Here’s a number that even surprised Honda’s own executives: 80 percent. That’s the share of Honda Passport buyers who chose the rugged TrailSport trim last month. Out of nearly 5,000 Passports sold, over 4,000 were TrailSport models. Honda sold a record 55,231 Passports in 2025 — a 70 percent jump from the previous year — and the TrailSport accounted for the overwhelming majority of that surge.
Even Honda’s Vice President of Automobile Sales, Lance Woelfer, admitted the demand was “a little bit higher than we anticipated.”
So what’s going on here? Why are Passport buyers so overwhelmingly drawn to this one particular trim? And should you consider it if you’re shopping for a midsize SUV right now?
What Is the Honda Passport TrailSport?
The Honda Passport is a two-row midsize SUV that slots between the smaller CR-V and the larger three-row Pilot. For 2026, Honda gave the Passport a complete redesign — and the TrailSport is the headline act.
The TrailSport isn’t new. It debuted back in 2022 as more of a styling exercise — some off-road-themed visual cues, maybe a different set of wheels. But for 2026, Honda went much further. The TrailSport now comes with genuine off-road hardware, not just looks.
Here’s what separates the TrailSport from the standard RTL trim:
- All-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels
- Off-road tuned suspension for better articulation over rough terrain
- ** skid plates** protecting the underbody
- Improved approach angles thanks to a shorter front overhang
- Orange TrailSport badging inside and out
- TrailWatch trail cameras for navigating tricky obstacles
- Standard trailer hitch and seven-pin connector for towing up to 5,000 pounds
- Seven drive modes, including Trail, Snow, and Sand settings
Under the hood, every Passport — TrailSport or otherwise — runs a 3.5-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive.
Why Are Buyers Choosing the TrailSport?
This is the question worth digging into. The TrailSport isn’t cheap. Here’s how the 2026 Passport lineup breaks down:
| Trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| RTL | $44,950 |
| RTL Towing | $45,650 |
| RTL Blackout | $46,150 |
| TrailSport | $48,650 |
| TrailSport Blackout | $49,850 |
| TrailSport Elite | $52,650 |
| TrailSport Elite Blackout | $53,850 |
The base RTL is the most affordable option. The TrailSport is roughly $3,700 more. The top-of-the-line TrailSport Elite Blackout pushes past $53,000. And yet, 80 percent of buyers picked one of the four TrailSport variants.
That’s remarkable. Here’s why it’s happening:
1. The Look Matches the Capability
For years, Honda built sensible, practical vehicles that looked sensible and practical. The old Passport was fine — it was also forgettable. The 2026 redesign changed that entirely. The new Passport looks tough. Wide stance, bold front end, purposeful lines. The TrailSport takes that further with specific wheels, orange accents, and a roof rack as standard.
Buyers aren’t just getting a badge upgrade. They’re getting a vehicle that looks like it means business — and actually does.
2. “Soft-roading” Is Having a Moment
Here’s a well-known secret in the automotive industry: most buyers who purchase off-road trims will never take their vehicles off a paved road. They buy them because they could. Because the option exists. Because it makes them feel prepared.
The TrailSport gives buyers that psychological reassurance without requiring them to actually go mudding. They can commute to work Monday through Friday and feel like they’re driving something capable. Saturday morning? Maybe they hit a gravel road on the way to a hiking trail. That flexibility has real appeal.
This isn’t unique to Honda. Hyundai’s XRT trims, Subaru’s Wilderness lineup, and Toyota’s TRD packages all tap into the same desire. But Honda executed this particular trim strategy particularly well with the Passport.
3. More Value Per Dollar
Counterintuitive, maybe, given the higher price. But when you look at what you get, the TrailSport actually makes a strong value case. The RTL at $44,950 is the base model — it has the V6 and AWD, but lacks the tires, suspension tuning, skid plates, and trail cameras. For roughly $3,700 more, the TrailSport adds thousands in capability and equipment.
It’s one of those rare cases where the more expensive trim genuinely offers more value.
4. Honda’s Brand Loyalty Plays a Role
Honda owners tend to stick with Honda. When a CR-V owner decides they need more space but want to stay within the brand, the Passport naturally comes up. That buyer already trusts Honda. The TrailSport gives them an emotionally satisfying upgrade — something that feels like an event rather than just a larger version of what they already had.
Real-World Use Cases
This is where the TrailSport’s appeal becomes concrete.
The Weekend Adventurer: You have two kids, a dog, and a kayak. The Passport seats five comfortably, hauls your gear on the roof rails, and tows up to 5,000 pounds when you rent a trailer for the weekend. The TrailSport’s all-terrain tires give you confidence on the gravel road to your favorite campsite.
The Suburban Flex: You dropped the kids at school and now you’re driving to the office. The TrailSport looks impressive in the parking lot but doesn’t sacrifice comfort. The ride is smooth, the cabin is quiet, and you have enough ground clearance to handle any curb without thinking twice.
The Prepared Parent: Winter storm coming. The school called early dismissal. The TrailSport’s AWD system, snow mode, and 8.3 inches of ground clearance mean you’re not worrying about getting home when the plows haven’t come through yet.
Pros and Cons of the Honda Passport TrailSport
Pros:
- Genuine off-road capability — Not just styling; real hardware that makes a difference on trails and rough terrain
- Strong value at the TrailSport trim — The equipment you get justifies the price jump over the RTL
- Impressive sales record — Eighty percent of buyers can’t be wrong; the market has spoken
- Standard towing equipment — Hitch and seven-pin connector included; 5,000-pound capacity
- Refined highway manners — Despite the rugged image, it’s comfortable for daily commuting
- TrailWatch cameras — Help you see obstacles you might otherwise miss
Cons:
- No hybrid option — Rivals like the Toyota 4Runner and Ford Bronco offer hybrid powertrains
- Same ground clearance as RTL — Some competitors (Subaru Wilderness, Toyota TRD Pro) offer more
- Price creep — The 2026 redesign pushed prices up significantly; the base RTL is $2,350 more than last year’s equivalent
- Two rows only — If you need three rows, you’ll need to look at the Pilot
- Fuel economy is middling — 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined mpg for the TrailSport isn’t class-leading
Tips for Shopping the Honda Passport TrailSport
If you’re considering a 2026 Passport TrailSport, here’s practical advice based on how the market is playing out:
- Start with the standard TrailSport — The base TrailSport at $48,650 offers nearly everything that makes the trim desirable. The Blackout and Elite versions add luxury features, not capability. Unless you must have ventilated seats or a premium audio system, the standard TrailSport hits the sweet spot.
- Negotiate based on market conditions — With TrailSport demand so high, dealers have less incentive to discount. But it’s still worth getting quotes from multiple dealerships. Pricing varies considerably by region.
- Check insurance costs before you buy — Larger SUVs with performance-oriented tires and off-road equipment sometimes cost more to insure. Get a quote before you fall in love.
- Consider the CR-V TrailSport if budget matters — Honda is rolling out a CR-V TrailSport trim. It won’t match the Passport’s power or size, but it brings the rugged aesthetic to a lower price point.
- Test drive on rough roads if possible — The TrailSport’s suspension tuning is the real differentiator. If you can, take it on something rougher than a smooth highway to feel the difference.
- Think about your actual needs — If you’ll never take it off paved roads, the RTL is genuinely sufficient and saves you nearly $4,000. The TrailSport is worth it if you value the image and capability. It’s not worth it if you’re just buying it because everyone else is.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of Honda Passport buyers choose the TrailSport trim?
According to Honda’s own sales data, roughly 80 percent of Passport buyers chose the TrailSport trim in 2026. This was higher than Honda’s internal projections. Even at a higher price point, the TrailSport’s combination of genuine capability and rugged styling has clearly resonated with buyers.
What makes the TrailSport different from the standard Honda Passport RTL?
The TrailSport adds real off-road hardware, not just styling cues. Key differences include all-terrain tires, off-road tuned suspension, underbody skid plates, improved approach angles, TrailWatch trail cameras, and standard towing equipment. The TrailSport also features unique orange badging and exterior/interior design elements. The RTL is the base model with the same powertrain but fewer capability-focused features.
How much does the Honda Passport TrailSport cost?
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport starts at $48,650 MSRP, including destination. That’s approximately $3,700 more than the base RTL. The range-topping TrailSport Elite Blackout starts at $53,850. Prices vary by dealership and options.
Is the Honda Passport TrailSport worth the extra money over the RTL?
For most buyers, yes. The TrailSport adds meaningful capability — better tires, suspension tuning, skid plates, and trail cameras — that justifies the price premium. The value proposition at the standard TrailSport trim level is strong. However, if you never plan to leave paved roads, the RTL offers the same powertrain, interior space, and towing capacity at a lower price.
What rivals should I consider against the Honda Passport TrailSport?
Direct competitors include the Toyota 4Runner (which now offers a hybrid option), Ford Bronco (more off-road focused but less practical for daily driving), Subaru Outback Wilderness (excellent off-road capability but smaller interior), and the Hyundai Santa Fe XRT (similar rugged styling approach). The Passport TrailSport strikes a balance between genuine capability and everyday usability that few rivals match as well.
The Bottom Line
Honda stumbled onto something real with the Passport TrailSport. Buyers didn’t just want a rugged-looking SUV — they wanted one with actual capability underneath the styling. The 2026 redesign delivered that, and the market responded accordingly.
Eighty percent of buyers choosing the TrailSport is almost unheard of in the automotive industry. Usually, the base trim dominates because people want to save money. But in this case, Honda struck the right balance between price and value, and buyers voted with their wallets.
If you’re shopping for a midsize SUV in the $48,000 to $55,000 range, the Passport TrailSport deserves a spot on your list. It’s capable, comfortable, well-equipped, and — based on what actual buyers are doing — clearly the trim to get.
Just don’t expect to negotiate much of a discount. Honda can’t make them fast enough.
