We will be testing a 2026 Honda Passport Trailsport for 8 months to evaluate its performance.
Jerry Perez
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Say hello to The Drive’s long-term 2026 Honda Passport Trailsport. From now until March next year, I’ll be driving this large vehicle every time I head out. That adds up to a lot of driving—whether it’s school runs, grocery shopping, road trips, towing, camping, off-roading, or even taking my pet to grooming appointments (my least favorite chore). Summer heat, rainy days, snowy conditions—whatever the weather throws at me, I’m ready to handle it in this SUV.
There’s more information available about cars today than ever before since the invention of the automobile. Actually, there’s even more right now! You get the idea. If you’re seeking advice for purchasing a vehicle or simply have a curiosity about cars, you have a plethora of options. There are written and video reviews, owner forums, magazines, and social media—you name it, it exists. However, this abundance can make it challenging to provide fresh insights that truly merit your attention.
Most reviews found online, including those here at The Drive, are typically based on brief impressions. Journalists often have between a few minutes to an hour behind the wheel, with some having up to seven days. It's rare for reviewers to spend more time than that with a new car, which means many minor but significant aspects that can affect the ownership experience often go overlooked. Thus, we aim to present something different here.
Jerry Perez
Why Should This Matter to You?
What makes a long-term review more significant than a short-term one? It’s not a matter of one being more important than the other; rather, a more extended test allows for a broader exploration of various topics, many of which are often overlooked. Have you ever purchased a new car and found an irritating squeak in the suspension after three months, or noticed that the dashboard panels make noise when you drive over bumps or take sharp turns? Or perhaps you've realized your nearly-new SUV struggles with towing?
More importantly, what about all the technology packed into most modern vehicles? From Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to smartphone integration and subscription apps that manage essential features like remote start and locking, this is the kind of technology I will be closely observing throughout my time with the Passport.
My intention is to give you a comprehensive view of what it's like to own a new Honda Passport, presented honestly, unfiltered, and occasionally featuring too much detail about my daily routines. You're welcome.
Honda
About the 2026 Honda Passport Trailsport
The Honda Passport has been completely revamped for 2026, showcasing a bold, muscular design enhanced by the rugged Trailsport trim. It features a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a full-time all-wheel-drive system. While it doesn’t have a dedicated low-range gear or lockers, it employs Honda’s Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4), which I have previously tested in the Pilot Trailsport and found impressive. Coupled with 31-inch General Grabber tires, this family-friendly five-seater should perform well on trails.
My test vehicle is the Trailsport Elite trim, making it the highest variant within the Trailsport lineup and the second most expensive Passport available. I’ll delve into its standard and optional features in a future blog post, but just so you know, this model comes in at $54,335, which includes a $1,450 destination fee. It’s not inexpensive.
And did I mention it’s painted in an eye-catching (but stylish) Sunset Orange with a brown perforated leather interior? Trust me, you won't overlook it on the road, and you certainly won’t lose it in a parking lot.
If you have any specific questions or story ideas, feel free to leave a comment or email me at [email protected]
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We will be testing a 2026 Honda Passport Trailsport for 8 months to evaluate its performance.
Since most road tests typically last only a few hours or at most a week, numerous aspects of a car's ownership experience are frequently overlooked. Therefore, we are diving in and taking a more extended approach.