The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite was put to the test on the notoriously difficult Forest Service Road 370 in Central Oregon, revealing its robust off-road prowess. This model, boasting a redesigned aggressive exterior, enhanced ground clearance, and specialized off-road features, showcased a strong performance on challenging terrain. The integrated trail camera system and the General Grabber all-terrain tires proved invaluable in navigating mud, rocks, and ruts. Despite these strengths, observations were made regarding the suspension's limited travel and the vehicle's broad stance, which posed minor inconveniences on narrow trails. Overall, the Passport TrailSport Elite emerges as a highly capable and family-friendly SUV, well-suited for adventurous excursions while offering comfortable highway cruising.
Detailed Expedition: Navigating Central Oregon's FSR 370 with the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite
On October 14, 2025, a comprehensive off-road evaluation of the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite was conducted on the rugged Forest Service Road 370 in Central Oregon. The test vehicle, with a market price of $54,355 including additional features and taxes, was driven by Kristen Brown, a contributing writer for Autoblog.
Honda's revamped 2026 Passport, particularly its TrailSport variants, is marketed for its off-road readiness. The vehicle's design philosophy, dubbed \"Born Wild,\" emphasizes a sturdy and expansive aesthetic, featuring an assertive front fascia, a prominent grille, and increased ground clearance. The TrailSport Elite model is equipped with 8.3 inches of ground clearance, a suspension system tuned for off-road conditions, an i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring, and General Grabber all-terrain tires. A specialized Trail drive mode adjusts throttle response, traction control, and transmission for optimal low-speed, high-torque performance, while automatically activating integrated off-road cameras and hill descent control.
The journey began on a seemingly docile gravel path, but quickly transitioned into a demanding trail characterized by significant washouts, deep ruts, and uneven surfaces. Despite the initial smoothness, the terrain rapidly escalated in difficulty, challenging the vehicle's capabilities. While the TrailSport Elite adeptly absorbed most impacts, the reviewer noted that the suspension could benefit from increased travel to further enhance comfort over extreme undulations, even at reduced speeds. The vehicle's approach and departure angles were sufficient, preventing any instances of bottoming out, a reassurance further bolstered by steel skid plates safeguarding critical underbody components like the engine, transmission, and fuel tank. The sophisticated trail camera system, offering live feeds from cameras positioned on the grille, side mirrors, and tailgate, proved indispensable. Its tire placement prediction markers provided crucial guidance, particularly when navigating obscured obstacles and maneuvering for oncoming traffic on narrow sections of the path. The driver's information display also offered a wealth of data, including compass readings, torque distribution, elevation, pitch and roll metrics, and tire pressure monitoring.
A notable characteristic of the Passport TrailSport Elite is its considerable width. While advantageous for interior space, particularly for passengers, this dimension presented a challenge on the constricted sections of FSR 370. Avoiding potential pinstriping from roadside vegetation became difficult, and accommodating other vehicles on the narrow trail required careful maneuvering. However, this width contributed positively to passenger comfort, especially for families, and allowed for an expansive sunroof, enhancing the outdoor experience.
The General Grabber all-terrain tires were a standout feature, demonstrating exceptional grip and stability on the muddy and rocky surfaces left by recent rainfall. The hill descent control system, coupled with the responsive all-wheel drive, anti-lock braking system, and traction control, facilitated a smooth and controlled descent on steep, slick inclines, with the tires playing a pivotal role in maintaining traction.
Reflections on the Expedition: Balancing Rugged Capability with Everyday Utility
This extensive test of the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite underscores Honda's deliberate engineering efforts to create a truly off-road-capable SUV. The vehicle's robust construction and advanced technological integrations, such as the sophisticated camera system and dedicated Trail mode, confirm its ability to conquer challenging environments. However, the experience also highlights a critical balance: while the Passport excels when pushed to its limits on untamed paths, it shines brightest as a multifaceted daily driver. Its generous interior space, comfort-oriented features for highway travel, and substantial towing capacity cater effectively to families and those seeking versatility. Ultimately, the Passport TrailSport Elite presents a compelling option for consumers desiring an SUV that confidently handles occasional rugged adventures without compromising on the refinements and practicality expected in an everyday vehicle. It's a testament to thoughtful design that serves both the call of the wild and the demands of modern life.