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

The Honda Passport TrailSport Elite is a body-on-frame SUV designed to handle both highway driving and unpaved terrain. It sits between Honda's smaller CR-V and larger Pilot in the lineup, with a focus on off-road capability rather than maximum passenger space. The TrailSport Elite is the highest trim level within the TrailSport line, meaning it includes more comfort and convenience features than base TrailSport models while keeping the same chassis and engine.

This vehicle uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The frame-based construction (rather than unibody) gives it a separate body and frame, which is typical for vehicles designed to handle rough terrain. Honda positions this model for buyers who want genuine off-road performance without sacrificing interior comfort on daily drives.

Key Takeaways

  • The TrailSport Elite trim adds leather seating, a power moonroof, and upgraded audio compared to base TrailSport models, while keeping the same engine and four-wheel-drive system.
  • Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, and the vehicle includes all-terrain tires, skid plates, and a locking rear differential designed for unpaved driving.
  • Fuel economy is approximately 19 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway, though actual mileage varies based on driving conditions and habits.
  • The Passport seats five passengers and offers 76.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable when seats fold down.
  • Standard safety features include Honda Sensing, a suite of driver-information technologies, though specific features vary by model year.

Engine, transmission, and fuel economy

The TrailSport Elite uses Honda's 3.5-liter V6 engine, which 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 a part-time four-wheel-drive system. Part-time means you can switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive manually, which reduces fuel consumption when four-wheel drive is not needed.

Fuel economy for the Passport TrailSport Elite is rated at approximately 19 miles per gallon in city driving and 25 miles per gallon on highways, according to EPA estimates. Real-world mileage depends on your driving style, terrain, weather, and how often you use four-wheel drive. Off-road driving and towing will lower fuel economy compared to highway driving.

The vehicle has a 19-gallon fuel tank, which means a full tank should provide a range of roughly 360 to 475 miles depending on driving conditions. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it suitable for small trailers or boats.

Off-road features and ground clearance

The Passport TrailSport Elite is built on a frame-based platform that allows for higher ground clearance and better approach angles than unibody SUVs. Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, which is adequate for moderate off-road trails but not extreme terrain. The vehicle includes all-terrain tires as standard, which provide better grip on unpaved surfaces than highway tires.

Standard off-road equipment includes skid plates that protect the engine, transmission, and fuel tank from rocks and obstacles. A locking rear differential is also standard, which locks the rear wheels together for better traction when one wheel loses grip. The TrailSport line also includes a multi-mode drive system that adjusts engine and transmission behavior for different terrain — modes include Normal, Gravel, Mud, and Sand.

The approach angle (the steepness a vehicle can climb without the front bumper hitting the ground) is 31.6 degrees, and the departure angle is 26.3 degrees. These numbers matter for steep hills and rocky terrain, though they are not extreme by dedicated off-road vehicle standards.

Interior comfort and technology in the TrailSport Elite trim

The TrailSport Elite trim adds leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats, and a power moonroof compared to base TrailSport models. The cabin seats five passengers across two rows, with the front row offering individual bucket seats and the rear offering a bench seat. Rear passengers have 38.9 inches of legroom, which is adequate for adults on shorter drives but not spacious for long trips.

The infotainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to mirror your smartphone for navigation and audio. The TrailSport Elite adds a 10-speaker audio system and wireless phone charging. Climate control is dual-zone automatic, meaning the driver and front passenger can set different temperatures.

Storage includes 76.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 153.1 cubic feet when the rear seats fold flat. The vehicle also includes roof rails for mounting cargo carriers or other accessories, and a power liftgate on the TrailSport Elite trim.

Safety features and driver information

The Passport TrailSport Elite comes standard with Honda Sensing, a package of driver-information technologies. This suite typically includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, collision mitigation braking, and lane departure warning. The specific features and their names vary slightly by model year, so checking your owner's manual or Honda's website for your vehicle's year is important.

Standard safety features also include multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera. The vehicle has not been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as a separate model, so crash test data is limited. Honda publishes safety information on its website if you want detailed specifications for your model year.

Trim levels and what TrailSport Elite includes

The Passport lineup includes several trim levels: base Passport, TrailSport, and TrailSport Elite. The TrailSport line focuses on off-road capability, while higher trims add comfort features. The TrailSport Elite is the top trim within the TrailSport line, meaning it includes everything in the base TrailSport plus additional interior upgrades.

Compared to the base TrailSport, the Elite trim adds leather seating, heated front seats, a power moonroof, a 10-speaker audio system, wireless phone charging, and a power liftgate. Both TrailSport and TrailSport Elite share the same engine, transmission, four-wheel-drive system, and off-road features like the locking rear differential and all-terrain tires. The main difference is interior comfort and convenience, not capability.

Honda also offers a standard Passport trim that does not include the TrailSport package. The standard model has less aggressive styling, different tires, and fewer off-road features, making it more suited to on-road driving.

Maintenance and ownership costs

Honda Passports typically have lower maintenance costs than some competitors because the V6 engine and nine-speed transmission are proven designs used across multiple Honda models. Oil changes are recommended every 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Tire rotation is recommended every 7,500 miles.

All-terrain tires wear faster than highway tires, especially if you drive off-road frequently. Replacement tires for the Passport are available from multiple manufacturers and typically cost between $150 and $300 per tire, depending on the brand and quality. The vehicle uses a standard tire size, so you have many options.

Insurance costs for the Passport TrailSport Elite vary based on your location, driving history, and coverage choices. Contact insurance companies directly for quotes, as rates differ significantly. The vehicle's safety features and moderate size typically result in reasonable insurance premiums compared to larger SUVs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between TrailSport and TrailSport Elite?

Both share the same engine, transmission, and off-road features. The Elite trim adds leather seating, heated front seats, a power moonroof, a 10-speaker audio system, wireless phone charging, and a power liftgate. If off-road capability is your priority, both trims are equivalent; the Elite is for buyers who want more interior comfort.

Can the Passport handle serious rock crawling or extreme trails?

The Passport is designed for moderate off-road driving — gravel roads, light trails, and uneven terrain. Its 8.6-inch ground clearance and approach angles are adequate for many trails but not extreme terrain. Dedicated rock crawlers and serious off-road vehicles have higher clearance and different suspension designs.

How many people can sit in the Passport?

The Passport seats five people: two in the front and three in the rear bench seat. There is no third-row seating option. Rear legroom is 38.9 inches, which is adequate for adults on shorter drives but tight for long trips with full-size passengers.

What is the towing capacity?

The Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with a trailer hitch and brake controller. This is suitable for small trailers, jet skis, or lightweight boats. Heavier loads require a vehicle with higher towing capacity.

Does the Passport come in hybrid or electric versions?

No, the Passport is only available with the 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine. Honda does not currently offer a hybrid or electric version of the Passport. If fuel economy is a priority, the standard Passport or CR-V may be better choices than the TrailSport Elite.