2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Long-Term Evaluation: Insights Gained After 5,000 Miles

      Jerry Perez

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      The odometer of The Drive's 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport long-term test vehicle has just reached 5,000 miles. Sigh, how time flies! It feels like just yesterday I got into my rolling pumpkin with only 255 miles registered, which means I've now driven a total of 4,745 miles. That's a lot of errands!

      My earlier coverage aimed to lay the groundwork for understanding what the Passport TrailSport is, my plans for it over the next eight months, where it stands in the market, and what expectations buyers might have if they decide to purchase one. I've also shared some of my favorite and not-so-favorite features, along with some off-the-cuff pros and cons. Most importantly, I've received feedback from many of you through the comments and even more via email. Because of this, I'll be hosting a straightforward Q&A blog in the coming weeks, so if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or send me an email. I'll do my best to respond.

      Jerry Perez

      Then vs. Now

      I entered this long-term test with no prior seat time in the new Passport, meaning my first experience behind the wheel was when I received the keys to the vehicle you see here. Reflecting on my notes, I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it felt driving around town, although I found the suspension a bit softer and bouncier than expected. On the plus side, the new Passport has eliminated the “wobbly” or “misguided” steering feel that characterized the previous-generation Passport TrailSport.

      As for the design, I still appreciate it. The Sunset Orange color has grown on me, and the Passport stands out among a crowd of bland SUVs. Its boxy yet sophisticated design draws a lot of attention wherever I take it. While the brown interior is a decent choice on its own, I'm still unsure about the combination of the two.

      In terms of features, I continue to be a fan of the Google-based infotainment system, and I've noticed its absence in other recent press cars I've driven. It's impressive how quickly I've adapted to it and how intuitive it becomes once personalized. However, there are still a few quirks that bother me, such as the lowest fan speed being too high and all electronics shutting down when the engine is turned off. I discuss these issues in more detail here. Additionally, I'm increasingly annoyed by newer problems, like the lane-keeping assist struggling to maintain a steady trajectory on the highway and the electronic parking brake failing to disengage automatically when shifting into Drive or Reverse. It also doesn’t automatically engage when shifting into Park.

      Jerry Perez

      Driving the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport

      The 3.5-liter V6 engine is robust, offering 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Whether navigating through the school pick-up line or overtaking a semi on the highway, it never feels underpowered or overwhelming. On the contrary, it consistently feels just right, largely due to the nearly perfect gearing of the 10-speed automatic transmission. I say nearly perfect because it occasionally struggles in first gear, revving too high when I'm cruising slowly at 8-10 mph in my neighborhood. At times, the acceleration feels jerky while the system decides whether to upshift or hold its position. I haven't towed anything with the Passport yet, but I have plans to do so in the coming months, so I’ll report back on how it handles a couple of thousand pounds.

      Turning the steering wheel is effortless, which is beneficial given the beefy 31-inch General Grabber all-terrain tires. Whether you intend to use your TrailSport for real off-roading or just for driving around town, you won't have to struggle with steering due to the larger tires and increased ride height. The ride quality does come into play, though; as I mentioned earlier, it feels soft and bouncy, and I have mixed feelings about this. In a vehicle like this, I prioritize comfort over performance, but it usually takes me a couple of days to adjust after driving a different car.

      An improvement over the previous Passport and all Hondas made in recent years is the brake pedal feel. Unlike other models that tend to be overly sensitive and hard to control, the new Passport’s brake pedal is well calibrated. It doesn’t overreact, yet it isn’t devoid of feedback, providing just the right balance for daily driving needs in this type of vehicle, which is also true for the accelerator.

      Jerry Perez

      Speaking of the accelerator, 99% of my 4,745 miles in this Passport have been driven in Normal mode with the Econ mode activated. This offers a comfortable driving experience while maximizing fuel efficiency. Turning off Econ mode makes the accelerator slightly more responsive and the shifts crisper, but I prefer to keep it on