2026 Honda Passport TrailSport: Long-Term Review of Loves and Hates

Exterior Styling and Design

• 🚀 The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport exterior styling is described as a "complete home run," with a modern, squared-off, and off-road-ready appearance.
• 🎨 The "sunset orange" color is noted as very popular, and the boxy rear design and profile evoke an off-road aesthetic.
• 📐 The vehicle boasts a departure angle of approximately 27 degrees, which is noted as better than its approach angle.

Powertrain and Performance

• ⚙️ The Passport features a traditional 3.5L V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, avoiding CVTs or hybrid powertrains.
• ⛽ Real-world MPG testing on a 50-mile loop showed variations: 25.3 MPG in normal mode (car's estimate), 21.5 MPG in sport mode (car's estimate), and approximately 30 MPG in eco mode.
• 📈 While the EPA highway rating is 25 MPG, testing confirmed it can achieve up to 30 MPG, suggesting it's a decent commuter but may struggle on long, high-speed trips.
• 💨 Acceleration from 40 MPH is described as adequate, with the V6 providing sufficient power but not being exceptionally peppy.

Driving Dynamics and Ride Comfort

• 🛣️ The ride quality is highlighted as very comfy, making it a favorite for videographers due to its compliant nature on various surfaces, including dirt roads.
• 🤏 Its relatively compact size for an SUV contributes to its maneuverability and comfortable ride.

Off-Road Capability and Limitations

• ⛰️ The TrailSport trim is intended for off-road use, featuring General Grabber tires with good traction and tough sidewalls.
• ⚠️ A significant criticism is the ground clearance, rated at 8.3 inches, which is considered insufficient for an off-road model competing with vehicles like the Toyota 4Runner.
• 🛞 The IVTM4 all-wheel drive system performed adequately in slip tests, particularly in trail mode, but was not perfect, with some limitations noted in normal mode.
• 🚧 A plastic piece breaking off during off-roading further emphasizes the concern about insufficient ground clearance.

Interior, Utility, and Technology

• 🛋️ The interior is praised for its welcoming design, multi-tone leathers, and spaciousness, especially the large center console, providing a comfortable experience for larger individuals.
• 📱 The technology interface is simple, easy to read, and features a high-contrast screen with large knobs for climate control and seat adjustments.
• 🔌 Features include a wireless charging pad and rear passenger vents with heated seats and a 150-watt power outlet.
• 📦 Cargo space is described as gigantic, with underfloor storage, a spare tire, and outlets, making it suitable for camping.
• ⚠️ A minor complaint is the transmission selector, with a preference for a traditional console shifter.
• 🔗 The vehicle has a 2-inch receiver for towing up to 5,000 lbs but lacks a trailer brake controller.

Price and Value Proposition

• 💰 The 2026 Passport starts around $45,000, with the loaded TrailSport Elite model (including optional paint and off-road features) priced at $54,400.
• 👍 Despite the price, it's considered good value when compared to more expensive, highly capable off-road SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner, and Ford Bronco, which can reach higher price points.