2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Touring Review

Have you ever felt stuck choosing between a crossover that looks tough but can’t handle dirt?

The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Touring proves you don’t have to compromise. This SUV gives you genuine off-road skills and family comfort in one package. It rocks a fresh look, higher ground clearance, tough General Grabber A/T Sport tires, skid plates, and tech like wireless Apple CarPlay.

Overview of the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Touring

I could see myself taking on muddy trails or hauling groceries, feeling right at home either way. The 2026 Passport TrailSport grabs attention with its tough look and smart updates.

Honda assembled this SUV in Lincoln, Alabama, putting serious work into making it more than just another pretty face.

Rugged new design

Squared-off lines take me straight back to the ’90s, but with more attitude. Blocky rectangular headlights brightened by amber running lights give this Honda Passport TrailSport a bold stare.

Orange recovery hooks pop under that big “Passport” badge between the grille and bumper.

This tells everyone the SUV is ready for rough stuff like a Toyota 4Runner or Ford Bronco. I spot thick black plastic cladding, TrailSport logos around every corner, plus silver bumper accents that mimic real skid plates.

Those 18-inch alloy wheels look like beadlocks.

They get wrapped in tough General Grabber A/T Sport tires, 275/60R size, so off-roading doesn’t feel just for show. There’s even a fake hood scoop on top for some extra street cred. LED lamps shine anywhere you’d want them, front and rear.

Big wipers stick out from under a working rear spoiler.

They don’t hide grime after mud runs or snow blasts on cold mornings either. Paint options like Platinum White Pearl only cost $400 extra, a small price to stand out at any trailhead next to Jeep Grand Cherokee or Hyundai Santa Fe drivers.

Enhanced off-road capabilities

Honda gives the 2026 Passport TrailSport a solid boost in off-road capability. The i-VTM4 torque vectoring all-wheel drive system comes standard on every TrailSport trim.

According to Motor Trend testing, this advanced system can send up to 70 percent of the engine’s torque to a single rear wheel when needed, helping you scramble over obstacles even with only two or three tires touching ground. Orange recovery hooks at the front stand out against muddy tracks. They are not just for show, but real tools if you or your buddy get stuck.

The suspension is tuned specially for bumpy trails.

With a ground clearance of 8.3 inches, one could clear ruts without scraping those shiny new skid plates underneath. The shorter front end means a sharper approach angle of 23 degrees, so steep hills don’t look as scary anymore.

There’s no locking differential here, though the torque vectoring makes up for it on gravel roads or deep sand when using trail and sand modes.

Practical interior updates

Cargo space gets a big boost from a boxy shape that makes every inch count. Two hefty side bins swallow muddy boots, gear, or even extra snacks for the road.

Flipping up the split cargo floor opens easy access to both storage and the full-size spare tire.

The spare can stand tall without cutting into usable cargo volume. You can plug in anything with the standard 115V outlet out back. You can keep your hands free thanks to the walk-away auto-close liftgate feature.

Practical touches still win here over any fancy tricks or styling frills. This cabin is about making adventure easier for drivers who use all-terrain tires or want charger power right where their coolers ride.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Power comes steady from a V6 engine, packed with enough muscle to handle those all-terrain tires and off-road trips. The 10-speed automatic shifts smooth as butter, while trail mode keeps traction control on your side.

V6 engine specifications

The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Touring runs a 3.5-liter V6 DOHC engine, straight out of the Honda Pilot‘s playbook. This naturally aspirated workhorse puts down 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.

That’s strong enough to push through sand mode or tackle gnarly trails with confidence.

No turbo here, just smooth old-school muscle that sounds as good as it feels underfoot. Fuel tank capacity sits at a healthy 18.5 gallons on the driver’s side, making long off-road trips less stressful for folks like me who hate stopping often.

I notice this V6 feels more eager than its numbers suggest.

Plenty of grunt when you punch it over rocks or up steep slopes thanks to that proven Honda architecture. With rivals like Toyota 4Runner leaning into hybrid hype or turbocharged four-bangers, I appreciate sticking with something familiar yet tough, especially if off-road capability is what matters most.

10-speed automatic transmission

Every 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Touring gets a 10-speed automatic transmission. I noticed it offers the right gear most of the time, which helps with fuel economy and smooth shifting on highways or winding trails.

Shift paddles let me take control for those steeper climbs or sharper turns out in rough country.

Some drivers reported this setup can feel touchy during slow driving or when taking off from a complete stop.

It sometimes hesitates before picking a gear if I stomp the brake pedal at the last second, but quickly snaps back to work once moving again. This gearbox works well with Honda’s V6 engine on dirt roads and steep grades.

Off-road driving modes

Off-road driving modes on the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Touring are a real lifesaver for tough trails. Each mode tunes your ride to handle different surfaces and conditions with ease.

1. Trail Mode changes throttle, suspension, and torque split to boost off-road capability on rutted paths or rocky tracks.
2. Sand Mode adjusts the traction to keep ground clearance steady and helps push through loose sand without getting stuck.
3. Sport Mode tightens up response for more grip and sharper handling when picking up speed on open dirt roads.
4. Snow Mode keeps wheels from slipping by shifting power between tires; it saves the day if heavy snowfall hides potholes or ice patches.
5. Downhill Descent Control makes steep drops easier by holding brake pressure, which keeps speed in check even with full cargo volume in the trunk.
6. The Brake Stop feature stops rollbacks on steep hills, letting me focus on steering without worrying about sliding backward.
7. The Trail Watch camera system gives a clear view of boulders, logs, or tree roots right under my bumper; this keeps approach angle and departure angle drama-free.
8. All-terrain General Grabber A/T Sport tires team up with skid plates to shield the underbody while you crawl over gravel or sharp rocks.
9. Adaptive cruise control adds comfort on long fire roads, while lane keeping assist steps in during wide sweeps across mud or sand fields.

These drive modes quickly make climbing slopes or crossing deep ruts feel less risky. Just flick a switch and go wherever the trail takes you.

Real-world fuel economy

The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Touring doesn’t sip fuel like a Honda Civic, but it hangs tough for an off-road SUV. My real-world mixed driving saw the numbers hit 12.0 liters/100 km combined, with about 50/50 city/highway driving. I do drive with a light foot and don’t usually have much cargo.

According to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the 2026 Honda Passport should consume 12.6 L/100 km in city driving, 9.9 L/100 km on the highway, for a combined driving consumption of 11.4 L/100 km. Even with my light-footed driving, I wasn’t able to match the claimed number, which I usually do. So, in my opinion, the Passport is not as efficient as claimed.

Ride and Handling

On rocky trails or smooth highways, the Passport TrailSport Touring handles bumps with poise using its improved rear suspension and all-terrain tires.

Smooth on-road refinement

Honda tuned the Passport TrailSport Touring for a ride that feels calm and sure, even over broken pavement or city potholes. The new steering system is quick and precise.

Parking this boxy SUV becomes a cinch, thanks to its tight turning radius.

Comfort stands out right away, a surprise in something built with such strong off-road capability and all-terrain tires like General Grabber A/T Sport fitted as standard. Sound insulation deserves applause, beating most other Honda SUVs including the Honda Accord or Civic Type R.

Wind noise drops to a whisper at highway speeds.

The cabin stays quiet enough for easy conversation or calls using wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on busy commutes. Acceleration feels punchy in Sport mode. Merging onto fast highways never rattles my nerves.

Whether I’m driving short miles through traffic or heading out past city limits, ride quality ranks well above many rivals like the Toyota 4Runner or Chevy Blazer, giving me less fatigue after long drives with plenty of ground clearance left for curb-hopping moments when needed.

Improved suspension for rough terrain

Steering feels better than ever, and the off-road-tuned suspension makes every rocky path smoother. My first drive had me rolling over bumps that would rattle your teeth in a minivan, yet the Passport TrailSport Touring soaked up hits with ease.

MacPherson struts up front paired with independent rear suspension allow more body motion on uneven ground but never feel sloppy. Trail mode takes it further by tweaking throttle response and torque distribution when I select rougher trails.

The result is real confidence picking through rocks or loose sand without losing grip or comfort.

Even on city streets, I noticed bumps are well controlled thanks to extra tuning for this 2026 model year. All these upgrades show clear attention to folks like me who want serious off-road capability while still getting smooth rides back home from the trailhead.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport gives you roomy seats, a digital gauge cluster that’s easy on the eyes, and more cargo volume than I’d ever need.

Spacious cabin layout

The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Touring feels huge inside, thanks to wide-opening doors and a bright, airy cabin helped by the panoramic sunroof. Black and tan dash colors pop with orange accents specific to the TrailSport trim.

Five adults sit comfortably.

Rear legroom nearly matches front row space at 40.9 inches versus 41.1 inches up front. Rear headroom measures an impressive 39.6 inches for taller passengers.

Rear seats fold flat for more cargo volume but do not slide or recline.

A center armrest with cupholders keeps back seat riders happy on long drives down rough trails. Easy-access USB-C ports, air vents, and a power outlet run along the back of the console too.

As soon as you settle in that plush heated seat and glance at your digital gauge cluster or reach for wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity, it’s clear comfort meets capability here.

Advanced infotainment system

A huge 12.3-inch touchscreen sits front and center, running a Google-based system that just makes sense. I can swipe through menus fast, tap for music or maps, and change settings with hardly any learning curve.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keep me connected on the trail without tangled cords.

Google Maps pops right up for easy directions in those tricky spots. The digital gauge cluster measures a sharp 10.25 inches, letting me pick what info I want to see while off-roading, a real bonus in deep sand or heavy rain.

Two USB-C ports plus wireless charging help keep my phone juiced during long trips into wild country.

Climate controls, audio knobs, and quick-access buttons sit below the screen so I don’t get distracted from rough ground clearance checks or steep approach angles. According to General Motors and Ford experiences, many companies are moving to Google-built systems because Google Assistant ranks as one of the best voice interfaces on the market.

The backup camera gives an all-around view but could use sharper detail and wider coverage out back.

Ample storage space

Cargo space in the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Touring leaves little to want for on a road trip or out camping. Behind the second row sits 44 cubic feet of cargo volume, enough for large suitcases or even a cooler and camping gear.

Fold down the seats flat and storage jumps up to an impressive 83.8 cubic feet.

That’s some room to haul tents or pack fishing rods for weekend fun. The boxy cargo area makes it easy to load big boxes, while side bins hold muddy boots.

I find under-floor storage handy for stashing tools or the spare tire out of sight but within reach.

A standard 115-volt power outlet lets me plug in lights right at camp without needing extra batteries. Those super-sized cupholders swallow my giant water bottle with ease, it actually fits!

If you pick up the Adventure Package, molle panels help organize smaller items like gloves and maps.

Plus there’s a sturdy shelf that pops out as a picnic table when hunger hits on tough trails.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Honda Sensing brings peace of mind with smart features like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist system. FCW, collision mitigation braking system, and road departure mitigation system help keep you safe if things get hairy.

Standard safety technologies

I get peace of mind with the updated Honda Sensing suite in this honda passport. Collision Mitigation Braking and Advanced Pedestrian Detection kick in if a walker appears out of nowhere.

The Forward Collision Warning and Road Departure Mitigation System help keep things steady whether I’m rolling to the store or hitting a rocky trail.

Blind Spot Monitoring with Cross Traffic Monitor gives me an extra set of eyes.

Parking sensors on both ends, automatic headlights, and Adaptive Cruise Control add another layer to my off-road confidence. Lane Keeping Assist does its job on wild backroads or highways, while Traffic Jam Assist helps when trails turn into traffic jams.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety upgraded ratings for rear seat belts in recent tests, which is always nice for passengers tagging along on muddy adventures.

Advanced driver-assistance systems

The Honda Passport TrailSport Touring brings a strong set of high-tech driver aids built for real-world adventure. These systems work hard to keep you safe on muddy trails and busy highways alike.

1. Lane centering assistance tries to help, but I notice it causes the SUV to wander between lines instead of staying locked in the center.
2. Lane departure warning uses a steering wheel shake, which feels weak at times. I sometimes question if it’s working during quick lane changes.
3. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) reacts slow when overtaking. Sometimes, it holds back and keeps speed low even after you pass a slower car.
4. Rear cross traffic alert and automatic emergency braking come standard and help if someone or something pops up behind you near shopping carts or tight trailheads.
5. Smoother adaptive cruise control helps during heavy traffic, with fewer jerky starts and stops than older models like the Isuzu Rodeo or Toyota 4Runner ever offered.
6. Lane keeping assistance sits in the advanced safety suite. Still, I wish the system felt more direct on steep slopes or rough gravel tracks.
7. Parking sensors pair with cameras for those tight spots where rocks or tree roots hide just out of view. You’ll appreciate this trailwatch camera system while climbing sharp approach angles or squeezing over tough breakover points.

2026 Honda Passport Canadian Prices

In Canada, all trims of the 2026 Honda Passport are called TrailSport, unlike the previous generation which included the Passport Sport and Passport Touring. Below is a list of all the trims available on the 2026 Honda Passport.

The above prices don’t include additional fees like Freight & PDI ($2,000), Federal Air Conditioner Fee ($100), Tire Tax 18″ plus ($32.50), and Dealer Fees ($999), and of course don’t forget to account for local and Federal sales taxes, which will vary depend on where you live.

Strengths and Weaknesses

This rig knocks it out of the park with ground clearance and all-terrain tires, making tough trails less scary. A few gripes linger. For folks after maximum fuel economy or plush features like a panoramic sunroof, you might want to keep looking.

Key advantages

Rugged new styling makes the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Touring stand out beside the Toyota 4Runner and even models from Acura. Big ground clearance, all-terrain General Grabber A/T Sport tires, upgraded skid plates, plus improved approach angle and breakover angle help it handle off-road trails with grit.

With a solid 3.5L V6 pushing out 285 horsepower and a muscular towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, this SUV does not back down from work or fun.

Inside feels huge, with cargo volume stretching up to 83.8 cubic feet, and smart storage spots keep my gear tidy on trips.

The cabin packs in comfort features like heated front seats, ventilated seats for hot days, an advanced digital gauge cluster, and a panoramic sunroof that brightens long drives in the wilds or city streets alike. Tech stays sharp too.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto sit alongside Google Maps support for no-fuss navigation while trail driving modes like Sand Mode make rough patches feel easy underfoot.

Honda’s reputation means resale values stay strong year after year, music to anyone’s ears thinking about trade-in value down the road.

Areas for improvement

Fuel economy trails behind the hybrid Toyota 4Runner and other off-road rivals, leaving me at the pump more than I’d like. Seat padding feels thin on long stretches or bumpy tracks and my back sometimes wishes for softer support.

The 10-speed transmission can act unsure at low speeds, especially in traffic or stop-and-go trail crawling.

Lane-keeping assist works but could use polish. It doesn’t feel as smooth as what you get in some other Honda models.

Build quality gremlins pop up here and there. Some 2026 Passport owners on forums report issues like first gear feeling sluggish and jerky, noisy windshield wipers, and hesitation when pressing the accelerator to pass.

The cargo cover needs a redesign since it’s bulky and lacks auto retraction.

Honda dropped Sirius XM radio across the lineup, which is strange for a Touring model loaded with features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Final Thoughts On The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport

The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Touring takes off-road capability and comfort to a new level. The V6 engine, smart 10-speed gearbox, and all-terrain tires work well together for both city roads and rough trails.

Key features like 8.3 inches of ground clearance, adaptive cruise control, heated steering wheel, and wireless Apple CarPlay make daily driving simple and efficient.

2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Review Photo Gallery

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