Honda Passport TrailSport Long-Term Test Conclusion: Insights Gained from 13,000 Miles

      Jerry Perez

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      In April, I bid farewell to The Drive’s long-term 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport. More accurately, it was my own 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport, as I was the sole driver for nearly nine months, accumulating about 13,000 miles before it was returned for auction and to find a new owner.

      I've been working in this role for just over a decade, and this has been by far the longest period I've spent with a press vehicle and the most miles I've clocked. I truly experienced life with the Passport—it was both enjoyable and challenging. As I often mention, significant moments occur in cars, and the Pumpkin King was no exception. It accompanied me on numerous grocery runs, school drop-offs and pick-ups; it transported my son to his high school graduation; and eventually, it helped him move into his dorm at Purdue University. It also helped me relocate to a new home, marking a fresh start in my life last year. And there were a few road trips, including a cross-country drive to a Billie Eilish concert for my daughter's birthday. The Passport handled it all, allowing me to learn everything about it: its strengths, its quirks, and most importantly, its cheerful, can-do spirit.

      If you're considering a Honda Passport or a midsize, rugged SUV, here's what to anticipate.

      Jerry Perez

      Prior Installments

      Daily Usage

      The Passport TrailSport is a boxy, rugged crossover that's quite adept off-road, but more on that in a moment. Like all popular crossovers, its primary purpose is to transport you and your family to your destinations—safely, comfortably, and without hassle. On all these fronts, the Passport exceeds expectations and excels in these areas. In fact, it receives extra credit for its distinct design that helps it stand out amidst its competitors, a challenging feat in such a packed segment.

      What I appreciated most about the Passport TrailSport was its versatility. It's an extremely comfortable daily driver, but its 3.5-liter V6 with 285 horsepower provides ample power when needed. If you've read my previous posts, you'll know how I feel about its suspension (very soft and springy), so don't expect a sporty experience. If your priority is comfort for you and your family on city streets and highways alike, it delivers.

      There isn't a bad seat in the vehicle. I found both the front and rear seats to be very comfortable, particularly in the top-tier TrailSport trim, with heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. They offered plenty of support and cushioning without feeling like an overly plush recliner or too sporty.

      For my complete road test and driving impressions, you can check out my 5,000-mile review.

      Jerry Perez

      Pros

      Technology: Honda’s infotainment system with built-in Google is my personal favorite to date. Sure, I've used it the longest, but it just makes sense. The Google interface closely resembles what you'd find on your Chrome browser and Google Maps. You can log in using your Google account, which remembers your frequent routes and preferences, and it syncs notifications. It's incredibly convenient. Multiple users can also be set up if you share the Passport. It's very user-friendly—so much so that I didn't make much use of wireless Apple CarPlay, mainly for Apple Music.

      Versatility: When you purchase a Suburban, you get an excellent highway vehicle for road trips and impressive towing capabilities. However, it’s large and unwieldy in the city, with poor fuel economy. A Toyota 4Runner offers a plastic-heavy interior, a mediocre engine, and a harsh, truck-like ride quality that, while competent off-road, can be quite unpleasant in daily driving. The Passport’s standout feature is its all-around versatility. It can handle everything well—aside from spirited driving—and does so confidently.

      Honda / Jerry Perez

      Cons

      Many of the issues I noted at the beginning of my long-term evaluation remained. First, the cruise control is overly sensitive when going downhill. If you set your speed to 70 and encounter a slight slope that increases your speed, instead of allowing you to build an extra two to three miles per hour, the Passport will abruptly brake to prevent acceleration. This can be quite frustrating and inefficient. Then there’s the calibration of the lane-keeping assist, or rather the lack of it. The Passport frequently drifts between lanes and struggles to maintain a steady course through even slight turns.

      With those major issues addressed, there were also a few minor annoyances throughout my testing. One was that all auxiliary power shuts off immediately after the engine turns off. Ideally, I'd prefer the stereo to stay on for a minute or so, allowing me to finish listening to a song without wasting fuel. (There was no option for this.) It would also be beneficial