What the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is and who it's built for

The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is a mid-size SUV designed for off-road driving and daily use. It sits between Honda's smaller CR-V and larger Pilot, with a body-on-frame construction that gives it more ground clearance and towing capacity than unibody competitors. The TrailSport trim level adds all-terrain tires, all-wheel drive, skid plates, and a locking rear differential — features aimed at drivers who plan to leave paved roads regularly but still want a vehicle that works for commuting and family hauling.

Honda positions the Passport as a vehicle for people who want genuine off-road capability without the size or fuel consumption of a full-size truck. It's narrower than a Ford Bronco and less expensive, but more rugged than a standard CR-V. The TrailSport specifically targets buyers who want those off-road features standard rather than bolted on as aftermarket additions.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2026 Passport TrailSport comes standard with all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, skid plates, and a locking rear differential for off-road traction.
  • It uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is moderate for its class.
  • The TrailSport trim costs more than base Passport models but less than fully loaded versions, and includes features like roof rails and underbody protection that base trims omit.
  • Fuel economy ranges from 19 to 22 miles per gallon depending on driving conditions, which is typical for body-on-frame SUVs of this size.
  • Honda's warranty covers the powertrain for 5 years or 60,000 miles, and the vehicle itself for 3 years or 36,000 miles.

Engine, transmission, and real-world performance numbers

The 2026 Passport TrailSport uses Honda's 3.5-liter V6 engine, the same unit found in the Pilot and Ridgeline. It produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Power goes to all four wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission. Honda does not offer a manual transmission option or a hybrid version of the Passport.

In real-world testing, the Passport TrailSport reaches 60 miles per hour from a stop in roughly 8 to 8.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 112 miles per hour. Fuel economy sits at 19 miles per gallon in the city, 22 on the highway, and 20 combined — figures that hold steady whether you're on pavement or light trails. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds with a trailer brake, which is adequate for small boat trailers or utility trailers but modest compared to truck-based SUVs.

The locking rear differential, standard on the TrailSport, engages when you need maximum traction on rocks or sand. It's not automatic — you set up it manually through a button on the dashboard — and Honda recommends disengaging it before returning to paved roads to avoid drivetrain stress.

Off-road features and what they actually do

The TrailSport trim includes several factory-installed features that distinguish it from base Passport models. All-terrain tires replace the all-season rubber on lower trims; they have more aggressive tread for unpaved surfaces but wear faster on highways. Aluminum skid plates protect the engine, transmission, and fuel tank from rocks and roots. Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, which is higher than a CR-V but lower than a Wrangler or Bronco.

The all-wheel-drive system uses a two-speed transfer case, meaning you can shift between high-range (for normal driving) and low-range (for steep climbs or descents). Low-range multiplies engine torque, making it easier to crawl over obstacles at walking speed. The system is not full-time four-wheel drive — the front wheels disengage on pavement to reduce wear and improve fuel economy.

Honda includes an off-road traction management system that adjusts throttle response and braking to maintain grip on loose surfaces. It's less aggressive than systems in Jeep or Ford products, but it works well for moderate trails and rocky terrain. The Passport is not designed for extreme rock crawling or deep water fording — it's built for forest roads, desert washes, and the kind of terrain you'd encounter at a national forest campground.

Interior space, seating, and cargo room

The Passport seats five across two rows. The front seats are supportive and adjustable; the rear bench is comfortable for two adults or three teenagers on shorter trips. Legroom in back is adequate but not generous — adults over six feet tall may feel cramped on long drives. The TrailSport trim includes cloth upholstery standard, with leather available as an option.

Cargo space behind the rear seats is 39.3 cubic feet. Fold the rear row flat and that expands to 76.5 cubic feet, which is less than a Pilot but more than a CR-V. The cargo floor is flat and straightforward to load, and tie-down points are built into the walls. There's no third row, so the Passport is a five-seater only.

The dashboard layout is straightforward: a 7-inch touchscreen comes standard on the TrailSport, with an 8-inch screen available. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. Climate control is dual-zone automatic, so driver and passenger can set different temperatures. Storage cubbies are plentiful, and the center console includes a 12-volt outlet and USB ports.

Safety features and crash test results

The 2026 Passport comes standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of driver-information features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. These systems use cameras and radar to monitor the road and alert or intervene if a collision seems likely. They cannot be fully disabled, though you can turn off individual features through the settings menu.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet published crash test results for the 2026 Passport as of this writing. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not published results either. Previous-generation Passports performed well in both agencies' tests, but results vary year to year as designs change. Check the NHTSA and IIHS websites directly for the most current 2026 data once testing is complete.

The Passport has eight airbags standard, including front, side, and curtain airbags. All seats have three-point seatbelts with pretensioners. The vehicle has electronic stability control and hill-start information, which holds the brakes briefly when you're on an incline to prevent rollback.

Pricing, trim levels, and what changes between them

Honda offers the Passport in four trim levels: Sport, EX, TrailSport, and Touring. Pricing varies by region and dealer, so check Honda's website or contact local dealers for exact figures. The TrailSport sits in the middle of the lineup — more expensive than Sport and EX, less than Touring. The price difference between TrailSport and EX is typically $2,000 to $3,000, depending on options.

The TrailSport adds all-terrain tires, skid plates, the locking rear differential, roof rails, and all-wheel drive as standard. EX models come with all-wheel drive but use all-season tires and lack the locking differential and skid plates. Sport is the base model and comes with front-wheel drive standard, though all-wheel drive is available as an option. Touring adds leather, a power liftgate, and upgraded audio but is primarily aimed at highway driving rather than off-road use.

All trims include the 3.5-liter V6, 9-speed automatic, Honda Sensing, and the 7-inch touchscreen. Options across all trims include a larger 8-inch screen, leather upholstery, a power moonroof, and a premium audio system. No trim offers a diesel engine, hybrid powertrain, or alternative fuel option.

Maintenance costs and warranty coverage

Honda's powertrain warranty covers the engine, transmission, and drivetrain for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. The basic vehicle warranty covers everything else for 3 years or 36,000 miles. Rust perforation is covered for 5 years with no mileage limit. These terms are standard across all Passport trim levels.

Routine maintenance — oil changes, air filter replacements, fluid checks — follows Honda's recommended schedule, which calls for service every 6 months or 10,000 miles. Brake fluid should be changed every 3 years regardless of mileage. Transmission fluid is sealed and not user-serviceable; Honda does not publish a replacement interval for normal driving. All-terrain tires wear faster than all-season tires on pavement, so budget for replacement sooner if you drive mostly on roads.

Parts availability is good because the Passport shares many components with the Pilot and CR-V. Labor rates at Honda dealerships vary by location but typically run $100 to $150 per hour. Independent shops often charge less. The locking rear differential and skid plates are durable and rarely need service unless damaged by rocks or debris.

How the 2026 Passport TrailSport compares to rivals

The closest competitors are the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, and Chevrolet Blazer. The Wrangler is more capable off-road and more customizable but less refined on pavement and less spacious inside. The Bronco is larger, more powerful, and more expensive, with a more truck-like driving experience. The Blazer is more car-like, better on highways, but less capable on rough terrain.

Compared to the CR-V, the Passport offers more ground clearance, a locking differential, and body-on-frame construction, making it genuinely useful for trails. Compared to the Pilot, the Passport is smaller, more nimble in tight spaces, and cheaper, but has less cargo room and seats only five instead of eight. The Passport occupies a middle ground: more off-road-ready than a typical crossover, more livable than a hardcore off-roader.

Resale value for Passports is strong because Honda's reputation for reliability is well-established, and the off-road market remains active. A three-year-old Passport typically retains 55 to 65 percent of its original price, depending on mileage and condition. This is better than many competitors in the segment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the 2026 Passport TrailSport handle serious rock crawling or desert racing?

No. The Passport is built for moderate trails, forest roads, and light off-roading. It lacks the approach and departure angles, ground clearance, and suspension articulation needed for extreme rock crawling. For serious off-road use, a Wrangler Rubicon or Bronco Raptor is better suited.

What's the difference between the TrailSport and the Touring trim?

The TrailSport prioritizes off-road features: all-terrain tires, locking rear differential, and skid plates. The Touring prioritizes comfort and luxury: leather seats, power liftgate, and upgraded audio. Both have all-wheel drive and the same engine. Choose TrailSport if you plan to use trails; choose Touring if you want a highway cruiser.

Does the Passport come with a spare tire?

Yes. All 2026 Passport models include a full-size spare tire mounted on the rear door. This is standard across all trims and is one advantage over some competitors that offer only a temporary spare.

How does the Passport handle snow and ice compared to a truck?

The Passport's all-wheel-drive system and electronic stability control work well in snow and ice, similar to other all-wheel-drive SUVs. It's not as capable as a truck with a locking differential in deep snow, but it's more stable and easier to control on slippery pavement. Winter tires are recommended in cold climates, just as they are for trucks.

Is the 2026 Passport significantly different from the 2025 model?

Honda made minor updates for 2026: a revised grille, updated infotainment software, and some interior trim changes. The engine, transmission, chassis, and core features remain the same. If you're considering a used 2025 model, the differences are cosmetic rather than mechanical.