The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite is a mid-size SUV built for off-road driving

The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite sits between Honda's everyday CR-V and its larger Pilot SUV. It's designed as a vehicle for people who want serious off-road capability — think unpaved mountain roads, rocky terrain, and river crossings — rather than just the appearance of ruggedness. The TrailSport Elite is the highest trim level available for the Passport line, which means it comes with more features and comfort options than the base or mid-range models.

This vehicle is built on a truck-based platform, which gives it a body-on-frame construction similar to traditional pickup trucks. That design choice affects how it handles on pavement (stiffer, noisier) but makes it more capable when you leave paved roads. The TrailSport Elite trim specifically adds off-road-focused features like all-terrain tires, skid plates, and a locking rear differential — equipment that helps you maintain traction in difficult conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2026 Passport TrailSport Elite is built on a truck platform with body-on-frame construction, making it more capable off-road than car-based SUVs but less comfortable on highways.
  • This trim level includes off-road equipment like all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, and a locking rear differential as standard features.
  • The vehicle seats five passengers and uses a V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
  • TrailSport Elite pricing and exact feature availability may vary by region and dealer, so checking with local Honda dealers gives you the most current information.

Engine, transmission, and fuel economy

The 2026 Passport TrailSport Elite uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The V6 is designed to handle towing and off-road driving without requiring premium fuel — regular unleaded works fine.

Fuel economy for the 2026 model sits around 19 miles per gallon in the city and 24 on the highway, though your actual mileage will depend on driving conditions, terrain, and how much weight you're carrying. Off-road driving and towing will lower these numbers. The fuel tank holds 19.5 gallons, which gives you a driving range of roughly 300 to 400 miles between fill-ups under normal conditions.

Off-road features that come standard on the TrailSport Elite

The TrailSport Elite trim is where Honda bundles its off-road equipment. All models at this level come with Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner all-terrain tires, which are designed to grip unpaved surfaces better than standard highway tires. The vehicle also has aluminum skid plates that protect the engine, transmission, and fuel tank from rocks and debris when you're driving over rough terrain.

A locking rear differential is included, which means the rear wheels can be locked together to spin at the same speed. This feature helps when one rear wheel loses traction — instead of that wheel spinning uselessly while the other wheel stays still, both wheels push forward together. The TrailSport Elite also has an electronic locking front differential available, which works the same way at the front axle. Approach and departure angles (the steepness a vehicle can climb or descend without scraping) are optimized for off-road use, and the vehicle sits higher off the ground than most car-based SUVs.

Interior comfort and technology features

Inside, the TrailSport Elite offers heated leather seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The infotainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to connect your smartphone for navigation and audio. A backup camera comes standard, and the TrailSport Elite adds a surround-view camera system that shows you a 360-degree view around the vehicle — useful when navigating tight trails or parking in crowded spaces.

The vehicle seats five people across two rows. Cargo space behind the rear seats measures 28.3 cubic feet, which expands to 76.5 cubic feet when you fold the rear seats down. That's enough for camping gear, tools, or supplies for a weekend trip, though it's smaller than what you'd get in a three-row SUV like the Pilot.

Safety features and driver information systems

The 2026 Passport TrailSport Elite comes with Honda Sensing, which is Honda's suite of driver information and safety technologies. This includes adaptive cruise control (which maintains a set distance from the car ahead), lane keeping information (which gently steers you back if you drift out of your lane), and collision mitigation braking (which can explore the brakes if a collision is imminent). A blind-spot information system alerts you when vehicles are in your blind spots, and lane change information can help you merge safely.

The vehicle has eight airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. All of these features work together to reduce the risk of accidents, though they're not substitutes for attentive driving. If you're planning to take the vehicle off-road, remember that some of these systems may not function as designed on uneven terrain or in extreme conditions.

Towing capacity and payload

The 2026 Passport TrailSport Elite can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with a trailer hitch and brake controller. That's enough for a small to mid-size travel trailer, a boat, or an ATV trailer. The vehicle's payload capacity (the weight you can carry in the bed or cabin) is around 1,500 pounds, depending on configuration. If you plan to tow regularly, factor in the weight of passengers and cargo you'll be carrying — that reduces how much additional weight the vehicle can handle.

Towing does affect fuel economy noticeably. Expect to see a drop of 2 to 4 miles per gallon when pulling a loaded trailer, especially on hills or at highway speeds. The V6 engine has enough power for most towing jobs, but heavier loads will require more throttle and generate more heat.

Pricing and where to find current information

The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite's price varies by region, dealer, and current market conditions. Honda's official website lists starting prices, but actual prices depend on local demand, dealer inventory, and any current promotions. Some dealers may offer financing incentives or rebates that affect your final cost.

To get accurate pricing and availability for your area, contact Honda dealers directly or visit Honda's official website. They can tell you what inventory they have, what colors and options are available, and what financing or lease terms they're currently offering. Dealer websites often show inventory with photos and detailed specifications, which helps you compare what's available near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2026 Passport TrailSport Elite good for daily driving, or is it only for off-road use?

It works for both, though it's a compromise. On highways, the truck-based platform means more road noise and a stiffer ride than a car-based SUV like the CR-V. But it's comfortable enough for daily commuting, and the off-road capability is there if you want it. Many owners use it as their primary vehicle and take it off-road occasionally rather than the other way around.

What's the difference between the TrailSport Elite and other Passport trim levels?

The TrailSport Elite is the top trim, so it includes all the off-road equipment standard — all-terrain tires, skid plates, locking differentials, and premium interior features like leather seats. Lower trims have fewer off-road features and simpler interiors. If off-road capability is important to you, the TrailSport Elite is where you get the full package.

Can I use the locking differentials on regular roads?

You can, but you shouldn't use them regularly on pavement. Locking differentials are designed for low-speed off-road driving where traction is limited. On paved roads at normal speeds, they can cause tire wear, handling problems, and stress on the drivetrain. Use them only when you need extra traction on unpaved terrain.

How does the 2026 Passport compare to competitors like the Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner?

The Passport is smaller and more affordable than a 4Runner, with better fuel economy. Compared to a Wrangler, the Passport has more interior space and comfort features, though the Wrangler is generally considered more capable in extreme off-road conditions. The choice depends on whether you prioritize daily comfort, off-road performance, or a balance of both.

What kind of maintenance should I expect with the V6 engine?

Honda V6 engines are generally reliable with routine maintenance — oil changes every 10,000 miles, regular fluid checks, and scheduled service according to the owner's manual. Off-road driving may require more frequent air filter changes due to dust and debris. Costs are typically moderate compared to luxury brands, and parts are widely available at Honda dealers and independent shops.