logo
#

Latest news with #PassportTrailSport

Off-Road Tested: Honda Passport TrailSport vs. Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
Off-Road Tested: Honda Passport TrailSport vs. Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

Edmunds

time11-07-2025

  • Automotive
  • Edmunds

Off-Road Tested: Honda Passport TrailSport vs. Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

Not all off-roaders are created equal, and in the same way, not all off-road needs are equal either. For some, a trip off the beaten path entails stretching their rigs to the extreme over rocks and harsh terrain. And for others, it means nothing more than a quick jaunt down a fire road to make it to a campsite. That's why we decided to bring together an interesting pair of SUVs to see which one of them might be the Goldilocks to your definition of a weekend warrior: the unibody (aka car-based) Honda Passport TrailSport and the body-on-frame (truck-based) Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. And it's a perfect time to do this test because both vehicles recently got full redesigns, so they are brand-spanking new. If you're looking for a more in-depth look at how these two compare on the road, we did an earlier comparison test (and tossed a Jeep Grand Cherokee in for good measure). However, for our purposes, we're going to focus on what these two can do off-road and how they do it.

Honda Passport TrailSport Drives Vast Majority Of SUV's Sales
Honda Passport TrailSport Drives Vast Majority Of SUV's Sales

Auto Blog

time06-06-2025

  • Automotive
  • Auto Blog

Honda Passport TrailSport Drives Vast Majority Of SUV's Sales

The combination of the Honda badge and butch off-road looks is proving to be irresistible. This Is Promising News For The Future CR-V TrailSport Honda may not have a dedicated off-road, body-on-frame SUV to match the likes of Toyota's Land Cruiser or 4Runner, but if the new Passport TrailSport's sales figures are any indication, it doesn't matter. Even though it's still a crossover under the skin, the Passport TrailSport's rugged upgrades and masculine looks have completely won over buyers. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:10 2025 Ford Maverick: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice Watch More Looking at Honda's May 2025 sales, the new-generation Passport sold 5,480 units, up 74% relative to May 2024. But the figure that really stands out is this one: Of all Passport sales, a whopping 76% are for the TrailSport versions of the SUV. 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport — Source: Honda TrailSport's Higher Price Not A Deterrent Looking at the 2026 Honda Passport lineup, the four most expensive trims are all TrailSport models, with prices ranging between $48,450 and $53,650. The less specialized RTL models begin at $44,750, but only 24% of buyers chose one of these last month. All TrailSports feature the following upgrades over the RTL variants: All-terrain tires Off-road tuned suspension Underbody skid plate LED TrailSport amber daytime running lights Trail hitch with harness and hitch panel High visibility recovery hooks TrailSport all-season floor mats Despite all the extra equipment, the TrailSports have the same 8.3 inches of ground clearance as RTL models, along with the same approach/departure angles. You also get the same drive modes for trail/snow/sand across the lineup. So, while the TrailSports are better vehicles for light camping expeditions, they aren't serious off-roaders in the vein of a Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler. Under the hood, the Passport TrailSport retains the same 3.5-liter V6 found in other Passports. This trusted powertrain delivers 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. All Passports get standard all-wheel drive and a ten-speed automatic transmission. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Passport TrailSport's Success Bodes Well For Upcoming CR-V TrailSport In late April, Honda announced that it would be expanding the TrailSport sub-brand to the compact CR-V Hybrid. This will be the first time that a Honda SUV combines the TrailSport upgrades with an efficient hybrid powertrain. The CR-V TrailSport Hybrid will come with all-terrain tires, standard all-wheel drive, a more rugged front-end look with a silver skid garnish, and black exterior trim elements. The cabin will be jazzed up with amber lighting to match the orange badging dotted around the exterior. Upon the reveal of the CR-V TrailSport, Honda said that TrailSport models make up 20% of all Passport, Pilot, and Ridgeline sales combined. Based on the Passport TrailSport's May sales, it looks like that number will only increase when the rugged CR-V arrives at dealers this spring. 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport — Source: Honda Off-Road Crossover Trims Are All The Rage Right Now Specialized off-road trims are increasingly popular for modern, family-friendly crossovers, even if most of these vehicles will never see an off-road trail. Over at Hyundai, XRT-badged models feature similar upgrades to Honda's TrailSport models, including the Tucson and Palisade. Subaru has its own Wilderness range of SUVs, but these go a step further, with more ground clearance than standard variants. The Wilderness treatment has already been applied to the Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback. We anticipate demand for such models will continue. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile

The 2026 Honda Passport SUV's off-road chops just got a big boost with the TrailSport
The 2026 Honda Passport SUV's off-road chops just got a big boost with the TrailSport

Yahoo

time07-04-2025

  • Automotive
  • Yahoo

The 2026 Honda Passport SUV's off-road chops just got a big boost with the TrailSport

Honda is finally getting serious about SUVs. The proof lies in the midsize 2026 Passport TrailSport I just drove over a daunting landscape of forest, seaside and mountain trails. Despite a rich history of building dirt bikes and ATVs, Honda's SUVs have never had much off-road credibility. They were soft-roaders, not off-roaders. The 2026 Passport TrailSport changes that. I spent a couple of days driving the Passport TrailSport from narrow and winding beach side roads to rugged trails up and down volcanic hills. It mastered conditions that would've sent previous Honda SUVs reversing back to the trailhead. More pertinent for most owners' daily use, the tough-looking five-passenger SUV was quiet, smooth and comfortable in surface streets' stop and go traffic, despite a capable set of 31-inch all-terrain tires and 18-inch wheels. The Passport's fuel economy is unimpressive, but there's plenty to like about Honda's first foray off road. Honda expects the TrailSport to account for about 20% of Passport sales. Lower trim levels were not made available to drive. The 2026 Honda Passport is on sale now. My highs and lows driving the Passport TrailSport follow: RTL: $44,750 RTL Towing: $45,450 RTL Blackout: $45,950 TrailSport: $48,450 TrailSport Blackout: $49,650 TrailSport Elite: $52,450 TrailSport Elite Blackout: $53,650 All-wheel drive standard Prices exclude $1,450 destination charge Source: Honda Honda engineered the Passport at its sprawling Ohio engineering and production complex. It builds the SUV in Lincoln, Alabama, alongside the bigger Pilot three-row SUV. The Passport uses the same platform as the Pilot, but it got significant upgrades for off-road capability, chief among them: Four recovery loops, each able to support twice the vehicle's maximum weight. The ability to send 70% of engine torque to the rear wheels, and 100% of that to either wheel. C-pillar and suspension reinforcements to withstand off-road stresses. Gauges including inclinometer and altimeter. Improved approach and departure angles. 8.4-inch shorter length than Pilot, on nearly identical wheelbase. Antenna embedded in rear side window rather than on the roof. Shopping for a new car: Looking for a car that's truly 'made in America'? Good luck finding one. Other goodies include: Revised springs and shocks 31-inch General Grabber all-terrain tires Standard all-wheel drive Hill descent control Chevrolet Blazer Ford Bronco Jeep Wrangler Hyundai Tucson Kia Sorento Nissan Murano Toyota 4Runner VW Tiguan The interior is comfortable and accommodating. There's plenty of head room in both rows of seats and a spacious cargo compartment that offers features including a rubber mat, dog-friendly package and a neat underfloor compartment that creates space for a full-size spare — something serious off-roaders demand. The seats are comfortable. The TrailSport I drove had leatherette and fabric seats. No, I'm not sure what 'leatherette' is either, but it felt comfortable and durable. The fabric trim looked and felt good, too. The controls included dials for volume, temperature and fan speed. The 12.3-inch touch screen was easy to reach and responsive. Multiview cameras in the TrailSport Elite I used off-road provided useful looks on steep hills, negotiating gooey, rutted mud and squeezing between tightly spaced palm trees. The 3.5L V6, 10-speed automatic transmission and electronic controls provided power and immediate response for tricky surfaces, including steep hills of gravel and loosely packed earth. The new rear-drive, which is quicker and more capable than the previous unit, applied torque so quickly that I never felt a wheel slip in two hours of driving from forest hillsides to loose sand and thick mud, and moments when a wheel hung in midair. The Passport doesn't offer a physical low range of gears, but I didn't miss it. Honda's electronic hill descent control was very effective, and easy to modulate for speeds ranging from 2 to 12 mph. Unlike competitive systems that must be reactivated for each use, it went dormant when the Passport was not at a steep angle and switched back on when conditions merited. The Passport was maneuverable in crowded villages and comfortable on winding seaside roads. Standard all-wheel drive Structural reinforcements Trailer hitch 5,000-pound towing capacity Four recovery loops 18-inch wheels 31-inch General Grabber all-terrain tires Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Wireless device charging Available heated and ventilated front seats Available panoramic sun roof Bose Audio The Passport TrailSport's EPA fuel economy rating is 18 mpg in the city, 23 on the highway and 20 combined. Compared with established off-roaders with ardent followings, the Passport's combined figure trails the 4wd Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner, while matching a 4wd Ford Bronco. Honda didn't provide the non-TrailSport models that will account for the majority of Passport sales to test, but its EPA estimate of 19/25/21 fails to impress versus competing mainstream midsize SUVs: The more powerful V6 AWD Chevrolet Blazer matches it, while the four-cylinder model beats it, at 24 mpg. Leaving the Passport in their dust are the four-cylinder Toyota RAV4 at 29 mpg and the hybrid Hyundai Santa Fe 34 mpg. A hybrid Passport might go a long way toward resolving the issue. While batteries are heavy, an electric motor's torque could offset that and retain ― maybe even enhance ― the TrailSport's off-road credibility. The 2026 Passport TrailSport brings Honda's stellar record of reliability and careful engineering to the off-road segment. It's a fun, capable and comfortable SUV with surprising room and a rugged interpretation of Honda's familiar and attractive interior and exterior designs. All-wheel drive five-seat midsize electric SUV Base price: $44,750 (All prices exclude $1,450 destination charge) On sale now Primary model tested: TrailSport Elite Price as tested: $52,450 Engine: 3.5L V6 Power: 285 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm; 262 pound-feet of torque @ 5,000 rpm Transmission: 10-speed automatic EPA estimated fuel economy: 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway/20 combined. Regular gasoline. $2,300 annual fuel cost. Wheelbase: 113.6 inches Length: 191.5 inches Width: 79.4 inches Height: 73.1 inches Ground clearance: 8.3 inches Passenger volume: 119.1 cubic feet Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds Cargo volume: 44 cubic feet cubic feet behind second rows; 83.8cubic feet behind front seats. Curb weight: 4,478 pounds Assembled in Lincoln, Alabama Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@ Follow him on Twitter mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Honda cranks up toughness to make 2026 Passport a credible off-roader

The Most Rugged Honda SUV Yet: Meet the All-New 2026 Passport TrailSport
The Most Rugged Honda SUV Yet: Meet the All-New 2026 Passport TrailSport

Yahoo

time02-04-2025

  • Automotive
  • Yahoo

The Most Rugged Honda SUV Yet: Meet the All-New 2026 Passport TrailSport

Presented by the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport If you're looking to explore out-of-the-way places, the reimagined 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport might be the adventure companion you've been waiting for. Packed with trail-ready capabilities, this powerful SUV can help you take on your next big adventure. Here's a look at all the new features, technology, and available accessories that elevate this latest iteration of the Passport to a true off-road vehicle. (Photo/Honda) Powertrain: V6 / 10-speed auto trans Power: 285 hp / 262 lb.-ft. Curb Weight: 4,705 lbs. Towing Capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs. Dimensions: 113.6" wheelbase / 191.5" L x 79.4" W x 73.1" H Ground Clearance: 8.3" Angles (degrees): 23.0 approach / 23.1 departure Cargo Room: 83.2 cu.-ft. behind 1st row / 44.0 cu.-ft. behind 2nd row / 104.4 cu.-ft. max Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gal. Fuel Economy Rating (mpg): 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MSRP: $52,450 (+$1,450 destination & handling) Meghan Miranda When Honda branded the all-new Passport TrailSport as the most off-road-capable vehicle in its lineup, the brand meant it. The latest model is more rugged and capable than ever. A 285-horsepower1 V-6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters provide the torque output and acceleration you need to take on steep uphill climbs and tough terrain. When tackling the downhill, the Passport's hill descent control system lets you focus on the trail while it helps manage your speed without the need to put your foot on the brake pedal. Explore the Honda Passport TrailSport For uncompromising stability and performance, the design relies on an off-road-tuned suspension and second-generation i-VTM4 AWD System. Toggle between seven versatile drive modes to balance power and control on everything from snow and sand to rocky trails and more. Short bumper overhangs, 23-degree approach angles, and 8.3 inches of ground clearance let you explore wherever the adventure takes you without worry. Durable recovery hooks and a heavy-duty trailer hitch with available accessories give you the confidence to test the limits. Plus, with a 5,000-pound towing capacity, the Honda Passport can haul boats, campers, gear trailers, and more.2 This midsize SUV doesn't just provide off-road performance — it also looks the part with functional, yet aesthetic features built for adventure. GearJunkies toting all kinds of outdoor toys can choose from an available accessory roof platform or crossbars to go with the standard gloss-black roof rails that can support up to 209 pounds of cargo.2 The durable rear quarter roof garnish helps protect the vehicle as you load and unload gear. On the road, an available accessory powder-coated, aluminum front scuff plate, protective bumpers, and a durable rear quarter roof garnish help mitigate wear and tear while adding to the Passport's rugged look. Available accessory low-profile, hardened-steel rock sliders help protect the vehicle from high-center and ledge drop-off damage on the toughest terrain. Get the stability and handling you need to tackle varied trail conditions with 18-inch wheels featuring recessed valve stems for improved durability. They are available in two eye-catching colors — white alloy and rugged black. Plus, wherever you roam, you can always count on outstanding visibility thanks to the amber daytime running lights on the TrailSport trim, plus LED headlights, fog lights, and brake lights. Whether you're hitting the road with your adventure buddies or packing the cargo area with gear, the Honda Passport TrailSport's spacious cabin and cargo area offer comfort and utility. The Passport, with its generous rear legroom, can comfortably seat five adults, while the tri-zone climate control keeps the whole crew happy. Eleven total cupholders, with many that fit 32-ounce bottles, mean everyone can stay hydrated en route to the next adventure. For the driver, available heated steering keeps your hands comfortable even on those alpine start mornings. Heated and available ventilated front seats keep you and the front passenger comfortable in any climate. Multiple 12V and available 115V power outlets ensure that everyone's devices stay charged. Explore the Honda Passport TrailSport Load all the gear you need and then some in the roomy cargo space. The available integrated MOLLE Panel Set in the rear cargo area helps you stay organized with flexible storage modules and options to secure gear. An available versatile tailgate table cargo shelf with a 44-pound capacity works as another storage solution on the go and converts into a picnic table back at camp. Utilize the 60/40 split rear seatback folds to create a flat surface for gear or a comfortable sleeping area. Then, stash emergency gear and tools in extra compartments below the floor panel. Easily access everything in the cargo area with the available hands-free access power tailgate that opens with a simple foot gesture under the bumper. An available tailgate LED cargo light helps illuminate the cargo area after dark. Navigate unfamiliar terrain like a pro with the help of the Passport's Trail Info, which displays real-time data on trail pitch, roll, elevation, and compass direction in the 10.2-inch Digital Instrument Cluster on the dashboard. On steep angles or when you encounter obstructions on the route, the available second-generation TrailWatch camera offers a clear view of the vehicle's tire path for even more driving precision. The Passport also comes with advanced technology features, including Google built-in3, wireless smartphone compatibility for Android3 and iPhone4, and available Wi-Fi hotspot capability5 to keep you connected anywhere there's AT&T service. Stay updated on fuel status, tire pressure, and maintenance schedules, and remotely start the Passport right from your smartphone using HondaLink6. Plus, wireless update capability ensures your vehicle always operates on the latest software, even when you're off exploring. This post was sponsored by the all-new 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport. Disclaimers: 1 285 hp @ 6,100 rpm (SAE net) 2 Honda reminds you to properly secure cargo items and follow all applicable load limits and loading guidelines. 3 Google, Google Play, Google Maps, and other marks are trademarks of Google LLC. Google built-in requires an internet connection and may be accessible through your smartphone's mobile hotspot feature. Wireless use of Android Auto requires a compatible Android 11.0+ phone and compatible active data plan. Check for compatibility. Includes 3 years of unlimited data for in-vehicle apps. Non-distraction optimized apps such as video streaming, web browser, and games are only available to use while the vehicle is in park, not during operation. Depending on use, Google can share certain user and vehicle information such as vehicle location, speed, and other operating conditions with its service providers. See Google privacy policy for details regarding Google's use and handling of data. 4 Depending on use, Apple CarPlay can share certain user and vehicle information (e.g., vehicle location, speed, and other operating conditions) with the connected iPhone. See Apple's privacy policy for details regarding Apple's use and handling of data uploaded by CarPlay. Use of CarPlay is at user's own risk, and is subject to agreement to the CarPlay terms of use, which are included as part of the Apple iOS terms of use. CarPlay vehicle compatibility is provided 'as is', and Honda cannot guarantee CarPlay operability or functionality now or in the future due to, among other conditions, changes in CarPlay software/Apple iOS, service interruptions, or incompatibility or obsolescence of vehicle-integrated hardware or software. See dealer for details. Only use CarPlay when conditions allow you to do so safely. Apple CarPlay is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. 5 Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct are registered trademarks of Wi-Fi Alliance®. Requires AT&T data plan. 6 Depending on use, HondaLink® can transmit to Honda and its providers a vehicle's location, speed, and other operating conditions, information that may be tied to the vehicle identification number (VIN), and can be combined to create a track of a vehicle. For a full explanation of HondaLink® functionality and Honda's data use and privacy policy, see

2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Review: How Well Does it Behave As An 0ff-Roader?
2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Review: How Well Does it Behave As An 0ff-Roader?

Yahoo

time02-04-2025

  • Automotive
  • Yahoo

2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Review: How Well Does it Behave As An 0ff-Roader?

A roughly three-foot-high berm on an off-road course curated by Honda in Puerto Rico shows both the advancements and limitations of the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport. Drive over the berm with even a slight angle, and Honda's new off-road crossover will handle it easily. However, the journalist in front of me puts the front wheels on top of the little hill, then steers left instead of going straight and high-centers it with all four wheels off the ground. He's stuck with no chance of driving out of his predicament. When he got to the top of the hill, he could no longer see the spotter telling him to go right instead of left. Had he checked the new TrailWatch camera system, he could have seen the spotter's directions. Had he been in a Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter or TRD Pro, a disconnecting front stabilizer bar could have allowed a front tire to stay on the ground and provide the traction needed to drive out of it. Had he been in a Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland or Summit model, the air suspension would likely have given him the ground clearance to clear the berm. But the Passport TrailSport has some tricks up its sleeve to get out of this predicament safely, too. This particular vehicle is equipped with $915 worth (plus installation) of Honda's accessory rock rails, which team with the standard engine and gas tank skid plates to protect the bottom of the vehicle from dirt and rocks. It also has front tow hooks and a standard tow hitch with recovery points. The front tow hooks end up doing the job here, as Honda uses another TrailSport to pull out the beached crossover. The 2026 version isn't the first Passport TrailSport, but it's by far the most capable. In addition to the TrailWatch system, skid plates, tow hooks, and recovery points, the new TrailSport adds hill descent control, a revised off-road suspension tune, and Trail and Sand driving modes. Trail mode is the choice for most of this curated course. It reduces the traction control intervention, dulls the throttle response, and makes the all-wheel-drive and braking systems react more quickly to changing traction conditions. It also turns on the TrailWatch camera system, which offers forward or front-side views to help see what might be in the way when your eyes can't. Honda's off-road course includes steep descents and ascents, off-camber ridges, a few puddles up to a foot or so deep, and rutted terrain that puts up to two wheels in the air. The obstacles test the effectiveness of the hill-descent control and i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive systems, the grip of the all-terrain tires, the protection afforded by the skid plates, and the off-roading angles. The AWD system moves power around quickly, sending up to 70% to the rear axle and 100% of that to the tire with traction when the other is in the air. It uses two clutches in the rear axle to send power side-to-side. This rear differential is more robust this year, with the ability to handle 40% more torque and react 30% quicker. Honda's i-VTM4 is an advanced system for a unibody vehicle, but it doesn't have the billy-goat capability of the advanced systems from Jeep and Toyota with their 2-speed transfer cases and rear lockers. Hill descent control also works quite well, accompanied by the familiar grinding sound of activating anti-lock brakes. It lets the Passport TrailSport descend hills at 2-12 mph, and I can control the speed with the pedals, adding throttle to increase the speed when I see the surface is smoother or reducing it with the brake when it gets too bumpy for higher speeds. The wide 275/60R18 General Grabber A/T tires are the TrailSport's best off-road weapon. Developed in conjunction with Honda for the Passport, they dig into dirt and mud quite well and even send the SUV easily downhill and through puddles that are perhaps a foot deep. TrailWatch is also quite helpful, allowing me to see those spotters, avoid rocks, and close tree branches. The system comes on automatically with Trail mode and stays on until I reach 15 mph. It then re-engages when I slow to 12 mph. The hills, bumps, and ruts of this course don't challenge the TrailSport's approach or departure angles. At 23.0 degrees, the approach angle improves by 1.0 degree versus the outgoing model, though the 23.1-degree departure angle decreases by 1.2 degrees due to the standard trailer hitch. Oddly, the 16.7-degree breakover angle is also down a bit—0.6 degree—from the outgoing model, and that's likely due to a wheelbase that's grown by 2.8 inches even though ground clearance is up 0.2 inches. These are all modest measurements. The Grand Cherokee, for example, bests all of these figures with approach, breakover, and departure angles of 30.1, 24.0, and 26.6 degrees, respectively, thanks to the higher off-road ride height afforded by the air suspension. I can't say how extreme any of these hills are as the roll and pitch gauges in the standard 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster only show a graphic of the vehicle versus flat planes without readouts for exact angles. Later, the route includes driving on sand, which means switching to Sand mode. Sand acts much like a Sport mode, increasing throttle sensitivity and holding gears longer while also reducing traction control intervention. It's not really necessary on this course, however, as the sand isn't deep or overly soft to let the vehicle sink. It's not as important to keep up the speed as it normally would be, and the Grabber A/Ts have no trouble providing the traction to keep up the momentum. The 2026 Passport TrailSport excels on the road as well, thanks to improvements in the powertrain and ride quality of the whole Passport lineup. The Passport exchanges a single-overhead-cam 3.5-liter V-6 for a dual-overhead-cam engine of the same size. It makes only slightly more horsepower, 285 versus 280, and the same 262 pound-feet of torque, but its new design, as well as an improved direct-injection system, reduces emissions. However, the Passport's larger size adds roughly 500 pounds of weight to as much as 4,705 pounds, so fuel economy improves slightly to 19/25/21 mpg for the base RTL model from 19/24/21 mpg, though the TrailSport's all-terrain tires take it down slightly to 18/23/20 mpg. A 10-speed automatic transmission also replaces the previous 9-speed with a wider spread of gear ratios, a lower launch gear, and smoother shifts that include four-gear downshifts. The 9-speed could get confused at times and deliver some clunky shifts, and a later road drive reveals that this transmission is much smoother and more responsive. The same can be said for the Passport's ride and handling. The new platform boasts a 72% increase in front lateral rigidity, a 50% increase in rear torsional rigidity, rigid-mounted front and rear subframes, and a wider track (+1.3 inches up front and +1.5 inches in the rear). This is enhanced by improved roll, lateral, and longitudinal stiffness for the MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension. A quicker steering ratio (16.1:1 from 17.1:1) and a stiffer steering column take advantage of the Passport suspension's improved responses, and bigger brakes (13.8-inch front rotors up from 12.6 inches) provide better stopping power and a shorter pedal stroke. Honda dials some of that back with softer settings for the TrailSport. The front stabilizer bar is 12% softer, and the rear bar is 70% softer for better wheel articulation. The dampers also have a softer tune, and the taller Grabber A/T tires have a lot of forgiving sidewall. The road drive shows that the Passport TrailSport is a rather pleasant cruiser. The steering has a light but direct feel that adds some welcome weight in Sport mode. The suspension soaks up bumps to provide an unusually smooth ride, though there is some of the body lean and head toss over bumps associated with taller SUVs. Much of the drive is spent on tight, slow-moving roads, but the cabin is pleasantly quiet, thanks in part to standard active noise cancellation. The knobby tires also don't drone, though that could change at the freeway speeds I didn't get to experience. The larger footprint for 2026 also means more interior space. The cargo area has up to 83.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats down, about six cubic feet more than the outgoing model, and 44.0 cubic feet with the rear seats up, including roughly six cubic feet found under the rear floor. The second row gains 1.3 inches of legroom. The 2026 Honda Pilot TrailSport starts at $49,900, but customers have to pony up $53,900 for a TrailSport Elite to get the TrailWatch camera system. Standard features of the base TrailSport include a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, cloth and synthetic leather upholstery with orange highlights, heated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google built-in, a wireless phone charger, a panoramic sunroof, and 18-inch alloy wheels. In addition to the cameras, the Elite adds leather upholstery, a Bose 12-speaker audio system, cooled front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. Choose either of the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport model,s and you'll get a family hauler with a sense of adventure. They won't live up to a Grand Cherokee or 4Runner for pure off-road capability, but they'll get you to the trailhead or campsite in comfort.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store