Back in April, I parted ways with The Drive‘s 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport long-term tester. More specifically, this was my 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport, since I was the sole driver for it virtually every single day for nearly nine months. After 13,000 miles, it returned to the mothership to be auctioned and find a new owner.
I’ve been in this profession for just over a decade, and that’s, by far, the longest duration I’ve driven a press vehicle and the most mileage I’ve covered in one. I experienced life with the Passport—I had many enjoyable moments in it, along with several less pleasant ones. As I always state, life occurs in vehicles, and the Pumpkin King was no exception. It accompanied me on numerous grocery trips, school drop-offs, and pick-ups; it took my son to his high school graduation; and eventually, it transported him to his dorm at Purdue University. It also helped me and my belongings to a new residence, where I began a new chapter of my life last year. Additionally, there were a couple of road trips, such as a cross-country journey to a Billie Eilish concert for my daughter’s birthday. The Passport managed it all, and I became familiar with its features: its positive aspects, its quirks, and most importantly, its optimistic attitude.
If you’re looking to purchase a Honda Passport or perhaps just a midsize, off-road capable SUV, here’s what to anticipate.
Past Episodes
Everyday Performance
The Passport TrailSport is a sturdy, rugged crossover that performs well off-road, but more on that later. Like all mainstream crossovers out there, its primary purpose is to transport you and your family safely, comfortably, and efficiently to your destinations. In these respects, the Passport exceeds expectations and achieves these benchmarks with exceptional finesse. It actually earns extra points for its distinctive design that differentiates it from many competitors. Frankly, that’s a notable accomplishment in such a densely populated segment.
What I appreciated most about the Passport TrailSport was its adaptability. It serves as a highly comfortable daily driver, but its 3.5-liter V6, producing 285 horsepower, supplied enough power when needed. If you’ve read my previous posts, you’ll be aware of my opinion about its suspension (very soft and springy), so don’t expect a sporty experience. If comfort for you and your family on city roads and highways is your priority, it has you covered.
Furthermore, every seat is excellent. I found both the front and rear seats to be highly comfortable, especially in the premium TrailSport trim, as they were heated and ventilated upfront, and heated in the back. They provided ample cushioning and support without resembling a living-room recliner or, on the flip side, being overly sporty.
For my complete road test and driving observations, check out my 5,000-mile review.
Advantages
Technology: Honda’s infotainment system with integrated Google is quite possibly my favorite to date. Sure, it’s the one I’ve had the most experience with, obviously, but it simply works. The Google interface closely resembles what you’d see on your Chrome browser when surfing the web, along with Google Maps. You can log in using your Google credentials, so it retains your routine routes, destinations, and preferences while syncing notifications. It simplifies life. Additionally, you can have multiple users if sharing the Passport with someone else. It’s incredibly intuitive—so much so that I didn’t frequently use wireless Apple CarPlay, mainly for Apple Music.
Versatile Nature: When you purchase a Suburban, you get an excellent highway vehicle for road trips and a superb towing machine. In urban settings, it’s cumbersome and inefficient on gas. When you opt for a Toyota 4Runner, you receive a plastic-heavy interior, an average four-cylinder engine, and a rigid, truck-like ride quality that, while capable on trails, can be downright uncomfortable for everyday driving. The Passport’s finest attribute is its adaptability. It excels in every area—except spirited driving—and with impressive assurance.
Disadvantages
These issues were pretty much the same from Day 1 of my long-term evaluation. First off, the cruise control is overly sensitive when traveling even slightly downhill. If you set your speed at 70 and encounter a minor incline that would naturally increase your speed, the Passport will suddenly apply the brakes to prevent you from accelerating. This is extremely frustrating and inefficient. Then there’s the lane-keeping assist calibration, or the lack thereof. The Passport tends to drift between lanes and struggles to maintain a steady path even through slight turns.
With those major concerns noted, there are also a couple of minor annoyances that bothered me during my evaluation. One issue was that all auxiliary power shuts off immediately once the engine is switched off. Ideally, I’d prefer the stereo to remain on for a minute or so, allowing me to finish the track I’m listening to without wasting fuel. (No, this wasn’t an option.) Additionally, it would be beneficial for the blind-spot monitors to stay active in case they need to alert me of an approaching vehicle or bicycle before I open the door. Lastly, I found the HVAC’s lowest fan speed a bit more forceful than I preferred. It blew directly in my face more than I would have liked.
Noteworthy Mention
It must be the Passport TrailSport’s off-road capabilities. The conditions I subjected this vehicle to—the terrain, the obstacles—and how effortlessly it navigated them, mostly unscathed, was really eye-opening. From my off-road review:
Before I knew it, I had the front left and rear right wheels in the air, and the SUV was balancing over a rocky surface. It felt unsettling inside, but the Passport never seemed to be pushed beyond its limits. The brakes kept the tires intermittently engaged, while I slowly made my way down to level ground. In fact, that was the takeaway of the day: despite facing challenges no regular owner would encounter, it maintained its composure. It didn’t lose that classic cool demeanor typical of Honda.
No one, and I genuinely mean no one, will subject their Passport, purchased with their hard-earned money, to the kinds of tasks I undertook. Not because people lack adventure, but because 99.9% of these will serve as daily vehicles, and those seeking a trail-ready machine will opt for something else. Still, it’s reassuring to know just how capable it is with zero modifications.
Fuel Efficiency
I’ll say it: The Passport’s fuel efficiency isn’t ideal. However, I’m accustomed to driving fuel-efficient compact vehicles. Furthermore, there are valid reasons for the EPA’s ratings of 18 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined. The V6 provides a robust performance and can effectively tow up to 5,000 pounds. Additionally, it has a 5.25:1 first gear and a 4.17:1 final drive, which assists off-road but is less beneficial on paved roads.
Most of my driving occurred in urban areas, and I usually achieved approximately 21 mpg, which is 1 mpg better than the combined estimate. However, I never really reached the 23 mpg on the highway, even during extended trips.
Final Thoughts
There’s little to criticize about the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport. It’s not flawless, but it achieves an ideal balance between functionality, character, comfort, and off-road capabilities. The latter, likely few will explore, but they are present just in case. It was not inexpensive at all (my tester was priced at $54,335, which included a $1,450 destination fee), but you receive substantial value for your money. Moreover, it’s a Honda, thus its long-term worth and dependability are assured.
2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite Specifications
| Base Price (TrailSport Elite as tested) | $46,200 ($54,355) |
| Powertrain | 3.5-liter V6 | 10-speed automatic | all-wheel drive |
| Horsepower | 285 @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Cargo Volume | 44 cubic feet behind second row | 83.8 cubic feet behind first row |
| Curb Weight | 4,705 pounds |
| Max Towing | 5,000 pounds |
| Off-Road Angles | 23° approach | 16.7° breakover | 23.1° departure |
| Ground Clearance | 8.3 inches |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 18 mpg city | 23 highway | 20 combined |
| Score | 9/10 |
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**Honda Passport TrailSport Long-Term Assessment: Lessons Learned from 13,000 Miles of Evaluation**
The Honda Passport TrailSport has established a unique position in the midsize SUV landscape, merging rugged capabilities with everyday functionality. After evaluating the Passport TrailSport over 13,000 miles, several observations have surfaced regarding its performance, comfort, and overall worth.
**Performance and Handling**
The Passport TrailSport features a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain pairs with a 9-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth shifts and agile acceleration. Throughout long highway trips and off-road adventures, the engine’s performance remained consistent, providing sufficient power for merging and overtaking.
The all-wheel-drive system, enhanced with off-road functionality, proved effective in diverse conditions. Be it maneuvering through muddy paths or wintery roads, the Passport retained traction and stability. The TrailSport’s elevated ground clearance and rugged tires bolstered its off-road abilities, empowering it to navigate rough terrain confidently.
**Comfort and Interior Quality**
Internally, the Passport TrailSport presents a spacious cabin offering ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The materials utilized throughout the interior are of good quality, featuring soft-touch surfaces and durable fabrics that endure everyday wear. The seating is cozy, making lengthy trips enjoyable.
The infotainment system, equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen, is user-friendly, although some might find it less intuitive than rivals with larger displays. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration functioned smoothly, facilitating easy access to navigation and music applications.
**Cargo Space and Versatility**
A notable aspect of the Passport is its cargo capacity. With 50.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 100.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down, it excels in functionality. The rear seatbacks fold down easily, and the low load floor simplifies loading and unloading. Moreover, the underfloor storage compartment is a considerate feature for securely stowing smaller items.
**Fuel Efficiency**
Throughout 13,000 miles, the Passport TrailSport averaged around 21 miles per gallon, which is competitive within its category. While it may not be the most fuel-efficient option available, the combination of power and economy is commendable, especially given its dimensions and capabilities.
**Safety and Technology**
The Passport TrailSport includes Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking. These systems performed reliably during testing, instilling an extra layer of confidence on the road. Visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent, further enhancing overall safety.
**Conclusion**
After 13,000 miles of evaluation, the Honda Passport TrailSport demonstrates itself as a well-rounded midsize SUV that excels in versatility, comfort, and off-road capability. Its spacious interior, robust performance, and practical cargo solutions render it a strong choice for families and adventure enthusiasts alike. Though it may exhibit minor shortcomings in technology and fuel economy, the overall value is appealing for those in search of a dependable and capable SUV. The Passport TrailSport stands as a testament to Honda’s dedication to quality and innovation within the automotive industry.