2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Long-Term Test: Detailed Feature Review

I’ve spent enough time with our long-term 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport – nearly 6,500 kilometers, to be precise – to have tested most of its features. Most are quite straightforward, like media, climate, and comfort management, while others, more remote like the Honda Link app, require a bit more time and effort to explore.

Most importantly, I’ve had the opportunity to use them dozens and dozens of times, which helps me understand their real utility or their gimmicky side, their reliability, and in some cases, whether they are worth their price or not. It was also a pleasure to receive feedback from many readers, asking me questions about the Passport, its strengths and weaknesses. Some even shared their own experiences with their Passport.

I’ll get straight to the point and classify them into three categories: I Like, I Don’t Like, and Mixed. Each point will include a brief explanation of its classification, as well as relevant details or various thoughts.

What I Don’t Like

Fan Speed: When I mentioned this point on a quick list of particular things noticed on the Passport, I received several emails from owners expressing the same frustration. Fan speed 1 is too strong to be comfortable, more akin to levels 2 or 3 in most other cars. An update for the 2027 model, Honda?

Adaptive Cruise Control: Although I understand that most ADAS systems prioritize caution, the Passport’s adaptive cruise control tends to brake abruptly at any sign of traffic – even when that traffic is, uh, invisible. I was driving on the highway at 120 km/h when the system braked for no apparent reason, dropping me to 115 km/h. No car in front, no swerving to the side, nothing. This happens whether lane keeping assist is activated or not. This isn’t a problem exclusive to the Passport, I’ve also experienced it in other Honda models.

Lane Keeping Assist: Just like adaptive cruise control, the lane keeping assist is disappointing, constantly making the Passport weave back and forth between the lane markings. And although I understand it’s an *assist* and not an autonomous driving level, the steering assistance is weak and often insufficient to negotiate a long curve on the highway.

Shutdown Sequence: The problem is that when you turn off the engine, *everything* turns off. If you’re listening to music, it stops immediately. If you’re on a phone call via the car’s Bluetooth or Apple CarPlay, that stops too. If you’re parking on a busy street, your blind spot monitors won’t alert you if a car or cyclist is approaching, to avoid opening the door. Why? Because all power is cut. Most cars allow auxiliary power to remain active for 60 seconds after pressing the start button, or to customize this setting via the multimedia screen. Not the Passport. If I ranked the items on the “I Don’t Like” list from most annoying to least annoying, this would solidly be in second place behind the fan speed.

Garage Door Opener: I could write a thousand words about the frustration of knowing that my 2009 Honda Odyssey had physical buttons to operate up to three garage doors *for free*, while a top-of-the-line 2026 Passport does not. Worse, you have to pay $129 for 3 years of the MyQ service to use the garage door function via the central touch screen (no physical button), on top of the $110 per year required for the HondaLink Remote subscription.

What I Like

Customizable Gauges: Although being able to change styles, themes, and functions on a digital screen isn’t new, the level of customization offered by the Passport is typically found in high-end vehicles. You can customize the display in three parts: left, center, and right. You can swap your tachometer for a dozen other visuals, like media settings, or a classic speedometer for your trip computer, or a map view with GPS guidance, while keeping two other customizable views. If you prefer a full map view, that’s possible, or keeping a sober and traditional display.

GPS Popup: This is by far one of my favorite features. I have my cluster divided into three sections: music on the left, speedometer and ADAS in the center, trip computer on the right. When I use GPS, the system automatically displays my route on the right side of the cluster. And what I like even more is that it doesn’t display it all the time. It only appears when approaching a turn or a point requiring my attention. Once the turn is taken, it disappears!

Headlights: These reflector LED headlights are probably the best in the entire Honda lineup, and are comparable to Acura units in terms of performance. They are bright, offer great range, and do an excellent job overall.

Power: 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque isn’t huge in the world of EVs, but it’s plenty sufficient. I’m always pleasantly surprised when I need to accelerate for a quick pass, because the Passport has what it takes to move forward confidently.

Pedal Calibration: The accelerator and brake pedals are simply perfect. Soft but responsive, a real success from the engineers.

Seats: Same as above. Five stars.

Storage Solutions: Families will rejoice! The Passport has learned from the best in storage, an area that the Honda Pilot has mastered for years. You will never run out of places to store your belongings or your water bottles. I particularly love the hidden storage under the trunk floor. Super convenient.

Google Infotainment: I’ve learned to love the new Google-based system. Once connected to my Google account, it knows everything about me. I press the Google Assistant button and ask it to guide me, call someone, or give me information. All without taking my eyes off the road.

Mixed Feelings

HondaLink: At $110 per year, this subscription for an app that allows you to locate your car, start it remotely, control the climate, seems a bit expensive, even if it includes safety functions. Some will get more benefits from it than others. Take it or leave it.

Color Combination: The Sunset Orange shade is superb and suits the rugged side of the SUV. However, combined with the brown leather interior of my test model, it seems a bit excessive. If I were buying, I would choose an all-black interior, or ideally a Sonic Gray Pearl body with a Gray interior. It would look more sober.

Bluetooth Microphone: I personally haven’t encountered any major problems with the microphone. People on the other end of the line say there is a bit of noise and they can tell I’m using a hands-free system. However, several readers contacted me to complain about poor call quality, with too much background noise. I’m classifying it here because I haven’t experienced it, but the feedback is too numerous to ignore.