Put the pitchforks down until you let me explain my hot take. I know the Honda Element has a cult following for being capable and durable. But Honda doesn’t need to build a new one. The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport provides all the rugged capability and comfort you need. 

The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport says Element who?? 

I enjoyed my week with the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport to review. It may be the first rugged Honda to change my life, like the Honda Element changed many of yours. 

However, let’s start with a few 2026 Passport drawbacks: 

• The tech relies heavily on distracting touchscreen buttons and feels slightly dated. 
• Rivals offer hybrid engines and better fuel economies. 
• The suspension upgrades don’t feel as strong as the Toyota 4Runner’s, but how many drivers actually take a family SUV rock crawling? 
• The extra off-roading upgrades add weight to the Passport, impacting its fuel economy. It gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and up to 23 mpg on the highway. 
• My model had a donut tire instead of a full-sized spare.

How does the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport perform? 

In the wild, the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is very impressive with plenty of grip and control for slippery terrain to get a little further down the trail. It can do more than simply get you to the campsite. 

It has a ground clearance of 8.3 inches, which is great for clearing obstacles. Plus, the protective skid plates, tow hooks, off-roading camera views for winching, and displays with crucial pitch and roll information are very helpful. 

For the record, the Honda Element has 6.9 to 7.1 inches of ground clearance. You can add tow hooks, and it’s lacking in camera views. 

The off-road tuned suspension and all-terrain tires provide a comfortable and confident ride on uneven surfaces such as mud and ruts. Plus, the intelligent variable torque management system makes a noticeable difference. 

Along with downhill descent control, there are off-roading modes for Snow, Trail, and Sand. I’ve actually seen the Passport TrailSport dominate in the Rebelle Rally off-roading competition in the desert. It has true grit in the Carolina woods and California sand dunes. 

Is the Honda Passport TrailSport comfortable? 

Yes, the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is very comfortable. Its smooth ride quality quickly dampens impacts and makes it seem like the extra off-roading features, heavier suspension, and chunky tires aren’t even there. 

Plus, it has an incredibly quiet interior at highway speeds. It’s like this SUV combines rugged capabilities with lavish comfort, while most off-roaders take away from daily driver quality. 

The front seats are massive and supportive with plenty of adjustment controls. The backseat has plenty of space for two larger adults or three average ones. The large door openings and rear hatch space make it easy to load large and bulky items. 

Also, the Passport TrailSport doesn’t feel as large as it actually is. It has a 19.4’ turning radius, making it quite agile on tight trails and crowded city areas. 

Is the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport practical? 

Well, the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport does have an MSRP of $49,900, making it feel expensive. But the Honda Element actually suffered from declining sales due to being considered overpriced. 

It has a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine with 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Passport TrailSport can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, which is average for the class. It has responsive handling and confident brakes despite not being able to feel the steering at times. 

Plus, it has a standard towing package with a trailer hitch and seven-pin connector. It can tow up to 5,000 lbs and carry extra gear on the roof rails. 

You can access up to 44.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 83.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. They create a flat cargo floor, which is something the Element could do. 

Also, there are an abundance of spacious storage cubbies, trays, and bins to organize all the things. The cargo area has bins built into the floor. 

Last but not least, the Passport TrailSport is loaded with luxury features like wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a power liftgate, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting, and noise-reducing windows. 

It’s the modern Element you’ve been waiting for!