The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport aims to give Honda fans the refined ride they expect from a Honda, combined with serious off-road capability. It’s not an easy balance, so the engineers at Honda extensively tested the Passport on-road and off to make sure they hit the mark.
9/10
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Passport
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3.5-Liter V-6
I spent a day driving the new Passport TrailSport on the same grounds where those engineers did their testing and came away impressed. It handled terrain far more challenging than expected and was still a nice, comfy ride back to the hotel at the end of the day. I caught up with Scott Stouffer, Vehicle Dynamics Project Leader, Honda, to hear how his team found the balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability.
Maintaining On-Road Comfort
Stouffer built the tuning for the Passport around Honda’s proven approach to dynamics that make a driver feel confident and comfortable. It prioritizes a setup where the Passport stays equally calm and settled during highway driving as it does cornering on twisty country roads.
“We always make a vehicle that’s comfortable riding going down the road, but incredibly confident for somebody who’s driving briskly on the freeway or hustling down a back windy road.”
– Scott Stouffer, Vehicle Dynamics Project Leader, Honda
The same principles shaped the ride in vehicles like the Pilot, Odyssey, and Ridgeline, so buyers get that consistent feel across the Honda lineup. For the TrailSport, the suspension is tuned to stay compliant on-road without feeling floaty while still having the freedom to flex over rocks or ruts off-road. Stouffer pointed out how counter-intuitive it can feel to wring sharp responses out of a bigger SUV like this one. His group targeted small adjustments, turning potential tradeo-ffs into a setup that works across multiple scenarios.
Balancing On-Road Poise With Off-Road Chops
Compared to entry-level trims, the TrailSport is substantially more capable. The emphasis is on letting the suspension “breathe” more freely to absorb impacts from uneven ground. Yet it holds onto the planted feel that makes highway driving relaxing for long hauls with kids or the daily commute.
“You can find a good balance of allowing the vehicle suspension to articulate and breathe.”
– Scott Stouffer, Vehicle Dynamics Project Leader, Honda
Even owners who rarely leave the pavement will appreciate how this carries over to rougher patches, like the uneven surfaces in construction zones or potholes from winter weather. The suspension system in the TrailSport makes those moments less jarring.
Upgrading Tires For All-Around Grip
Tire choice marks one of the clearest steps up from standard Passports. The TrailSport and TrailSport Elite use General Grabber all-terrain tires built for broader demands. They have deeper, more patterned treads that dig in on loose dirt or mud without compromising straight-line stability.
“It’s an all-terrain tire with a very aggressive tread compared to a lot of other OEM applied tires out there. It looks the part, too.”
– Scott Stouffer, Vehicle Dynamics Project Leader, Honda
Honda worked with General Tire to design this tire for the Passport. They focused on details like noise levels and how well the tire absorbs road imperfections. Even the sidewall design was iterated multiple times to hit the right mix of visual appeal and performance.
Using Style To Spark Curiosity
The Passport’s refreshed exterior gives off strong off-road vibes with sharper angles and a stance that hints at its potential. Stouffer said those cues help reset expectations for people who picture Hondas as strictly street-friendly machines.
“We think that new Passport styling for the new generation is more aggressive, more off-road like.”
– Scott Stouffer, Vehicle Dynamics Project Leader, Honda
That bolder profile helps people imagine themselves heading out for a trek off-road. Stouffer aimed for that initial wow to lead straight into trust as owners realize those looks are backed by real capability.
Spotlighting Recovery Hooks
Stouffer coordinated refinements in areas like steering response, brake feel, wheel specs, and how the all-wheel drive splits power. He steered the specialists toward a unified goal of ensuring every piece supported the bigger picture of reliable versatility. That includes the front recovery hooks, which are a highlight that ties looks to utility.
Painted in vivid orange, they grab attention while offering genuine pull strength rated for heavy-duty recovery. A smart breakaway feature lets them collapse in collisions to safeguard crash performance without weakening the core structure.
“They’re so functional in that their strength is incredibly high, and they have that really unique patented breakaway technology.”
– Scott Stouffer, Vehicle Dynamics Project Leader, Honda
The group validated them through extreme demos, including suspending three full Passports from a crane. That visual proof underscores how the hooks stand up to stress, giving owners confidence out on the trail.
Backing Capability With Real World Tests
Honda traces its off-road know-how back over 50 years, starting with dirt bikes and ATVs before moving into light trucks. The Passport builds on that quietly capable foundation, slotting in as a family vehicle that handles more than expected.
“If I take this off-road, I’m going to be able to get home.”
– Scott Stouffer, Vehicle Dynamics Project Leader, Honda
Recent outings in events like the Rebelle Rally, Mint 400, and Alcan 5000 put stock and modified versions of the Passport to the test. They show that the Passport TrailSport is truly up to off-road challenges.
Guiding Drivers Toward That First Trail Run
Each generation of Passport has stepped up its trail readiness, and this round marks a noticeable advance. From skid plates to tow hooks to rock rails, it lets families zero in on adventure without worrying about getting stuck. The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport builds on Honda’s growing off-road experience. Whether it’s nothing more than a dirt road or something more serious out in the woods, it’s ready to handle the adventure.