2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Long-Term Review: Initial Thoughts

      Jerry Perez

      

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      Last week, I mentioned that I would be driving a 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport for several months. I indicated that the aim of this long-term review is to delve into the various details, peculiarities, pros, and cons that are often overlooked during a typical weeklong test drive.

      My experience will unfold in the context of my everyday (mostly routine) life, but I definitely plan on embarking on a few adventures to add some excitement. Naturally, it's often the mundane daily routines that reveal a car’s strengths and weaknesses, but quirks can certainly be uncovered during a road trip or a drive-in movie outing. Indeed, they can! As I prepare multiple blog posts for the coming weeks (and even a couple of videos), I wanted to take a moment to share some entries from my road test logbook, which I’ve been updating every few days for about five weeks.

      I’ll call it: First Impressions

      Jerry Perez

      Exterior

      I began jotting down some initial thoughts about the Passport before taking delivery of my long-term tester. My primary observation regarding the SUV’s exterior was that it resembled the Japanese version of the Land Rover Defender. It has a boxy shape, slightly elevated stance, rugged appearance, and gives the impression of being slightly compressed—as if someone pinched it gently from the front and rear.

      However, once my vehicle arrived, I recognized that it’s actually much softer and less aggressive in its design. While the Sunset Orange color makes it quite noticeable, it possesses a certain elegance similar to the Defender. Despite its boxy look, many of the angles are smoother than they appear in pictures. Even with the embossed Passport lettering on both the front and back, along with 18-inch wheels fitted with all-terrain tires, it doesn’t come across as trying too hard, unlike a CR-V TrailSport. Thankfully, it doesn’t exude the overly aggressive vibe of vehicles from the Jeep or Bronco ranges.

      Jerry Perez

      Interior

      It’s hard to believe that it’s already been three years since I drove the then-new Honda Pilot in January 2023. I praised it for its smart interior design, which provided everything a family could want and need, without the overly cluttered feel of an older minivan or the lack of design found in a Toyota Highlander. It was well-considered, attractive, and most importantly, functional.

      The Passport essentially replicates the current Pilot, featuring 10 cupholders, most of which accommodate larger water or coffee containers like a 32-ounce Hydro Flask or Stanley cup. I carry one of these daily, and I can place it on the center console for easy access or in the door pocket to keep it out of the way. The same applies in the back.

      In terms of design, the dashboard favors utility over aesthetics, incorporating numerous compartments, physical buttons, and an ergonomic layout that I appreciate, as does my wife. The seats are a significant upgrade from the previous Passport, and I’d assert it’s the most comfortable driver’s seat I’ve encountered in a Honda—surpassing even the Odyssey. According to my family, the second row is rather pleasant as well.

      Jerry Perez

      Driving

      The comfortable seat enhances the enjoyment of the Passport, whether in town or on a long journey. Initially, I thought the suspension was a bit too soft, resulting in a bouncy ride quality, likely because both of my daily vehicles are compact. After reviewing my notes, I noted similar observations regarding the previous-generation Passport TrailSport. However, unlike its predecessor, the suspension tuning in the current model has resolved many of the issues I found bothersome, such as steering instability, excessive body roll, and even some lateral movement.

      The 3.5-liter V6 engine, with its 285 horsepower, feels more than sufficient for all driving situations. In urban settings, it doesn’t provide so much power that it feels jumpy or prone to causing trouble. On the highway, however, there’s ample power for merging or overtaking. The best way to describe it is that I consistently have the right amount of power available. I'll see how I feel once I tow a trailer in the coming months.

      The brakes are pleasantly soft, with a long pedal travel, making them comfortable for daily use. The transmission shifts smoothly and quickly, always adapting well to my driving pace. However, downshifts can sometimes be a bit abrupt, especially when I'm gradually slowing down rather than braking to decelerate. This occurs quite often when moving between stop signs in my neighborhood.

      Jerry Perez

      Noteworthy

      Here are some things I either like or dislike so far:

      

      The lowest fan setting for the climate control is too high. Even at its lowest, my face and torso are still hit with air. This became particularly noticeable during a three-hour