When Honda unveiled the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport in late November 2025, it wasn’t just another SUV update—it was a declaration of war on the off-road market. The Honda 2026 Pilot TrailSport, arriving at dealerships in December 2025, joins its sibling in a full-throttle push into rugged terrain, directly challenging the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s dominance. And this time, Honda didn’t just tweak the tires. They rebuilt the soul of the vehicle.
Designed in California, Built for the Wild
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport didn’t emerge from a boardroom spreadsheet. According to Honda’s own production model, it was designed in California, engineered in Ohio, and assembled in Alabama—using parts sourced globally but assembled with a distinctly American grit. That’s not just marketing fluff; it’s a lineage that stretches back decades. But the 2026 model? It’s the first TrailSport to feel like it was born on a dirt trail, not a showroom floor.
Under the hood, the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport gets a new DOHC 3.5-liter V6 engine—stronger, smarter, and paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Output is expected to match the 2025 Pilot’s 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Not earth-shattering on paper, but here’s the twist: it’s not about raw power. It’s about torque delivery in low-range conditions, where most SUVs stumble. This engine, tuned for off-road responsiveness, delivers power smoothly through ruts, rocks, and steep inclines—exactly where you need it most.
The TrailSport Package: More Than Just Tires
Let’s talk tires. The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport rolls on 18-inch wheels wrapped in 31-inch all-terrain rubber. That’s not a casual upgrade—it’s a 2-inch increase over the standard Passport, giving it real ground clearance and grip on loose surfaces. But Honda didn’t stop there.
Front recovery points? Bright orange, heavy-duty, and positioned for winch compatibility. Front scuff plate? Aluminum, not plastic, to deflect rocks and stumps. Skid plates? Three of them: one over the oil pan, one for the power transfer unit, one for the transmission, and another guarding the fuel tank. That’s the kind of protection you only see on vehicles built for Baja, not suburban errands.
And then there’s the rear. The exhaust tips? Tucked sideways. Why? So they don’t get crushed when you’re crawling over a log or descending a rocky slope. The front overhang? Shortened by design to improve approach angle. That’s not an accident—it’s engineering intent.
TrailWatch: Seeing What Your Eyes Can’t
Here’s where Honda gets genuinely clever. The new TrailWatch system isn’t just a 360-degree camera. It’s a tactical aid. Four camera feeds—front, rear, side, and overhead—project real-time guidelines onto the center screen. Think of it like a video game HUD, but for real mud and rocks. Need to know if your rear tire will clear that hidden ledge? The system overlays your vehicle’s body shape, showing exactly where the tires will roll. No guesswork. No panic.
Edmunds Cars conducted an Off-Road Comparison Test on the Passport TrailSport in November 2025, and their findings were telling: “It outmaneuvered several competitors in tight, technical terrain where other SUVs had to stop and reassess.” That’s the kind of result that turns enthusiasts into believers.
The Pilot TrailSport: The Bigger Sibling
While the Passport TrailSport stole the spotlight, the 2026 Honda Pilot TrailSport isn’t far behind. It shares the same suspension tuning, skid plates, and TrailWatch tech—but with three rows of seats. That’s the real game-changer. Most off-road SUVs are two-row machines. The Pilot TrailSport lets families take the trail together. No compromises.
Inside, the Pilot gets a 37% larger touchscreen, quieter cabin insulation, and improved steering feel. Safety upgrades? Standard across all six trims: Sport, EX-L, Touring, TrailSport, Elite, and Black Edition. That means even the base model now has automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Honda didn’t just make the TrailSport better—they made the whole lineup smarter.
Why This Matters
Honda’s move isn’t just about competing with Jeep. It’s about redefining what a family SUV can be. For years, the off-road segment belonged to rugged, utilitarian brands. Honda, known for reliability and comfort, is now saying: “You don’t have to choose.”
And the market is watching. As HotCars noted in November 2025, “Honda just built an off-road Pilot to fight the Jeep Grand Cherokee.” That’s not a throwaway line. It’s a challenge. And with the Passport TrailSport being called “the most capable and off-road focused Honda SUV yet” by Jay Honda, the message is clear: Honda is no longer just building cars for highways.
What’s Still Unknown
Some details remain under wraps. The interior of the Passport TrailSport hasn’t been revealed yet, though Jay Honda teased “all things capable,” including a MOLLE-style storage system in the cargo area—perfect for overlanding gear. Pricing? Not announced. Fuel economy? Still TBD. But the core message is unmistakable: Honda’s off-road ambitions are real, and they’re here to stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport compare to the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk?
The Passport TrailSport matches the Trailhawk in ground clearance and approach angle, but adds more advanced camera-based trail assistance with TrailWatch. While the Jeep has a more traditional 4x4 system, Honda’s setup is tuned for smoother on-road transitions and family comfort. Edmunds’ off-road test showed the Honda handling technical terrain more predictably, especially for less experienced drivers.
Is the TrailSport trim worth the upgrade over the standard Pilot or Passport?
If you ever plan to drive on gravel roads, fire trails, or uneven terrain—even occasionally—the TrailSport’s skid plates, all-terrain tires, and TrailWatch system make it a no-brainer. The standard models are excellent for daily driving, but the TrailSport adds genuine off-road capability without sacrificing comfort. For families who camp, hike, or travel to remote areas, it’s the only version worth considering.
What’s the expected price range for the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport?
While Honda hasn’t confirmed pricing, industry analysts estimate the Passport TrailSport will start around $42,000, placing it just above the Trailhawk’s entry point. That’s competitive for a vehicle with this level of off-road engineering, especially when you factor in Honda’s reputation for long-term reliability and lower maintenance costs.
Can the 2026 Honda Pilot TrailSport handle serious off-roading, or is it just for light trails?
It’s not built for Moab-level rock crawling, but it’s more than capable of handling moderate to difficult trails—mud, sand, steep inclines, and rocky riverbeds. With its short overhang, skid plates, and traction control tuned for loose surfaces, it’s the most serious off-road Honda SUV ever made. For most families who want to get off pavement without buying a dedicated rig, it’s perfect.
Why did Honda choose to release both the Passport and Pilot TrailSport at the same time?
It’s a two-pronged strategy: the Passport appeals to couples and small families who want agility and ruggedness, while the Pilot targets larger families who need third-row seating but still want off-road capability. By offering both, Honda covers more of the market without cannibalizing sales. It’s not just about competing with Jeep—it’s about owning the entire midsize off-road SUV segment.
Will Honda release a TrailSport version of the Ridgeline truck?
No official announcement yet, but industry insiders say a Ridgeline TrailSport is highly likely. The platform shares many components with the Passport and Pilot, and Honda’s off-road push clearly extends beyond SUVs. If the market responds strongly to the Passport and Pilot TrailSport, a truck version could arrive as early as 2027.
