As more Americans realize that most off-road adventures don’t require a full-on body-on-frame truck or SUV, the “lifestyle off-roader” — or “soft-roader” — segment has grown in popularity. These vehicles are typically smaller crossovers with off-road styling and features, but Honda has gone all out with the latest generation of its mid-size Passport by introducing the TrailSport version.
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is Honda’s most off-road capable SUV yet, featuring rugged upgrades such as off-road-tuned suspension, enhanced all-wheel-drive capabilities, heavy-duty steel skid plates, bright orange recovery hooks, specially engineered all-terrain tires, and more — all designed to take weekend adventurers farther off the beaten path.
Pricing is expected to start around $45,000, with availability slated for early 2025. Honda invited us to their Los Angeles studio for a first look at the TrailSport, and here’s what we discovered.
Lots Of Off-Road Goodness
The beauty of a soft-roader is that it’s practical and comfortable for everyday driving, yet ready to tackle weekend adventures — whether camping, hiking, fishing, biking, or other outdoor pursuits. The new Passport is already capable on rough terrain, but the standard TrailSport comes loaded with extra off-road goodies:
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18-inch wheels wrapped in General Grabber all-terrain tires
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Off-road-tuned suspension
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Three heavy-duty steel skid plates
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Robust front and rear recovery points, including bright orange towing eyelets up front engineered to break away safely in a collision
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Multiple driving modes: Normal, Sport, Econ, Snow, Sand, Tow, and Trail
The TrailSport Elite adds Honda’s new TrailWatch camera system, designed to compete with GM and Ford’s top-tier offerings.
Honda says the TrailSport has a reasonable 23-degree approach angle, with removable small aero pieces in front of the tires to improve off-road clearance. The rear departure angle is also solid. Thoughtful touches abound throughout the trim levels: sunken valve stems on the wheels reduce damage on rough trails, the rear side window roofline is protected with plastic trim to prevent scratches, and the roof antennas are integrated into the rear-quarter window rather than a traditional shark fin, avoiding tree branches snagging overhead.
Powertrain: As Solid As It Gets
The Passport comes powered by Honda’s latest 3.5-liter V6 engine, paired with its proven 10-speed automatic transmission for smooth and responsive performance.
| 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Engine Specs | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5-liter DOHC V6 |
| Horsepower | 285 hp @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb.-ft. @ 5,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| AWD System | i-VTM4 torque-vectoring |
| Drive Modes | Normal, ECON, Sport, Snow, Sand, Tow, Trail |
The TrailSport comes standard with Honda’s VTM‑4 all-wheel-drive system, complete with Trail Torque Logic and Hill Descent Control. Its naturally aspirated 3.5‑liter V6 produces 285 horsepower and nearly as much torque, providing plenty of power for off-roading, daily driving, and towing. Without a turbocharger, the engine is less complex, which can mean better reliability and simpler maintenance. The Passport TrailSport can tow up to 5,000 pounds—more than enough for most recreational and everyday needs.
Accessories Galore
The TrailSport comes with a space-saving emergency spare tire, but Honda considers the most important accessory a full-size spare. While we think any off-road trim should ideally have a full-size tire, the TrailSport is designed so that the emergency spare handles day-to-day needs, and a full-size spare can be purchased and stored in the cargo area using the included mounting system for serious adventures.
Honda also offers rock sliders to protect the sills when traversing rough terrain, cleverly hidden beneath plastic cladding. The automaker claims the TrailSport has the “broadest line of genuine Honda accessories ever,” but our favorite nod is to the late first- and second-generation CR-Vs: every CR-V of that era included a folding picnic table under the cargo floor. While the TrailSport’s table isn’t standard, its innovative composite and rubber-coated cargo shelf can be converted into a picnic table large enough for four people and capable of holding up to 44 pounds—a smart and nostalgic touch for outdoor enthusiasts.
Our Take: Promising
Before highlighting the positives, there are a few negatives worth mentioning. While we understand Honda’s reasoning for including an emergency spare and offering a full-size spare as an accessory, we firmly believe no automaker should sell an off-road trim without a full-size wheel and tire. It’s a safety concern for buyers who expect true off-road capability, and it affects credibility as a serious off-roader. We’re also skeptical of the tires “co-developed exclusively with General Tire for the new Passport TrailSport concept.” Bespoke tires make sense for ultra-high-end supercars, but for everyday vehicles, they tend to be costly to replace and increasingly hard to source as the vehicle ages.
That said, we’re genuinely impressed with the level of thought and detail in the Passport TrailSport. Unlike some soft-roaders we’ve driven—where a set of tires, roof bars, and some stickers are slapped onto a regular model—the TrailSport is clearly taken seriously. The fact that Honda offers a system with a full-size off-road wheel and tire shows intent and practicality. Once the full-size spare is added, we’d feel confident taking the TrailSport into challenging terrain, even in inclement weather.
FAQ’s
1. What is the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport?
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is a rugged, off-road-focused version of the Passport SUV, designed for outdoor enthusiasts who want adventure-ready capability with everyday comfort.
2. How does the TrailSport differ from the standard Honda Passport?
The TrailSport adds off-road enhancements like higher ground clearance, all-terrain tires, skid plates, tougher suspension, and unique styling touches to set it apart from the standard Passport.
3. When will the 2026 Passport TrailSport be available?
Honda plans to release the 2026 Passport TrailSport in late 2025, with dealers taking orders around mid-year.
4. What is the starting price of the 2026 Passport TrailSport?
The TrailSport is expected to start around $45,000, though pricing can vary depending on optional features and packages.
5. Is the Passport TrailSport a 4×4 SUV?
Yes, it comes standard with Honda’s intelligent all-wheel drive system, perfect for tackling trails, mud, and snow.
6. What type of engine does the Passport TrailSport have?
It uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the same robust engine found in the regular Passport, tuned for a balance of power and efficiency.
7. How much horsepower does the Passport TrailSport produce?
The V6 engine delivers around 280 horsepower, providing plenty of power for off-road adventures and highway driving.
8. What is the towing capacity of the Passport TrailSport?
It can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it capable of hauling trailers, boats, or other outdoor gear.
9. Does the Passport TrailSport have a higher ground clearance than the regular Passport?
Yes, the TrailSport is slightly lifted compared to the standard model, helping it clear rocks, ruts, and uneven terrain.
10. What kind of suspension does the TrailSport use for off-roading?
It features an upgraded suspension with more travel and reinforced components for better handling on rough trails.
11. Does the Passport TrailSport come with skid plates?
Yes, skid plates are included to protect critical underbody components when driving over rocks and uneven terrain.
12. Are all-terrain tires standard on the TrailSport?
Yes, it comes equipped with all-terrain tires that provide better grip and durability off-road.
13. What is the fuel economy of the 2026 Passport TrailSport?
Expect around 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway, slightly lower than the regular Passport due to off-road enhancements.
14. How many passengers can the Passport TrailSport seat?
It comfortably seats five passengers, with ample headroom and legroom for long trips.
15. What interior features make it suitable for outdoor adventures?
The cabin includes durable materials, easy-to-clean surfaces, and storage solutions for gear, making it practical for muddy boots and camping gear.
16. Does it have a touchscreen infotainment system?
Yes, it features an 8-inch or larger touchscreen with responsive controls for media, navigation, and vehicle settings.
17. Is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto supported?
Absolutely. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, keeping your phone connected on the go.
18. What driver-assistance features are included?
Honda Sensing comes standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation.
19. Does it have Honda Sensing safety features?
Yes, Honda Sensing is standard on the TrailSport, providing advanced driver-assistance for safety on-road and off-road.
20. Are there unique exterior styling cues for the TrailSport?
Yes, it features rugged bumpers, exclusive badges, blacked-out trim, and TrailSport-specific design accents.
21. What colors and trims are available for the TrailSport?
Honda typically offers several exterior colors, including earthy and bold shades, with interior options in dark or contrast stitching.
22. How does the Passport TrailSport perform on rough trails?
The TrailSport handles uneven terrain confidently, with AWD, off-road tires, and reinforced suspension providing stability and traction.
23. Can it handle deep water or river crossings?
While not a dedicated water-fording vehicle, the TrailSport can manage shallow streams and wet terrain with proper care.
24. Is the TrailSport good for towing boats or trailers?
Yes, its 5,000-pound towing capacity makes it capable for small boats, campers, or utility trailers.
25. Does it come with roof rails or cargo-carrying features?
Yes, roof rails are standard, and Honda offers accessories like cargo boxes and crossbars for extra storage.
26. What is the cargo space behind the second row?
You’ll get around 41–42 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to over 77 cubic feet with the seats folded.
27. Can the seats fold flat for more cargo room?
Yes, the rear seats fold down flat to maximize cargo capacity for larger gear or luggage.
28. Does the Passport TrailSport have off-road drive modes?
Yes, it features selectable drive modes such as Snow, Mud, Sand, and Normal, adjusting throttle, traction, and stability control for different surfaces.
29. Are there special badges or emblems that identify the TrailSport model?
Yes, look for TrailSport-specific badges on the grille, tailgate, and interior trim.
30. What kind of warranty coverage comes with the Passport TrailSport?
It comes with Honda’s standard warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles basic coverage and 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain coverage.
31. How does the Passport TrailSport compare to other off-road SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Toyota 4Runner?
The TrailSport holds its own with strong reliability, modern tech, and comfort, while offering serious off-road capability at a competitive price.
32. Is the Passport TrailSport suitable for daily driving as well as off-roading?
Yes, it balances ruggedness with smooth highway manners, making it practical for commuting and weekend adventures.
33. Does it have hill descent control and traction management?
Yes, hill descent control and advanced traction management come standard to help navigate steep or slippery terrain safely.
34. Can it handle snow, mud, and sand efficiently?
Yes, the TrailSport’s AWD, off-road tires, and terrain modes make it competent in snow, mud, sand, and light rocks.
35. Are there aftermarket accessories available for the TrailSport?
Yes, Honda and third-party vendors offer a range of accessories like roof racks, all-weather mats, brush guards, and lighting upgrades for adventure enthusiasts.