in the front and rear, and there are USB ports for charging phones and tablets. The infotainment system includes wireless charging for compatible phones, located in the center console.

Fuel economy and maintenance intervals

The Passport TrailSport achieves approximately 18 miles per gallon in the city and 22 miles per gallon on the highway, based on EPA testing. Combined, this averages around 20 miles per gallon. Actual mileage varies depending on driving habits, terrain, and whether you use four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive mode. Off-road driving and towing reduce fuel economy further.

The fuel tank holds 19.5 gallons, which gives a driving range of roughly 390 miles on a full tank under highway conditions. Honda recommends changing the engine oil every 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Air filter replacement is recommended every 15,000 to 30,000 miles depending on driving conditions. Transmission fluid does not require routine changes under normal driving, but Honda recommends inspection at regular service intervals.

Pricing and trim comparison

The Passport lineup includes several trim levels: Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, and Touring. The TrailSport sits in the middle of the price range and is positioned as the off-road focused option. It costs more than the Sport and EX-L trims but less than the Touring. Exact pricing varies by model year and your location, so check with Honda dealers for current figures.

The TrailSport includes equipment that is optional on lower trims, such as the locking rear differential, all-terrain tires, skid plates, and the multi-terrain response system. If you were to add these features to a Sport or EX-L model, the total cost would approach or exceed the TrailSport's price. The Touring trim adds luxury features like leather seating and a power moonroof but removes some off-road equipment, making it better suited for on-road driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Passport TrailSport handle serious rock crawling and extreme off-roading?

The Passport TrailSport is designed for backcountry trails, forest roads, and moderate off-road terrain. It is not built for extreme rock crawling or high-speed desert racing. The locking rear differential and all-terrain tires provide good traction on challenging surfaces, but the vehicle lacks features like electronic locking front differentials or portal axles that dedicated rock crawlers use. It is best suited for weekend trail driving and camping trips.

What is the difference between the TrailSport and the Touring trim?

The TrailSport prioritizes off-road capability with all-terrain tires, skid plates, and a locking rear differential. The Touring prioritizes on-road comfort with leather seating, a power moonroof, and premium audio. The Touring does not include the locking differential or all-terrain tires. Choose TrailSport if you plan regular off-road driving; choose Touring if you want luxury features and mostly drive on pavement.

Does the Passport TrailSport have a third row of seating?

No, the Passport TrailSport has only two rows and seats five people. If you need a third row, Honda's Pilot SUV offers that option. The Passport's design prioritizes cargo space and off-road capability over passenger seating.

Is the Passport TrailSport good for towing a travel trailer?

The Passport TrailSport can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which works for small travel trailers or utility trailers. Larger travel trailers typically exceed this capacity. Before towing, verify your specific vehicle's payload capacity, as this affects how much weight you can carry in addition to the trailer. Always use a properly rated hitch and brake controller.

What warranty does Honda provide on the Passport TrailSport?

Honda's standard warranty covers the vehicle for three years or 36,000 miles for general repairs, and five years or 60,000 miles for the powertrain (engine, transmission, drivetrain). Specific coverage details vary by region and model year. Contact a Honda dealer for the exact warranty terms that explore to your vehicle.