2026 Honda Passport TrailSport: A Bold and Successful Bet for the Canadian Market

When Honda announced that the 2026 Passport would only be offered in Canada in the TrailSport trim, the news surprised more than one potential buyer. In the United States, the lineup includes several trim levels at more accessible entry prices. Here, Honda chose a different approach: a single vehicle, completely reconfigured, designed for Canadians who want a SUV capable of handling off-the-beaten-path terrain without sacrificing any on-road comfort.

This positioning has sparked debate. However, the data supports this choice, notably the Passport's first-ever nomination to Car and Driver's 10Best Trucks and SUVs list—a ranking that rewards the most well-rounded vehicles based on precise criteria of performance, technology, and value for money.

What really changes with the 2026 generation

The 2026 Passport TrailSport is a completely redesigned vehicle. The platform retains the foundations of Honda's light-truck frame, but with front lateral rigidity improved by 72% and rear torsional rigidity increased by 50%. The wheelbase has been lengthened by 70 mm to reach 2,887 mm, and the tracks have been widened by 33 mm at the front and 38 mm at the rear. These figures have a real impact on cornering stability and comfort on rough roads.

The Passport offers a certain driving pleasure on the road.

The 3.5-liter, 24-valve DOHC V6 engine now produces 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The automatic transmission has upgraded to ten speeds, a first for this model. Paddle shifters come standard. The second-generation i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system, already featured on the Pilot, can send up to 70% of the torque to the rear axle and distribute 100% of that torque to either rear wheel depending on conditions.

Seven drive modes to adapt to anything

The Passport TrailSport offers seven selectable drive modes: Normal, Sport, Econ, Snow, Sand, Tow, and Trail. The latter optimizes settings for off-road driving, while the Tow mode adjusts transmission and braking behavior for hauling heavy loads. This type of versatility, usually reserved for specialized all-terrain vehicles, is accessible here in an SUV you can drive every day.

The General Grabber all-terrain tires (275/60R18) were developed exclusively with General Tire for the 2026 Passport. Capable in sand, mud, and on rock, they remain quiet and comfortable on asphalt. Steel skid plates cover the oil pan, transmission, and fuel tank. The front and rear recovery points are integrated and rated at double the vehicle's total gross weight (with load).

Truly, the vehicle is not just functional; all of this makes it more attractive.

The cabin thinks of adventure without forgetting the daily routine

The interior of the TrailSport has been thoroughly redesigned. The rear bench seat offers an additional 33 mm of legroom, and the cargo space behind the first row reaches 2,356 liters, which is 156 liters more than before. The electronically adjustable front seats with position memory integrate a body-stabilizing function to reduce fatigue during long trips.

The central screen grows to 12.3 inches, a 54% increase, with Google built-in, wireless compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto apps, and wireless charging. The 10.2-inch digital instrumentation completes the package. The sliding panoramic sunroof comes standard.

Is it a good choice for Quebec?

For families in Lachenaie and Lanaudière looking for an SUV capable of comfortably transporting four adults to Sainte-Agathe, towing a trailer at any time, and pushing through a winter snowstorm without anxiety, the Passport TrailSport meets every single one of these needs. The fact that Honda equips all its Passports in the TrailSport configuration in Canada actually simplifies the decision: you get a more complete vehicle right from the start.

The TrailSport Touring version adds ventilated perforated leather seats, rear climate control, a heated steering wheel, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

To schedule your test drive of the 2026 Passport TrailSport or to get information on delivery times, the team at Lallier Honda 640 in Lachenaie is available to guide you toward the right configuration.

Get behind the wheel of one of the most underrated SUVs on the market.