Unleash the Beast: 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Launches, Takes Aim at 4Runner Dominance
Honda Unveils the 2026 Passport TrailSport: The Brand’s Most Off-Road Capable SUV Yet
The wait is finally over, folks! Honda has been teasing us with glimpses of its upcoming 2026 Passport TrailSport, and now, the production-ready version is here. The off-road enthusiast’s dream, this trim is designed to tackle even the toughest trails. We’ve got the inside scoop on what makes it so special, so buckle up and let’s dive in.
A Tougher Look, but with a Functional Twist
From the outside, the TrailSport looks the part, with its rugged design language, chunky roof rails, and even orange-finished recovery hooks poking out from a shorter front bumper. However, don’t let its aggressive styling fool you – this SUV is designed for functionality, not just show.
Ground Clearance and Protection
Blackout the rear part of the roof for easy loading of skis or fishing rods, should you need to get your gear on the go. The 31-inch tires and TrailSport-specific suspension raise ground clearance, and the exhaust tip is cleverly tucked under the rear bumper to avoid scratching it against rocks. Bonus: steel skid plates protect the oil pan, transmission, and fuel tank, so you can take your time when navigating rough terrain.
Powertrain and Capabilities
Power comes from a trusty 3.5-liter V6, worthy of 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The engine sends its might to all four wheels via an 10-speed automatic transmission. The good news? The tiller offers 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. However, serious off-road enthusiasts may be a shade disappointed to learn that this trim doesn’t come with a locking differential or two-speed transfer case, which means it’s not meant to keep up with rugged off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler.
Technology and Towing Options
Don’t worry, though – the 2026 Passport also features the second-gen i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, capable of shifting up to 70% of torque to the rear wheels and 100% to one wheel for maximum traction when needed.
Pricing and Trim Levels
Here’s a breakdown of the pricing for the entire 2026 Passport range:
- Passport RTL: $46,200
- Passport RTL Towing: $46,900
- Passport RTL Blackout: $47,400
- Passport TrailSport: $49,900
- Passport TrailSport Blackout: $51,100
- Passport TrailSport Elite: $53,900
- Passport TrailSport Elite Blackout: $55,100
The Towing Package includes a Class III hitch and rear recovery points, while the Blackout Package adds black-finished 18-inch alloy wheels, black lug nuts, and black exterior emblems. The Elite trim boasts a 360-degree camera system called TrailWatch and 18-inch Berlina Black wheels.
Honda’s Off-Road Enthusiast’s Paradise
The production-ready 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is ready to hit the trails, with a laundry list of off-road accessories, including 18-inch wheels, rock sliders, and a full-size spare tire, plus overlanding-focused add-ons like a cargo roof platform, MOLLE storage systems, and a fold-out picnic table.
Throughout this article, you’ll find highlights and comparisons to the Toyota 4Runner, another off-road force to be reckoned with. Let us know what you think in the comments – is this the rig you’d choose for off-road adventures?
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