Trail-Ready By Design: The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport

If the standard-issue crossover is the suburban dad sneaker of the automotive world, the 2025 Honda Passport TrailSport is a proper pair of hiking boots with some trail dust still on the laces. It’s not pretending to be something it’s not. Honda’s refreshed TrailSport leans into capability with a refreshingly honest confidence, and, dare we say, a little bit nostalgic.

This isn’t some plastic-clad trim package masquerading as rugged. The Passport TrailSport earns its off-road cred with real upgrades: a revised suspension tuned for off-pavement comfort, genuine all-terrain tires on exclusive 18-inch wheels, and a torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system that can shift up to 70% of power to the rear wheels when needed. The result? A midsize SUV that feels just as composed crawling a rocky fire road as it does pulling into a Trader Joe’s parking lot.

Passport Trailsport: Big V6 Energy

Under the hood, Honda sticks with its tried-and-true 3.5-liter V6, good for 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission that’s been refined for smoother shifts and smarter behavior, though it still has its moments where it seems to be thinking a beat too long. But the power delivery is immediate enough, and the old-school grunt of the naturally aspirated V6 is something to savor in a world tilting rapidly toward turbocharged anonymity.

On the road, the Passport TrailSport feels composed and confident. The ride is a touch firmer than the standard Passport thanks to its beefier suspension and tires, but not punishing. In fact, it might be the most well-rounded version of the Passport yet—able to soak up potholes and trail ruts with equal ease.

Inside the Passport TrailSport

Honda gave the interior a subtle, rugged makeover. The seats get orange contrast stitching, the floor mats are all-season, and the trim is unique to the TrailSport. It’s enough to make you feel like you’re in something purpose-built without giving up comfort. The materials are durable, not luxurious, but that fits the vibe: this is an SUV built for getting dirty, not posing for valet.

Tech-wise, the TrailSport gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with built-in Google compatibility and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and the system is responsive and intuitive, finally catching up to the expectations of modern buyers. A TrailWatch camera system provides real-time views around the vehicle when you’re off-road, and the multi-angle reverse camera is a welcome companion in tight spots.

Step up to the TrailSport Elite, and you’ll add goodies like a panoramic moonroof, heated and ventilated front seats, a Bose 12-speaker premium audio system, and a hands-free power tailgate. It’s a worthwhile upgrade if you want the best of both worlds: weekend-warrior capability and weekday commuting comfort.

Built to Haul (Gear, Not Just Groceries)

With nearly 78 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded, the Passport can swallow everything from camping gear to antique furniture without complaint. There’s a hidden storage compartment beneath the rear floor and a 5,000-pound towing capacity when properly equipped. Whether you’re hauling kayaks or just hauling your kids to soccer, the Passport proves it’s more than a soft-roader in hiking boots.

Should You Buy It?

In a market flooded with crossovers trying to be something more, the 2025 Honda Passport TrailSport actually delivers on its promise. It’s rugged enough for real outdoor adventures, refined enough to drive every day, and packed with just enough tech to feel modern without being overwhelming.

Is it the most luxurious or efficient SUV in the segment? No. But it isn’t trying to be. The TrailSport is aimed squarely at people who actually use the word “weekend” as a verb. It’s a throwback in the best way, simple, solid, and built to do what SUVs were originally meant to do.

So, if your version of fun involves more gravel than granite countertops and more forest roads than freeway lanes, the TrailSport is ready. And it won’t ask you to change your shoes.