Review By: Glenn C. Gould
Honda has been running TV ads featuring an orange 2026 Honda Passport kicking up dirt and tackling rocky trails. This is the TrailSport edition designed for off-road adventures. Honda is known for many things, but not rugged off-road SUVs. When the chance came to test one it was an orange Honda’s Passport TrailSport Elite. I found out the colorway was called Sunset Orange and only available on the TrailSport. It’s a $455.00 upgrade, and well worth it, in my opinion.
There are seven versions of the Passport, three RTL and four TrailSport Models The TrailSport Elite edition is the top-of-the-line model. They all share Honda’s 285-hp, 3.5L V-6 engine and I-VTM4 AWD System with off-road-tuned suspension. Pricing starts at $44,950.00 for the RTL models and $48,650.00 for the TrailSport. This TrailSport Elite’s base price is $52,650.00.
The styling of the TrailSport is smooth and functional. It has protective body cladding in areas that need it the most, thus, not making it look like a wheeled armadillo. Also, there are underbody skid plates protecting the engine, transmission and fuel tank. LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) are amber colored on all TrailSports. The LED headlamps seem well protected. Also, in the lower section of the grill are two red recovery hooks. At the rear of the TrailSport Elite are two more recovery hooks and a standard class lll trailer hitch. The TrailSport’s towing capacity is 5000 lb. The 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires and roof rack round out the package. The TrailSport has several safety and alert systems, which included, collision braking, advanced pedestrian detection and blind spot/lane change assist. It would take 3 pages to list all the feature of the TrailSport. However, it’s safe to say the Passport TrailSport Elite is loaded.
The front seats of the Honda SUV are heated and ventilated brown perforated leather. Oh, also a heated leather wrapped steering wheel. The rear seats are also leather and the two outer seats are heated. The rear floor is completely flat, which makes sitting in the center seat more comfortable. The panoramic moonroof provides front and rear passengers an unhindered view of the sky. As expected, in the center of the dash there is a large 12.3 inch touch-screen with volume knob. Here, you can get in touch with Apple, Google and talk to Alexa. Passengers will be pleased to find it also has Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Part of the off-road package is a multi-view camera system that includes TrailWatch. This system uses the onboard cameras to assist navigating rough, slow, low speed, off-road terrain. For your listing pleasure there is the 700-watt Bose premium sound system with 12 speakers, including subwoofers. Out on the trails staying hydrated is important. With the TrailSport’s 11 cup holders this should be easy to accomplish.
The rear cargo area is what an off-road SUV is all about. Being away from civilization means you have to bring along more things. These include food, water, and clothing. Also, extra gear depending on what you plan on doing. The standard roof rack can assist carrying some of your gear. But, the rear cargo area is extremely important. The TrailSports’s well designed storage compartment, makes the task of storing items much easier. It has 44 cu. ft. of storage and 83 cu. ft. with the rear seats folded down. Also, the lift gate is power operated. The floor of the rear compartment is carpeted. It has two hatches, one covers about a two third of the floor. That is where the compact spare tire is located. You could store some small items beside the tire. At the rear of the compartment is graphic of a mountain range, nice detail. To be honest, I’m not sure that a compact spare would be much help off-road.
The second hatch covers a deep storage bin. Great for storing items that you won’t need until unpacking, like camera equipment, camping and/or fishing gear. For me it would be remote controlled (RC) cars. Think miniature SUVs. Both sides of the compartment have deep storage pockets. On the left side panel there is a 115 volt outlet. That’s the voltage found in your homes wall sockets. Here, you can plug in lights for setting up camp or a fast charger for cameras, phones, computers and RC car batteries. The standard C-type charger ports are not designed for fast charging.
From the comfortable 10 way adjustable driver’s seat I had good view of the road ahead. Beside me was the center console with arm rests and storage. Also, two cupholders, 12 volt ports and a cordless charging station. The digital dash display has several settings. One is for off-road driving with a map, compass, altitude and tachometer. The switches for getting the Honda into gear are also located in the console. I am old school; I like shift handles. However, there are steering wheel mounted shifting paddles. Those I like. I will admit, however, the TrailSport’s setup is one of the better designs. The driver has a choice of 7 driving modes including, snow, sand and trail. The rear of the center console has HVAC controls, 2 USB-C ports and heated seat switches for second row passengers. Also, a 115 volt outlet like the one in the cargo compartment.
I did not have access to a rocky mountain trail to test the TrailSport on. Nevertheless, the late winter roads of Maine that I drove on had numerous signs warning of potholes and frost heaves. We are talking tire flatting and wheel bending hazards. Even on the interstate, Waze was issuing warning of potholes and objects in the road. Said objects were usually a big chunk of pavement.
The 385 hp engine was smooth and responsive. Admittedly, it didn’t have the rocket ship acceleration of the Land Rover Defender’s 625 hp engine. Neither did it have the $152,000.00 price tag of the one I drove. The TrailSport easily handled the rough roads with a smooth non jarring ride. The vehicle’s handling was secure and more car-like than some off road SUVs. When hitting the throttle there was a pleasant exhaust note, otherwise it was a quiet ride.
The Honda Passport TrailSport Elite has entered the highly competitive mid-size 2 row, SUV segment. Honda is known for well-designed, high-quality vehicles. The TrailSport Elite reflects this with a luxury feel to the interior, eye catching design and off-road capability. The TrailSport also offers a long list of standard features, including safety, comfort, performance and off-road. There is very little that one would need before hitting the trails. Although TrailSport Elite is designed for the off-road, it has a top speed is 110 mph. The EPA fuel economy: Combined/City/Highway: 20/18/23 mpg. Real world figures have reported recording 25 mpg during a 75-mph run.
In my opinion the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite is one of the top contenders in the mid-size 2 row, SUV market. Before you buy, take a look at the TrailSport. You might also consider that fantastic Sunset Orange color.
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