Introduction
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport has emerged as a bold contender in the midsize SUV segment, redefining what a unibody crossover can achieve off-road. Unveiled in late 2024 and hitting dealerships in early 2025, this fourth-generation Passport marks a significant departure from its predecessors, which were often criticized as light-duty soft-roaders. Honda’s engineers placed the TrailSport trim at the heart of the redesign, equipping it with robust hardware, a rugged aesthetic, and advanced technology to tackle challenging terrains. From the red rocks of Moab, Utah, to the jungles of Puerto Rico, the 2026 Passport TrailSport has been tested on diverse trails, proving its mettle against competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner. This article dives into the TrailSport’s off-road performance, exploring its design, engineering, capabilities, limitations, and place in the evolving SUV market.
A New Era for the Passport
The Honda Passport, reintroduced in 2019 as a two-row midsize SUV, has long lived in the shadow of the compact CR-V and three-row Pilot. The earlier TrailSport models, starting in 2022, leaned heavily on cosmetic upgrades, offering limited off-road prowess. For 2026, Honda reengineered the Passport from the ground up, sharing a stiffer platform with the 2024 Pilot. This new architecture boasts 50% greater rear torsional rigidity and 72% improved front lateral rigidity, providing a solid foundation for off-road adventures.
The TrailSport, available in standard ($49,900) and Elite ($53,900) trims, is no longer a styling exercise. Honda claims it’s the most capable off-road SUV in its history, a bold statement given the brand’s limited experience with body-on-frame off-roaders. Unlike the 1994–2002 Passport, a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo, the 2026 model is a true Honda, blending rugged capability with the brand’s signature practicality.
Off-Road Design and Hardware
The 2026 Passport TrailSport’s rugged persona is evident in its boxy, backpack-inspired styling, featuring flared fenders, a bold grille, and amber daytime running lights—a nod to off-road icons like Ford’s Raptor. Functional design elements enhance its trail readiness:
- Tires and Wheels: The TrailSport rides on 18-inch wheels wrapped in 31-inch General Grabber A/T Sport all-terrain tires, the largest ever fitted to a Honda. These knobby tires provide excellent grip on soft terrain like sand and mud, with recessed valve stems to prevent rock damage.
- Underbody Protection: Steel skid plates shield the oil pan, transmission, and fuel tank, while optional stainless-steel rock sliders protect the doors. The trailer hitch doubles as rear fascia protection, and hidden exhaust tips avoid trail hazards.
- Recovery Points: Bright-orange front tow hooks, rated to support twice the vehicle’s weight, are designed to break away in frontal crashes for safety. Rear recovery points are integrated into the standard trailer hitch, enabling a 5,000-pound towing capacity.
- Geometry: With 8.3 inches of ground clearance (up 0.2 inches from the 2025 model), a 23.0-degree approach angle (up 1.9 degrees), 16.7-degree breakover angle, and 23.1-degree departure angle, the TrailSport navigates obstacles better than its predecessor, though it trails body-on-frame rivals like the Jeep Grand Cherokee (30.1-degree approach angle).
These upgrades transform the Passport into a credible off-roader, capable of tackling moderate to difficult trails, as demonstrated in real-world tests.
Powertrain and Traction
Under the hood, the 2026 Passport TrailSport retains a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine, now producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque—a modest 5-hp increase over the 2025 model. Paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain delivers smooth, predictable power, ideal for low-speed trail crawling. The V6’s reliability and linear delivery contrast with the coarser turbocharged four-cylinders found in some competitors.
The second-generation i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system is the cornerstone of the TrailSport’s off-road prowess. It can send up to 70% of engine torque to the rear axle, with 100% of that torque directed to either rear wheel via torque vectoring. This system, enhanced with Trail and Sand modes, optimizes traction on loose surfaces and uneven terrain. During tests in Puerto Rico, the i-VTM4 system kept the Passport moving through mud, sand, and ruts, even when one wheel was airborne, by reserving 25% of torque for that wheel until it regained grip.
The TrailSport lacks a low-range transfer case or locking differential, relying instead on electronic traction control and torque vectoring. While this limits its ability to match hardcore off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler, it excels in moderate scenarios, offering a practical balance for everyday drivers. Seven drive modes—Normal, ECON, Sport, Snow, Trail, Sand, and Tow—allow customization for various conditions, with Trail mode activating off-road cameras at speeds below 15 mph.
Off-Road Performance: Real-World Testing
The 2026 Passport TrailSport has been rigorously tested in diverse environments, showcasing its capabilities:
Moab, Utah
In October 2024, MotorTrend and Motor1 drove prototypes on Moab’s Chicken Corners and Kane Creek Canyon trails, navigating slick rock, gravel, and steep ledges alongside Jeep Wranglers and Ford Broncos. The TrailSport’s unibody construction held firm, with no creaks or rattles despite rocky outcroppings. Its 31-inch tires and increased approach angle allowed precise tire placement over obstacles, aided by TrailWatch cameras with tire-path predictions. The suspension, tuned for off-road use, provided generous wheel travel, absorbing impacts at 20 mph on gravel roads while maintaining cabin comfort. The i-VTM4 system shone in three-wheeling scenarios, seamlessly redistributing torque to maintain progress.
Puerto Rico
In April 2025, journalists tested production models on a Honda-designed off-road course featuring mud, ruts, sand, and steep grades. The TrailSport handled water crossings, deep sand, and angled breakovers with confidence, with hill descent control managing steep descents effectively. The 10-speed transmission’s quick response and the V6’s throttle modulation made low-speed crawling intuitive. While the course avoided extreme rock crawling, the TrailSport’s skid plates and rock sliders protected against impacts, and its 23-degree approach angle cleared most obstacles without scraping.
These tests highlight the TrailSport’s ability to venture where few unibody SUVs dare, though it remains a step below body-on-frame off-roaders in extreme conditions.
Suspension and Ride Quality
The TrailSport’s off-road-tuned suspension, with stronger forged steel control arms, cast-iron steering knuckles, and a retuned multilink rear setup, balances trail capability with on-road comfort. Compared to the base RTL trim, the TrailSport’s suspension prioritizes articulation and compliance, allowing it to skip over tall rocks and deep ruts with excellent body control. In Puerto Rico, reviewers noted a cushioned ride on gravel roads and minimal cabin vibrations, though high-speed rough terrain caused occasional rear-end bottoming out.
The light, responsive steering, uncommon in off-road-focused SUVs, enhances trail precision and reduces fatigue. However, the brakes felt slightly spongy under heavy off-road use, a minor drawback in an otherwise polished package.
Technology and Off-Road Aids
The 2026 Passport TrailSport integrates advanced technology to boost off-road confidence:
- TrailWatch Cameras: Standard on the TrailSport Elite and optional on the base TrailSport, these cameras display front tire paths on a 12.3-inch touchscreen, aiding precise navigation over rocks. The system activates automatically in Trail mode at low speeds.
- Trail Info Display: A 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster shows pitch, roll, elevation, and compass data, helping drivers navigate unfamiliar terrain.
- Hill Descent Control: This system modulates brakes on steep declines, allowing drivers to focus on steering. It performed flawlessly in Puerto Rico’s steep grades.
- Accessory Support: Honda offers dealer-installed upgrades like rock sliders, a full-size spare tire carrier, and a cargo shelf that doubles as a camping table, enhancing adventure readiness.
These features make the TrailSport accessible to novice off-roaders, bridging the gap between casual and serious adventurers.
Limitations and Comparisons
While the 2026 Passport TrailSport excels for a unibody SUV, it has limitations:
- Ground Clearance: At 8.3 inches, it lags behind the Jeep Grand Cherokee (8.7–11.3 inches with air suspension) and Toyota 4Runner (9.2 inches).
- Angles: Its 16.7-degree breakover and 23.1-degree departure angles are inferior to the Grand Cherokee’s 24.0 and 26.6 degrees, limiting its ability to clear steep crests or descents.
- No Low Range: The absence of a low-range transfer case or locking differential restricts its performance in extreme rock crawling or deep mud compared to body-on-frame rivals.
- Spare Tire: The standard compact spare is a drawback for serious off-roading, though a $725 full-size spare option mitigates this.
Compared to competitors, the TrailSport slots between soft-roaders like the Subaru Outback Wilderness and hardcore off-roaders like the Ford Bronco. It matches the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s daily usability but falls short in extreme terrain. The Toyota 4Runner, with its body-on-frame construction, remains a tougher off-roader but compromises on-road refinement. The TrailSport’s strength lies in its dual-purpose nature, offering 80% of a 4Runner’s off-road capability with superior on-road manners.
On-Road Behavior and Practicality
While designed for trails, the TrailSport remains a practical daily driver. Its stiffer platform and retuned suspension deliver composed handling, avoiding the squishiness of some off-road-focused SUVs. The all-terrain tires produce minimal road noise, and the cabin remains quiet at highway speeds. Fuel economy, at 18/23 mpg city/highway, is slightly worse than the RTL’s 19/25 mpg due to the knobby tires, trailing hybrids like the Hyundai Santa Fe (34 mpg combined).
The interior, with 44 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 83–84 cubic feet with seats folded, is among the roomiest in its class. Features like three-zone climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch Google-integrated touchscreen enhance family-friendly appeal. The TrailSport Elite adds ventilated seats and a Bose 12-speaker audio system for luxury.
Market Position and Pricing
Starting at $49,900, the TrailSport is pricier than the base RTL ($46,200) but competitive with rivals like the Subaru Outback Wilderness ($41,505) and Jeep Grand Cherokee ($45,990–$67,575). The TrailSport Elite, at $53,900, targets buyers seeking premium features alongside off-road capability. While not as affordable as the Hyundai Santa Fe, the Passport’s robust engineering and standard all-wheel drive justify its cost.
Honda’s accessory catalog, including rock sliders and camping gear, caters to adventure enthusiasts, while standard safety features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring add value. The 2026 Passport is on sale now, with strong early buzz on platforms like X, where users praise its rugged redesign and off-road credentials.
Conclusion
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport redefines the unibody SUV’s off-road potential, blending rugged hardware, advanced technology, and Honda’s trademark practicality. Its 31-inch all-terrain tires, i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system, and TrailWatch cameras enable it to conquer moderate to difficult trails, from Moab’s rocks to Puerto Rico’s jungles. While it can’t match the extreme capabilities of body-on-frame off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner, it offers a compelling balance of trail prowess and on-road refinement. For adventure-seekers who value comfort, reliability, and versatility, the TrailSport is a standout choice in the midsize SUV market. As Honda continues its “Rugged Direction” with TrailSport models across its lineup, the 2026 Passport sets a high bar, proving that a unibody SUV can indeed venture where no Honda has gone before.
