Honda released the Canadian specs of the off-road version of its Passport midsize SUV ahead of its release date.

The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport will be available in four trims. Pricing will be announced closer to the SUV’s on-sale date.

So, let’s take a look at the goods.

The TrailSport is powered by a 24-valve DOHC 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 285 hp and 262 lb.-ft. of torque.

The motor sends power via a 10-speed automatic transmission to a torque-vectoring i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system. It’s Honda’s second-generation i-VTM4 and is said to have a stronger rear drive unit that can handle 40 per cent more torque and provides 30 per cent faster response than the first-gen system. Honda said this helps optimize traction in all driving scenarios and up to 70 per cent of the engine’s torque can be sent to the rear wheels, while 100 per cent of that torque can be sent to either the left or right rear wheel.

The TrailSport gets seven drive modes – Normal, Sport, Econ, Snow, Sand, Tow and Trail. Tow and Trail are new, with Honda saying the Trail mode optimizes the vehicle’s off-road chops.

Four trims

There are four trims to choose from. Those include:

• TrailSport
• TrailSport Touring
• TrailSport Blackout
• TrailSport Touring Blackout

Standard features include what’s called an adventure-ready interior with easy-to-clean surfaces with increased rear seat legroom, increased cargo space and more tech, including a 10.2-inch driver display and a 12.3-inch centre touchscreen along with Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Body stabilizing power-adjustable heated front seats with memory are designed to reduce fatigue on long drives.

There’s also a sliding panoramic sunroof.

The Touring models add features such as smart entry, perforated leather seating with piping, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, rear climate controls, rear door shades and expanded ambient lighting, and a custom-engineered 12-speaker Bose audio system. The audio system features Bose Centerpoint technology, SurroundStage digital signal processing and a larger capacity subwoofer box.

The Touring models also get a new TrailWatch camera system that uses four exterior cameras to provide four camera views, including front, rear, side and 360 degree. Tire placement graphics also help drivers go over obstacles.

All models feature front and rear recovery points that are rated to hold twice the gross vehicle weight rating of the Passport. To demonstrate the recover points’ strength, Honda hung three of them from end to end, which you can read about here.

The TrailSport benefits from greater structural stiffness over a regular Passport and is said to provide better ride comfort, handling and refinement as well.

The wheelbase was also extended by 70 mm to 2,887 mm and the track was widened by 33 mm up front and 38 mm in the rear. With increased ground clearance and shorter front overhangs, both the approach and rear angle are increased. The TrailSport also gets hidden exhaust tips to protect them on the trail.

Honda has not announced the Passport TrailSport’s on-sale date. For updates, visit the Honda Canada website.

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