When it comes to the modern automotive landscape, the mid-size SUV sits in an interesting pocket. To us and clearly to a lot of the buying public, these are the right sized vehicles for a lot of people. When we say mid-sized we are talking about the space between the CUV which is typically a small car chassis with a larger body sitting on it and the full sized jobs that are typically based on half ton trucks or similar. The 2026 Honda Passport Trailsport is in that mid-size category and has been a leader in it for years. The Trailsport trim that we are showing you here is both off-road capable and upgraded in its interior luxury. One interesting piece of information about the Passport is that this is powered by a tried and true naturally aspirated V6 engine, not a turbocharged four cylinder or small displacement V6 like so many others in this space.
The first place to start with the 2026 Honda Passport Trailsport is on the exterior front and its appearance. The paint color which we enjoyed from the moment we laid eyes on it is Sunset Orange. For whatever reason, orange has been the hot trend color for 2026 off road speciality models. Toyota has used it as well, specifically on Tacoma trucks. We prefer this shade as it is bold but also because it is pretty classy looking.
The Trailsport gets 31″ General Grabber all-terrain tires, tow hooks, a little more ground clearance because of the larger rubber, skid plates, and the faux headlock wheels. It also has small but visually effective fender flares over the wheel arches. As you can see here, there is a hood scoop on the leading edge of the of the hood and not to break too many hearts, but its non-functional. A bummer to some degree but as a styling exercise it looks good and like it belongs here, not as some kind of add on. Maybe it can be popped open to the air box in the future. It seem like it would not be the most backbreaking job.
The 2026 Honda Passport Trailsport uses a 3.5L 285hp DOCH V6. The engine is different from the previous iteration in that the previous engine was a SOHC design with VTEC. Hooked to a 10-speed automatic transmission this makes for a workaday and serviceable powertrain, just not one that is going to deliver acceleration and performance of an impressive level. The transmission was seemingly confident in its gear changes up and down, we got about 25mpg on some long highway drives, and for anyone with normal driving needs, this engine and transmission will do what Hondas have always done which is to work and work and work virtually forever.
This is where the 2026 Honda Passport Trailsport really shines, inside. The two tone interior colors are both classy and very comfortable, the rear seat space, is copious, the storage behind the rear seats is huge, the glass panel roof is cool and brings a very airy feel to the inside, and the dash/screen/console layout is functional and very Honda. Classy and unpretentious.
Unlike larger vehicle that mash a third row or even some vehicles in the same class that add a third row, the Passport’s dedicated five passenger layout makes the interior experience feel as good, maybe better (ironically) than actual larger SUVs. Just look at the leg room in the back seat. Also we thought the relatively deep pile carpet was a classy and cool off-road themed touch. It brought up the interior value feel as well.
As you can plainly see, the screen is significant in size and its functionality with a Google based OS is very good. HVAC controls on good sized dials and buttons are good for cold weather drivers who will sometimes be using them with gloves in the winter.
If we get to voice an opinion on one thing, we still dislike the pushbutton “shifter”. We are also not crazy about the oddly non-releasing parking brake. Most new cars release this brake automatically but this one, it needs to be released via button each time you fire the Passport up. At least this is how it operated for us. Did we miss a setting?
A standard shifter would be a far better and more tactile experience for drivers, our opinion.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time with The 2026 Honda Passport Trailsport. It rides very nicely, we love the styling and enhanced off road looks, capability, and theming. No, it will not be a hero at the drag races but it’s not designed to be. The 3.5L V6 sounds like it’s working hard at its 6,100 rpm redline and the 10-speed is a good mate for it.
Handling wise it does nothing you’d be shocked by, nothing you’d be put off by, and nothing that detracts from driver confidence and control on the road. In short, it’s a sure footed rig.
Lastly, the styling really lands with us. It is modern, it’s tough enough looking to get attention and not so much to look foolish. The color, the interior, and the exterior are all the nice calling card and something we’d have no problem looking at in our garage or driveway as a family hauler.
If you are looking for a mid-size SUV, the 2026 Honda Passport Trailsport is one you should shop.
