At a time when SUVs are increasingly split between urban status symbols and rock-crawling showpieces, the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport walks its own line. Rugged enough to mean business, refined enough to drive every day. It may not have the cult following of Toyota’s 4Runner or the legacy of Land Cruiser behind it, but after a week behind the wheel, I found it to be one of the most pleasantly well-rounded vehicles in its class.
Finished in Platinum White with gloss black accents, this press model carried an MSRP of $48,450 and rang up at $50,355 as tested. And frankly, it looked worth every penny—save for one notable detail I’ll touch on shortly.
Exterior: Purposeful and Proud
Honda’s Passport TrailSport cuts a distinctive silhouette. Proportioned more like a traditional SUV than the low-slung crossovers flooding today’s roads, it has presence. From the broad, upright front fascia to its confident rear haunches, the bodywork feels assertive without being bulky.
Black 18-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in all-terrain tires that don’t just look the part—they actually improve grip on light off-road trails. A minimal gloss black grille, black mirror caps, and matching roof rails carry through the TrailSport aesthetic, contrasting beautifully with the Platinum White paint. There’s even a faux hood scoop, which—though not functional—adds an unexpected bit of flair that gives the front end more character.
My lone gripe? The black plastic fender cladding. For any vehicle cresting $50K, body-color fenders, or at the very least a matte finish, would help the whole package look a bit more premium. As it stands, the plastic feels like an afterthought.
Still, the overall design reads mature and capable. It doesn’t scream for attention, but it doesn’t disappear into a parking lot, either. In this segment, that’s no small feat.
Interior: Designed for Real Life
Step inside and the TrailSport delivers a clear reminder of Honda’s ergonomic excellence. The cabin is spacious, open, and refreshingly free of gimmicks. Honda made a deliberate choice here to not chase oversized screens or capacitive touch panels, but instead leaning into usability. That decision pays dividends in daily driving.
What first caught my eye was the seat material: a mix of soft leatherette and rugged fabric, stitched together with a bold-yet-tasteful orange stitch. It’s a tactile combination that not only looks sharp but feels more durable than the usual slick leather found in many midsize SUVs.
The contrast stitching continues across the steering wheel, shifter, and dash trim, tying everything together with understated cohesion.
The TrailSport also gets its own exclusive trim accents—gray metallic and black plastic inlays that, surprisingly, don’t feel cheap. In fact, they come across as original and refreshing in a world of faux wood and piano black. This isn’t a luxury vehicle, but it doesn’t try to pretend to be one either. It’s honest, which is something I value more and more these days.
Honda continues to earn points with its commitment to physical buttons. Climate control, audio, and drive mode selectors are all tangible and intuitive. Crucial when focusing on the trail ahead.
There’s also a hidden gem in the instrument cluster: an in-dash altimeter with historical tracking. At first glance, it felt like a novelty, but I found myself checking it regularly during drives, especially when climbing or descending through elevation. It adds a sense of place and progression—a subtle nod to the Passport’s adventure aspirations.
Interior Dimensions & Cargo
As mentioned, space is abundant. With the rear seats up, the Passport offers 41.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity proving ample for luggage, gear, or a solid weekend’s worth of cook-out supplies. Fold those seats down, and you unlock 77.7 cubic feet of flat loading space. The wide-opening tailgate and underfloor storage bin make packing a breeze, whether you’re heading for a campsite or simply restocking at the local farmers market.
Second-row seating is generous, with ample legroom and headroom for adult passengers. And thanks to the nearly flat floor and wide cabin, it’s comfortable for three across the back, even on longer drives.
Powertrain & Driving Experience
Under the hood, the Passport TrailSport carries Honda’s venerable 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6. It’s a naturally aspirated, 24-valve workhorse producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic and Honda’s i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, it delivers solid performance on and off the pavement. Having just driven Toyota’s new Land Cruiser with inline- 4 cylinder, I much preferred the Honda here.
This isn’t a blisteringly fast vehicle, nor is it trying to be. What it offers instead is confidence. The throttle is responsive, the transmission predictable, and the AWD system capable of shuffling power between the wheels seamlessly when traction drops. I tested it on gravel backroads and light mud without hesitation. It’s no mountain goat, but it’s well beyond just a soft-roader.
Fuel economy is EPA-rated at 19 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined. Real-world results during my week of mixed driving came in one the nose with those figures.
Ride quality is one of the TrailSport’s standout traits. The suspension tuning soaks up imperfections gracefully, and cabin noise is minimal even on rougher surfaces. It’s incredibly comfortable to drive, particularly for long stretches.
Steering is adequately weighted, with a turning radius that makes maneuvering in parking lots or on narrow trails surprisingly easy. Braking feel is solid, with good initial bite and consistent performance under load.
Technology & Connectivity
The TrailSport comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless functionality is included—but here’s the caveat: the connection can be flaky at best. I found myself plugging in with a USB cable to ensure a stable, lag-free experience. Once connected, the system is quick, and audio quality is clear.
Honda’s driver-assistance suite (Honda Sensing) is standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. All systems worked smoothly during my test and avoided the common pitfall of being overbearing.
Final Thoughts: The Quiet Contender
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is a confident, comfortable, and refreshingly honest vehicle in a segment absurdly full of posturing. It doesn’t chase off-road glory at the expense of daily usability. Instead, it offers a refined experience that feels built for people who want capability when they need it—and comfort the rest of the time.
It’s a legitimate competitor to the Toyota 4Runner, and in many ways a more modern and livable option for those who don’t want a body-on-frame ride or the bulk of a full-size SUV. There are quirks, sure—like the plastic fender trim and inconsistent wireless CarPlay—but they’re minor compared to what the TrailSport does well.
For those who appreciate thoughtful design, physical controls, and a bit of trail credibility without sacrificing manners, this Passport punches well in its weight class.
2026 Honda Passport TrailSport — At a Glance
MSRP: $48,450 | As Tested: $50,355
Engine: 3.5L V6 (i-VTEC)
Horsepower: 280 hp
Torque: 262 lb-ft
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Drivetrain: AWD (i-VTM4 torque-vectoring system)
MPG (EPA): 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined
Wheels/Tires: 18″ alloy w/ all-terrain tires
Ground Clearance: 8.1 in
Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
Cargo Volume: 41.2 cu.ft. (behind second row) / 77.7 cu.ft. (max)
Verdict
The Passport TrailSport proves that you don’t have to shout to be heard. It’s composed, capable, and unexpectedly stylish. An SUV for those who know where they’re going, and prefer to arrive in comfort.
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