2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite Review: Fully Loaded Off-Roader
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite does something that other models rarely do, they offer an off-roading trim with all the options. Let me explain what I mean. With these soft and off roading trims becoming more popular, we’re starting to see more brands jump on the trend. The problem is that many of them are using a mid-trim model, using the lesser engine offering, and just throwing on wheels and tires. That’s where the Passport TrailSport Elite changes things. With the addition of the Elite to the TrailSport trim, you’re getting the top of the line offerings in the off-roading trim.
To start on the outside, the Sunset Orange color is my go to color choice with the Ash Green Metallic right behind. To identify that you opted for the TrailSport, your daytime running lights will illuminate in orange. You’ll also get the high visibility recovery hooks in case you decide to go beyond the capability of the AWD system. The 18-inch wheels have a strong presence with the General Grabber A/T tires to round out the look and off-road performance. Both the front and rear have Passport stamped, and recommend going with the optional gloss black emblem to have it stand out.
Getting in, I was glad that this Passport was built with the brown perforated leather option. It brings the interior to life specially with the contrasting stitching. I’m glad to see that the doors adopted a similar design to the Pilot, and offer multiple storage compartments to use for bottles and roadtrip snacks you may want to have quick access to. With this being the Elite, you’ll get to experience the premium offering of acoustic glass on the windshield and on the front side glass. That’s going to help the Bose Premium sound system with 12 speakers, including subwoofer, to contain your tunes. You’ll be listening in comfort of the ventilated seats when it’s hot, and a heated wheel when it’s cold. Adding to the tech, you get the multiview camera system with the TrailWatch system to know watch the trail. These are some of the things that other manufacturers fail to include by not using a higher end trim for their off-roader offerings.
Under the hood, you get the 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque. The new gen gets the 10-speed auto from the Pilot, and that’s getting delivered to all 4 wheels via the gen 2 i-VTM4 AWD system. You also get the off-road tuned suspension with underbody skid plates to protect the drivetrain. Although the V6 felt slightly underpowered in the Pilot, it was plenty of power with the help of the additional gear compared to the previous gen. Having driven the Passport on an obstacle course, the i-VTM4 surprised the event’s spotters, but did need a little more clearance as I kept hitting the skid plates.
Overall, I’m hoping that the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite starts the trend of manufacturers using higher end, well equipped trims, for their off-roading offerings.
