Passport TrailSport Booms

by

2026 Honda Passport TrailSport

Imagine this: Honda doesn’t have a tough-as-nails off-road SUV like Toyota’s Land Cruiser, but that hasn’t slowed them down at all. Enter the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport. It’s officially blowing the socks off dealerships with its rugged style while still maintaining that trusty crossover frame. Think of it like a crossover in a rugged costume, all dressed up for adventure.

Taking a peek at Honda’s May 2025 sales, the numbers are quite the scene-stealer. The Passport’s sales jumped a whopping 74% compared to the same time last year with 5,480 units sold. But here’s the kicker—an impressive 76% of those buyers handpicked the beefed-up TrailSport model. Buyers seem to love that extra layer of adventure-ready features.

Extra Costs? Not a Problem

The TrailSport models come with a higher price tag in the 2026 Passport lineup, ranging from $48,450 to $53,650. The less decked-out RTL models start at $44,750, yet people are flocking to the pricier option like bees to honey. TrailSport variants make up most of the sales, cutting down the RTL choice to just 24% last month.

What makes the TrailSport special? Well, it’s got a list of rugged goodies thrown in:

  • All-terrain tires
  • Off-road tuned suspension
  • Underbody skid plate
  • LED amber daytime running lights
  • Trail hitch with harness and hitch panel
  • Visible recovery hooks
  • TrailSport all-season floor mats

Despite these beefy upgrades, the ground clearance remains the same at 8.3 inches as in the regular models, along with identical approach and departure angles. The driving modes for trail, snow, and sand also remain consistent across the board. So while these rides are better for a weekend in the woods, they aren’t meant to challenge a Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler off-road.

Power-wise, these rigs keep it real with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, landing at 285 horsepower with 262 lb-ft of torque. All Passports are ready for action with standard all-wheel drive and a smooth ten-speed automatic transmission, perfect for hitting the highway or a gravelly path.

Upcoming Advancements with the CR-V TrailSport

Alongside the success of its older sibling, the Passport TrailSport, Honda set its sights on the 2026 CR-V with a TrailSport variant. This new kid on the block will bring together the TrailSport’s adventurous spirit with the efficiency of hybrid tech, a first for Honda.

The CR-V TrailSport Hybrid will strut with all-terrain tires and standard all-wheel drive. Its exterior is all grown up with a silver skid garnish and black trim, while amber interior lighting matches its exterior orange badges, painting quite a bold picture.

Honda proudly stated that TrailSport models make up 20% of Passport, Pilot, and Ridgeline sales combined. With the TrailSport CR-V arriving soon, expect this number to soar.

Heightened Demand

Off-road-style trims for crossovers are the latest hot trend. Even if these vehicles seldom touch an actual trail, they’re grabbing lots of attention. Hyundai’s XRT-badged models, from the Tucson to the Palisade, get similar rugged treatments. Subaru’s Wilderness range of SUVs even goes deeper into this trend, giving more ground clearance and tough road cred to its Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback models.

The allure of these rugged, adventurous badges shows no sign of fading, and it seems these specialized trims will keep their popularity on an upward climb.

Leave a Comment