By: Aoun Syed
June 30, 2026
In a sea of off-road variants that amount to little more than appearance packages, the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Touring changes that paradigm by being built with genuine off-road capability in mind. It backs up its rugged styling with an impressive suite of features while maintaining the comfort and refinement expected of a daily driver. Thanks to Honda Canada, I had the opportunity to put the Passport TrailSport Touring through its paces for an entire week in a wide range of conditions.
To build a capable off-road SUV, you need a strong powertrain, and the Passport doesn’t disappoint. Its naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 produces 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft. of torque, paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. The result is a powertrain that moves this SUV with confidence. Shifts are smooth regardless of the selected drive mode, while throttle response is immediate, although the transmission can take a brief moment to downshift when quick acceleration is required.
While I was unable to tackle any dedicated off-road trails during my test, I did experience a fairly severe winter storm. The Passport’s i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system pushed confidently through deep snow and slippery roads in areas that proved challenging for many smaller vehicles. Despite its focus on off-road capability, the Passport remains impressively composed in everyday driving, delivering a smooth and drama-free ride with the only noticeable compromise being a slight increase in road noise from the all-terrain tires. Steering feels appropriately weighted for a vehicle of this size and becomes natural after a short period behind the wheel, while the brakes offer a strong initial bite that occasionally feels more aggressive than necessary.
That capability does come at the expense of fuel economy. During our winter test, we observed an average fuel consumption of 15.1L/100km in mixed city and highway driving. Honda’s auto-stop system activated only occasionally during the cold weather and had little noticeable impact on our observed fuel economy.
When Honda redesigned the Passport for 2026, it created an SUV that finally looks as capable as it performs. Its boxy proportions and sharp body lines give it an unmistakable road presence. The front fascia features a bold design that separates it from the rest of Honda’s SUV lineup, highlighted by a two-tone front bumper, distinctive amber daytime running lights, orange-accented recovery hooks, and large LED headlights. Around back, the Passport continues the rugged theme with a matching two-tone rear bumper and contrasting black roof and D-pillars. Our TrailSport Touring tester further enhanced the look with aggressive two-tone wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and a striking Sunset Orange paint finish.
The interior is equally impressive, incorporating thoughtful features that outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate. Rubberized storage surfaces across the dashboard feature a unique topographic map-inspired texture that helps keep smaller items from sliding around, while the large door pockets and centre console provide plenty of room for gear. Unlike many rugged SUVs, however, Honda doesn’t sacrifice luxury. Soft-touch materials, carbon-fibre-inspired trim, leather-wrapped touchpoints, and a large panoramic moonroof make the Passport feel refined enough for everyday commuting.
Comfort is excellent thanks to a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat that provides a commanding view of the road and reinforces the Passport’s truck-like driving position. The seats themselves are supportive over long distances, while the driver’s memory function adds convenience when entering and exiting the vehicle. Heated and ventilated front seats perform exceptionally well and reduce the need to rely heavily on the climate control system. Rear-seat passengers are equally well looked after with an abundance of legroom, heated outboard seats, and dedicated rear climate controls that ensure they enjoy nearly the same level of comfort as those up front.
Open the power tailgate and you’re greeted by an enormous cargo area with the rear seats in place, along with several cleverly designed storage cubbies that prevent smaller items from sliding around. Fold the second row flat, and the Passport offers enough room for everything from camping gear to larger cargo, even making car camping a realistic possibility. Honda also includes a walk-away auto-close function that automatically closes the power tailgate once you move a safe distance away, a feature I found myself using regularly throughout the week because of its convenience.
Technology is another area where the Passport TrailSport Touring impresses. A standard 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster is paired with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s responsive and easy to use. The display’s wide layout can make it difficult to reach the far side of the screen depending on your seating position, but overall usability remains excellent. The Bose premium audio system delivers crisp, detailed sound at normal listening volumes, although I did notice some minor distortion when the volume was pushed higher. The standout feature is Honda’s available TrailWatch camera system, which provides multiple exterior camera views to help navigate trails and tight parking spaces with confidence.
In Canada, the 2026 Passport is offered exclusively in four TrailSport trims. Pricing starts at $60,136, while our TrailSport Touring tester came in at $63,686 before taxes and fees. For the additional cost, buyers receive features such as the hands-free walk-away power tailgate, TrailWatch camera system, and Bose premium audio system, making the upgrade worthwhile for those who value convenience and technology.
While many off-road-focused SUVs either become too compromised for everyday driving or are softened to the point where they’re little more than styling exercises, the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Touring successfully blends genuine capability with everyday comfort. It offers a compelling one-vehicle solution for buyers who want to explore off the beaten path on weekends without sacrificing refinement during the workweek. If I were shopping for a five-passenger SUV, this would be one I’d seriously consider.
Vehicle Specs
Segment: Mid-Size SUV
Powertrain: 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6
Horsepower: 285 horsepower
Torque: 262 lb-ft. of torque
Transmission: 10-speed automatic transmission
Drivetrain: i-VTM4 all-wheel drive
NRCan Fuel Economy: 12.6L/100km city, 9.9L/100km highway, 11.4L/100km combined
Observed Fuel Economy: 15.1L/100km
Price as Tested: $63,686 CAD before taxes and fees