The 2026 Honda Passport is all-new and marks the fourth generation of this family-friendly SUV. It boasts a fresh face that is more rugged and has improved capabilities, especially in the TrailSport trims. The company’s growing focus on off-road riding makes the TrailSport an important part of the range. Honda invited us to a unique riding program that took us to North Carolina to test the new Passport TrailSport off-road.
9/10
- Model
-
Passport
- Engine
-
3.5-liter V-6
- Comfortable and spacious interior
- TrailSport versions suitable for off-road use
- Smooth, quiet ride on the road
- Standard Honda detection
- Modest fuel consumption
- High starting price
- Not particularly fast
- No hybrid option
We spent two days at Overland Experts in Troy, North Carolina, which serves as a testing ground for Honda’s engineers. Our two-day off-road experience included classroom training to understand the mechanics of off-roading, a vehicle recovery lesson, and plenty of time on the trails. These were not just dirt roads, but very technical trails with challenges at every turn. The aim was to show that this seemingly mild-mannered SUV has serious off-road capabilities. It was a test of the vehicles and our off-road skills.
2026 Honda Passport TrailSport first impressions
The bold design of the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport immediately grabs your attention, especially in the striking Sunset Orange paint. A rugged stance, with beefy all-terrain tires and a more aggressive front fascia, marks a clear departure from the softer, more suburban look of the previous generation. It’s not so tough that it looks out of place on the sidewalk, but it does look like something that isn’t afraid of getting dirty.
Outside dimensions
Length | 191.5 inches |
Width | 79.4 inches |
Height | 73.1 inches |
Wheelbase | 113.6 inches |
Front track | 68.0 inches |
Back track | 68.2 inches |
Control weight | 4,478 to 4,705 pounds |
It exudes a sense of capability, ready to tackle off-road trails, drive kids to school or handle the daily commute. This is an attractive vehicle that builds on the previous generation with a more modern look. The overall vibe suggests that Honda has opted for a tougher, more robust identity without sacrificing functionality.
Drive impressions and performance
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport impressed on off-road terrain, conquering technical trails, steep climbs, descents, rough dirt and loose rocks with ease. The enhanced i-VTM4 AWD system, with 40% more rear torque output and faster response, combined with Trail mode, optimized traction and control. It inspires confidence whether you’re a novice or a seasoned off-roader. There’s also slope descent control and 9 inches of clearance to further enhance the Passport TrailSport’s capabilities.
Two bright orange recovery hooks on the front are strong enough to tow the vehicle, but are designed to collapse during a crash to prevent injury to passengers or pedestrians. There are also heavy-duty skid plates for climbing over rocks and wayward branches. On the road it’s quiet, comfortable and composed, with a refined ride and precise steering. You can hit it through the dirt on your day off and then hit the pavement for your commute without missing a beat. It’s just as suitable for everyday city driving as it is for off-road exploration.
Braking and accelerating
Power comes from a 285-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic for good but unhurried acceleration. It’s not the fastest SUV you can buy, but it still reaches highway speeds with ease, making road trips easy and stress-free. Off-road, a light foot on the gas gives you just the power you need to navigate rough terrain at lower speeds.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 3.5-liter V6 |
Transfer | 10-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 285 hp at 6,100 rpm |
Couple | 262 LB-FT @ 5,000 rpm |
Fuel Consumption (CMB) | 21/20 MPG (RTL/TrailSport) |
Towing capacity | 5,000 pounds |
Four-wheel disc brakes help the Passport come to a confident stop, even under hard braking at higher speeds on pavement. Off-road, the brakes are well modulated, making the vehicle easy to control on uneven terrain where fast driving is not the goal. Those who have tried left-foot braking off-road will find that the Passport is very easy to manage, so your passengers will have to stop and start less abruptly.
2026 Honda Passport Fuel Economy
Because much of our driving time was off-road, we couldn’t get a true estimate of Passport’s fuel economy. In TrailSport trim, it’s slightly lower than competitors like the Ford Explorer Timberline and Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road, but not by much, so it’s unlikely to have a big impact on your wallet.
EPA-rated economy
City | Motorway | Combined | |
TrailSport | 18mpg | 23mpg | 20mpg |
RTL | 16mpg | 25mpg | 21mpg |
Interior design and comfort
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite offers a comfortable and versatile cabin, ideal for both on-road cruising and off-road adventures. The heated and ventilated leather front seats provide excellent support. The rider gets 10-way power adjustability, ensuring clear vision on technical trails, which is enhanced by Elite’s TrailWatch camera system. The ride is remarkably quiet, with full acoustic laminated glass keeping wind and road noise down, even when driving on all-terrain tires.
Internal dimensions
Front | Back | |
Headroom | 39.1 inches (40.5 inches RTL) | 39.6 inches (40.7 inches RTL) |
Shoulder room | 61.9 inches | 61.7 inches |
Trendy room | 58.3 inches | 57.4 inches |
Legroom | 41.1 inches | 40.9 inches |
The rear seat is spacious and can accommodate two adults with 40.9 inches of legroom. Three adults are fine for shorter trips, but two are ideal if it’s a longer adventure. Unfortunately, the rear seats don’t recline, which is a drawback on road trips. The TrailSport trim also gets a panoramic moonroof, which lets in plenty of light at the expense of a little headroom compared to the RTL trim.
Technology and ease of use
Standard features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and multiple USB-C ports. Elite trims also feature TrailWatch cameras with multi-angle viewing for off-road navigation. This makes it even easier to take your Passport TrailSport on unknown trails. The screen is well positioned for easy access by both driver and passenger, which is useful off-road when you want your co-pilot to change views while you keep your hands on the wheel.
A 10.2-inch digital cluster is also a standard feature, and gets its own off-road specific features across the range. There are pitch, roll and elevation meters in the cluster so you have a better idea of ​​your vehicle’s position in off-road terrain. This is also quite fun to watch, especially if you have children on board. It’s a great combination of useful features to stay connected and off-road assistance features to make adventures more fun.
Cargo and storage space
The 2026 Honda Passport offers 44 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 83.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. This is above average for the mid-size SUV class and provides plenty of room for family trips or outdoor gear with a wide, flat load floor and underfloor storage for added versatility. A standout feature is the available picnic table that can be stored in the cargo area floor. It’s reminiscent of the pull-out table from the classic Honda CR-V, but this one is much sturdier and creates a convenient surface for camping or tailgating.
Minimum loading capacity | 44.0 cubic feet |
Second row loading capacity | 83.8 cubic feet |
Our recommendation for which model you should buy
We recommend the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite for $52,450 for its off-road capabilities combined with a comfortable, luxurious interior with leather seats, a panoramic moonroof and Bose audio. It’s perfect for adventurers looking for everyday comfort and capability. The lineup starts at $44,750 for those on a more modest budget, but the TrailSport Elite is a solid value considering its wide range of features. Those who need an SUV that can easily transform from a mild-mannered family hauler during the week to an off-road warrior on the weekend will find the Passport Trailsport Elite an excellent choice.
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