This week I bring you an all-new SUV that truly impresses. An SUV with design and engineering changes that make you sit up and say gee, how clever! I'm talking about the all-new 2026 Honda Passport - in its first-ever TrailSport Elite trim.
Also available as the RTL and TrailSport, the new Passport is billed as the brand's most off-road capable Passport ever, and there's no doubt that is true. The more you dig into the design and engineering updates Honda made, including a new patented front recovery point design, the more impressed you get. Clearly, a lot of thought went into the fourth-generation model.
It's important to note that while the Passport is a rugged, off-road capable 5-seater, it's refined on-road manners make it a great everyday driver.
The next-generation Passport certainly takes on a more rugged, sportier appearance than the previous one. A new front end receives a redesigned, bolder grill along with a long hood and aggressive hood scoop. Fender flares, wider tracks and a stronger C-Pillar also add to its more aggressive looks.
My test vehicle wears exclusive TrailSport Ash Green Metallic ($595) and rides on the TrailSport Elite's 18-inch Berlina Black Machine Face Alloy wheels fitted with new General Grabber 31-inch all-terrain tires. TrailSport and TrailSport Elite add a gloss black grille and exterior trim, signature amber daytime running lights, metallic silver front and rear skid garnishes and TrailSport badging. Even LED fog lights get special treatment, mounted higher in the front fascia so they are more protected on the trail.
If you look closely you'll note a roof sharkfin antenna is gone - replaced by an antenna integrated into the side rear glass. The change was made to protect the antenna from damage. Another thoughtful new feature is a unique matte black finish of the rear roof section – designed so owners can lean equipment against it without damage.
New LED taillights and a sleek roof spoiler round out the rear. Exhaust tips are hidden to keep them protected on the trail.
Other exterior features include heated, power-folding side mirrors, puddle lights and black roof rails.
All Passports are equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine good for 285 horsepower. The engine is paired up with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters, tuned exclusively for Passport. The 2026 Passport is also the first Passport with the second-generation of Honda's torque vectoring All-Wheel Drive that Honda says delivers 40% more torque capacity and a 30% faster response to road conditions.
The new Passport is larger inside, offering more rear-seat legroom and cargo space. The new Body Stabilizing front seats are comfortable and feel terrific. My TrailSport Elite sports brown perforated leather-trimmed front seats with great lumbar support.
The driver's seat features impressive 10-way power adjustments, the passenger, 4-way. Both front seats are heated and ventilated. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is heated. Nicely textured door panels feature a mix of materials and trim.
The center console looks more upscale thanks to new trims. The shift-by-wire gear shifter doesn't change itself, but it's lower positioning in the console and new surrounding trim gives it a more modern look. It's a great design change. A standard wireless smartphone charger is set ahead of the gear shifter.
Technology includes a new 10.2-inch digital driver cluster with colorful graphics and new, larger 12.3-inch touchscreen. The multimedia system features Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is also where you'll access the new for 2026 off-road Roll, Pitch and Elevation readouts for the TrailSport models.
60/40 rear split seats offer more legroom than the previous generation. It's a nice space for passengers with digital A/C controls, heated seats, soft-touch seat backs, manual sunshades, all-season floor mats and USB-C ports.
Standard TrailSport Elite features include a panoramic glass roof, second-row sunshades and heated second-row seats along with a hands-free power liftgate, tri-zone climate, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a pair of 115-volt outlets. There's no lack of large cupholders either, 10 in all.
The new Passport also adds more storage capacity. Storage options include two-tier door bins, and a console bin big enough to fit a full-size tablet. The cargo area is also wider and can now fit full-size golf bags. There is a good amount of space in the redesigned underfloor area, too.
The Passport - based on Honda's light truck platform - has a impressively refined on-road ride. It's sportier and more engaging to drive as well compared to the last generation.
A lot of things went into the effort to improving its overall driving characteristics across the board- everything from a longer wheelbase, wider tracks and all-new multilink suspension to a new, stiffer steering column, larger brakes, and new sound sound absorbing technologies which keep the cabin on the quieter side.
TrailSport Elite/TrailSport also benefit from a unique suspension tuned for off-road driving, featuring exclusive spring rates and damper valve tuning, plus optimized stabilizer bars that improve articulation and off-road ride comfort.
Power is good- with acceleration matched to a vehicle that weighs in a 4,500+ pounds. Seven drive modes include new Sport, Trail and Tow modes.
The Passport features standard Honda Sensing with a new wide-view camera and radar. Sensing features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, and Traffic Jam Assist. Blind Spot Information System with Lane Change Assist and Cross Traffic Monitor, Rear Seatbelt Reminder and Rear Seat Reminder are also standard across the lineup along with front and rear Parking Sensors and Driver Attention Monitor.
TrailSport Elite
The TrailSport Elite is the only trim equipped with Honda's new TrailWatch system with four cameras and tire path graphics. It's also the only trim with smart entry with walk away auto lock, perforated leather seating, ventilated front seats, heated second row seats, rear door manual sunshades, expanded ambient lighting, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system
Both TrailSport models feature a panoramic sunroof, TrailSport badges, TrailSport logo seats and floor mats, orange contrast stitching, white interior lighting, 115-volt power outlets in the center console and cargo area, all-season floor mats, power-folding mirrors and a heated windshield.
Verdict
I have to hand it to Honda design and engineer teams for all the detail-oriented, clever engineering and design elements that went into the new Passport. It's all impressive. The exceptional capability, terrific driving dynamics, refined on-road ride and modern interior really make this SUV stand out. It's a great price, too.
2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite