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2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Long-Term Test: First Impressions

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Sunday, September 7th 2025 at 5:54 GMT by The Drive
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Honda Passport TrailSport 2026: A Long‑Term Look at America’s Mid‑Size Off‑Roader

In the latest round of long‑term evaluations from The Drive, the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport makes its debut as the most capable and tech‑savvy version of Honda’s mid‑size SUV lineup. While the Passport’s “TrailSport” designation has always hinted at off‑road prowess, the 2026 refresh takes the badge seriously – combining ruggedness, modern connectivity, and a smooth on‑road ride into one package that is hard to ignore.

Exterior and First‑Impression Design

From the outside, the TrailSport’s new “bold‑bold” styling signals a shift toward a more aggressive, SUV‑centric aesthetic. The most noticeable changes are the lower hood line, a chrome‑accented grille, and a pair of newly designed 17‑inch alloy wheels that carry a 3.5‑inch front bumper and 3.25‑inch rear bumper. The overall stance has been lowered by about 1.5 inches, giving the Passport a “taller” and more “powerful” presence.

The TrailSport trim adds standard blacked‑out trim on the bumper, hood, side skirts, and wheel arches – a subtle nod to the vehicle’s off‑road credentials. A new “X‑T” package offers 3.5‑inch bumpers, skid plates, and a roof rack, which are optional on the higher‑end Passport Touring. The article notes that the overall curb weight rises to about 4,900 lbs for the AWD model, a 200‑lb increase compared to the 2024 version – a natural consequence of the added safety and off‑road hardware.

Powertrain and On‑Road Performance

The 2026 TrailSport is powered by a new 3.5‑L V6 that produces 280 horsepower and 258 lb‑ft of torque – a modest bump from the 2024 version’s 280 hp/262 lb‑ft figures. The engine is mated to a 9‑speed automatic that offers a smoother shift cadence compared to the older 7‑speed. Honda’s latest “Eco‑Drive” algorithm reduces fuel consumption in mixed city/road conditions, achieving an EPA estimate of 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway for the 2.5‑L four‑door base and 18/25 mpg for the 3.5‑L TrailSport.

On the road, the 2026 Passport feels composed and precise. The “Honda Intelligent Ride Control” system, which blends an adaptive shock absorber and variable‑rate steering, keeps the cabin comfortable on rough patches. A key observation from the long‑term test is that the TrailSport’s 10‑inch ground clearance and 2.2‑inch approach angle are enough to handle most off‑road trails, yet the ride stays smooth on city streets.

Off‑Road Capabilities

The TrailSport is built with “real‑world” off‑road use in mind. Standard all‑wheel drive, combined with a “Trail Control” mode that adjusts throttle, brakes, and the vehicle’s low‑range gearbox, allows drivers to confidently tackle uneven terrain. The “Multi‑Terrain” feature, introduced in the previous year, now includes a new “Canyon” setting that activates a low‑range mode for steep slopes.

In the article’s side‑by‑side comparison, the Passport TrailSport outperformed the Jeep Cherokee 4xe and the Subaru Crosstrek in terms of approach angle, ground clearance, and skid‑plate protection. The long‑term test found that the Passport’s “Progressive Off‑Road” traction system maintained traction on wet, muddy, and gravel surfaces – a result that the reviewers attribute to the improved tire design and a more responsive electronic differential.

Interior and Comfort

The 2026 TrailSport’s cabin is a major upgrade over the previous model. The seat upholstery now comes in a dark‑grey “Saddle‑Brown” leather option that is a subtle homage to the classic off‑road aesthetic. The front seats have a new “Honda Signature” heat‑cooling feature and a 10‑way power adjustment with memory.

The infotainment system has been upgraded to the Honda GMA H1 operating system, a 12.3‑inch touchscreen that runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. The new OS supports “over‑the‑air” updates, a feature that the article highlights as a major advantage for keeping the vehicle’s software current. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a “Honda Link” app are standard, and the system includes voice‑activated controls that work with Amazon Alexa.

One of the article’s strongest points is the cabin noise level. While the 2026 Passport is more robust than the 2024 version, the long‑term test found that the TrailSport’s upgraded sound‑insulation reduces wind and road noise by up to 4 dB at 70 mph. The rear passenger area also benefits from a “Noise‑Control” feature that uses active noise cancellation to dampen wind and engine noise.

Safety Features

Safety remains a cornerstone of the Passport TrailSport’s package. The 2026 model ships with Honda Sensing as standard – a suite that includes adaptive cruise control, lane‑keep assist, pre‑collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and road‑sign recognition. An optional “Honda Lane‑Assist” system adds a driver‑alert algorithm that can warn if the driver starts to drift out of the lane.

Another highlight is the “Forward Collision Warning” system that now incorporates a “Blind‑Spot” camera, an addition that the article praises for increasing overall safety in heavy traffic. The TrailSport also offers a 360‑degree camera system, a “Night Vision” feature that uses thermal imaging, and a “Rear‑Seat‑Alert” system that can detect if a child is left behind.

Price and Value

The 2026 Passport TrailSport starts at $38,500 for the front‑wheel‑drive model, and $43,200 for the all‑wheel‑drive variant. While the price is higher than some competitors, the long‑term test emphasizes that the Passport’s combination of durability, technology, and off‑road capability offers a compelling value proposition. A quick comparison to the 2026 Jeep Wrangler and the 2026 Ford Bronco reveals that the Passport’s price point sits comfortably in the middle of the market, yet it outperforms both in terms of cabin quality and long‑term reliability.

Final Verdict

The Drive’s long‑term test concludes that the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is a solid, versatile SUV that successfully bridges the gap between on‑road comfort and off‑road confidence. The improved powertrain, refined interior, and advanced safety features give the Passport a competitive edge over many of its rivals. For drivers who need a capable, well‑rounded vehicle that can tackle both city traffic and rugged trails, the Passport TrailSport presents an attractive, if slightly more expensive, option.

In the world of mid‑size SUVs, the 2026 Passport TrailSport offers a clear answer: “You can have it all.”