The 2025 Honda Passport TrailSport is a mid-size SUV built for off-road driving

The 2025 Honda Passport TrailSport is Honda's answer to drivers who want a vehicle that handles both highway driving and unpaved terrain. It sits between Honda's smaller CR-V and larger Pilot, with a body-on-frame design — meaning the metal frame sits separately from the body — that makes it stiffer and more capable on rough ground than unibody SUVs. The TrailSport trim level specifically adds off-road features like all-terrain tires, skid plates underneath the engine and fuel tank, and a locking rear differential that lets both rear wheels turn at the same speed for better traction in mud or sand.

The Passport TrailSport comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The vehicle sits higher than most crossovers — about 8.6 inches of ground clearance — and has an approach angle of 31 degrees and departure angle of 26 degrees, which describes how steep a hill it can climb or descend without scraping its front or rear bumper.

Key Takeaways

  • The TrailSport trim adds all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, and a locking rear differential compared to base Passport models.
  • The 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 280 horsepower and gets roughly 19 to 21 miles per gallon depending on driving conditions and whether you use two-wheel or all-wheel drive.
  • The body-on-frame construction and high ground clearance make it more capable on unpaved roads than most crossovers, though it rides firmer on pavement.
  • Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, which is moderate compared to full-size trucks but sufficient for small trailers and jet skis.
  • The interior is more utilitarian than luxury-focused, with durable materials and a straightforward layout rather than soft-touch plastics and complex infotainment systems.

Engine, transmission, and fuel economy

The 2025 Passport TrailSport uses Honda's 3.5-liter V6, the same engine found in the Honda Pilot and Ridgeline truck. It delivers 280 horsepower at 6,000 revolutions per minute and 262 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm. The nine-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels through Honda's Real Time All-Wheel Drive system, which normally sends most power to the front wheels but shifts torque to the rear when it detects slipping.

Fuel economy varies based on driving style and terrain. On highway driving, the TrailSport averages around 21 miles per gallon. In mixed city and highway driving, expect closer to 19 miles per gallon. Off-road driving, towing, and frequent acceleration lower this further. The fuel tank holds 19.5 gallons, giving a range of roughly 370 to 410 miles per tank under normal conditions.

The engine runs on regular unleaded gasoline — you do not need premium fuel. Oil changes are recommended every 10,000 miles or once per year, whichever comes first. The transmission fluid does not have a traditional drain-and-fill interval; Honda recommends having a dealer inspect it periodically rather than changing it on a fixed schedule.

Off-road features and capability

The TrailSport trim distinguishes itself from the base Passport through several off-road-specific additions. All-terrain tires replace the all-season tires on lower trims, offering deeper treads that grip loose surfaces better. Aluminum skid plates protect the engine, transmission, and fuel tank from rocks and roots. A locking rear differential is the most significant mechanical upgrade — when engaged, it forces both rear wheels to turn at identical speeds, preventing one wheel from spinning freely if it loses traction. This matters most in sand, mud, or when one side of the vehicle is higher than the other.

The Passport TrailSport does not have a low-range transfer case like traditional body-on-frame trucks do. Instead, it relies on its all-wheel-drive system, ground clearance, and locking differential for off-road performance. This means it handles moderate trails and unpaved roads well but is not designed for extreme rock crawling or deep water crossings. Honda rates the vehicle for trails rated "moderate" in difficulty — think forest service roads and sandy beaches rather than boulder fields.

The vehicle has a wading depth of 24 inches, meaning it can ford through water up to that level without water entering the engine. Approach and departure angles of 31 and 26 degrees respectively describe how steeply angled obstacles the vehicle can climb or descend. These numbers are competitive with other mid-size SUVs but lower than full-size trucks.

Interior layout and cargo space

The Passport TrailSport interior prioritizes durability and function over luxury. Seats use cloth upholstery on the TrailSport trim, with an eight-way power driver's seat and four-way power passenger seat. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped and adjusts for both reach and tilt. The dashboard uses hard plastics rather than soft-touch materials, which makes cleaning easier after muddy trips but feels less refined than luxury SUVs.

Cargo space behind the rear seats measures 28 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded flat, that expands to 76.5 cubic feet — enough for a small camping setup, mountain bikes, or off-road gear. The rear liftgate opens to a wide opening height, and the cargo floor is flat, making loading easier than vehicles with sloped cargo areas. A roof rack comes standard, rated for 150 pounds of cargo.

The center console includes a 12-volt power outlet and USB ports for charging devices. The infotainment system uses a touchscreen display — the size varies by model year and configuration — and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone integration. Climate control is automatic on the TrailSport, maintaining a set temperature without manual adjustment.

Towing and payload capacity

The 2025 Passport TrailSport has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. This assumes you have the trailer brake controller installed and are using an appropriate hitch. The vehicle comes with a Class III hitch receiver rated for 3,500 pounds of towing and 350 pounds of tongue weight as standard. Upgrading to a Class III hitch rated for 5,000 pounds requires dealer installation of additional hardware.

Payload capacity — the weight you can carry in the truck bed or cargo area — is approximately 1,500 pounds. This includes passengers, cargo, and any aftermarket additions like roof racks or roof boxes. If you plan to tow at maximum capacity, your payload decreases because the vehicle has a total weight limit.

The Passport TrailSport is suitable for towing small to mid-size trailers: jet skis, small fishing boats, utility trailers, or enclosed cargo trailers. It is not designed for towing large RVs or horse trailers, which typically require full-size trucks with higher towing capacities.

Safety features and ratings

The 2025 Passport TrailSport includes Honda Sensing, a suite of driver-information features standard on all trims. These include adaptive cruise control, which maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead; collision mitigation braking, which applies the brakes if a collision is imminent; lane keeping information, which gently steers to keep you centered in your lane; and road departure mitigation, which alerts you if you drift off the road unintentionally.

The vehicle also includes a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These features help prevent accidents during parking and lane changes. Eight airbags are standard, positioned around the cabin to protect occupants in a crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conduct crash testing on new vehicles. Check their websites directly for the most current 2025 Passport ratings, as test results are released throughout the model year and vary by test type.

Maintenance and reliability

Honda vehicles generally have a reputation for reliability, and the Passport uses proven components from other Honda models. The 3.5-liter V6 and nine-speed transmission are also found in the Pilot and Ridgeline, meaning parts are widely available and many mechanics are familiar with repairs.

Scheduled maintenance includes oil and filter changes every 10,000 miles, air filter replacement every 15,000 to 30,000 miles depending on driving conditions, and transmission fluid inspection at regular intervals. Brake fluid should be replaced every three years regardless of mileage. Tire rotation is recommended every 5,000 to 7,500 miles to may support even wear.

The all-terrain tires on the TrailSport wear faster than all-season tires, especially if you drive primarily on pavement. Budget for tire replacement every 25,000 to 40,000 miles depending on your driving mix. The locking rear differential requires no special maintenance beyond standard fluid checks.

Pricing and trim levels

The 2025 Passport lineup includes multiple trim levels: base, EX, EX-L, and TrailSport. The TrailSport sits at the top of the range and includes all the off-road features mentioned earlier. Pricing varies by region and dealer, so contact local Honda dealerships for current quotes. The TrailSport typically costs several thousand dollars more than the base model due to the all-terrain tires, skid plates, locking differential, and other upgrades.

Honda occasionally offers incentives, rebates, or financing promotions that vary by season and region. Dealer inventory and availability also affect pricing — some dealers may have limited TrailSport stock, which can influence negotiation. Certified pre-owned 2024 or earlier Passport models may be available at lower prices if you are open to a previous model year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Passport TrailSport handle serious off-roading?

The TrailSport is built for moderate trails and unpaved roads, not extreme off-roading. It lacks a low-range transfer case and locking front differential that full-size trucks have. It excels on forest service roads, sandy beaches, and rocky trails rated moderate in difficulty, but is not designed for rock crawling or deep water crossings.

How does the Passport TrailSport compare to the Toyota 4Runner?

The 4Runner is larger, heavier, and more capable on extreme terrain, with a traditional low-range transfer case and locking front and rear differentials. The Passport TrailSport is smaller, more fuel-efficient, and better on highways. Choose the 4Runner for serious off-road expeditions; choose the Passport for weekend adventures and daily driving.

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

The TrailSport adds all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, a locking rear differential, and all-terrain-focused styling. Lower trims use all-season tires and lack the locking differential. If you plan mostly highway driving with occasional unpaved roads, a lower trim may be sufficient and costs less.

Does the Passport TrailSport come with a warranty?

Honda includes a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. A five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty covers the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. Ask your dealer for the full warranty details and any extended warranty options available.

Is the Passport TrailSport good for towing a travel trailer?

The 5,000-pound towing capacity works for small travel trailers, typically those weighing 3,000 to 4,500 pounds. Larger trailers exceed the Passport's capacity and require a full-size truck. Verify your specific trailer's dry weight and tongue weight before purchasing to may support the Passport can handle it safely.