2028 Honda Passport TrailSport Review: Off-Road SUV

2028 Honda Passport TrailSport Review begins with a straightforward question: can Honda take the best version of one of 2026’s most praised midsize SUVs and make it even more capable? Based on everything confirmed so far, the answer is yes. The 2028 Honda Passport TrailSport Review story is one of deliberate, targeted upgrades — a taller ride height, more aggressive styling, the new Honda Trail Experience app, and a sharper focus on taking on the Toyota 4Runner TRD directly. This update arrives in the second half of 2027 as a 2028 model. It keeps the proven 3.5-litre V6, the award-winning boxy design, and the TrailWatch camera system — and adds exactly what owners asked for after Honda surveyed more than 1,500 of them.

2028 Honda Passport TrailSport Review: Overview

Every 2028 Honda Passport TrailSport review should start with context. The TrailSport is not just a trim level — it is the reason most people buy the Passport at all. In 2025, the TrailSport accounted for 80 percent of the 55,231 Passports sold. That was a record year for the model.

The 2026 Passport was a ground-up redesign — longer wheelbase, wider track, boxier body, General Grabber all-terrain tires, and standard AWD across all trims. Car and Driver named it one of the 10Best Trucks and SUVs for 2026. It won that award because it delivered genuine off-road capability without sacrificing on-road refinement.

The 2028 Honda Passport TrailSport review opportunity comes from a targeted midcycle update. According to Carscoops, Honda is planning “subtle tweaks to the front and rear end of the SUV, giving it a more aggressive stance” and confirmed the TrailSport will receive a taller ride height — addressing the one criticism reviewers consistently levelled at the 2026 model: that the TrailSport sat at the same 8.3 inches of ground clearance as every other Passport trim.

2028 Honda Passport TrailSport Review: Release Date and Availability

The 2028 Honda Passport TrailSport goes on sale in the second half of 2027. ClassicCars.com Journal confirmed the timeline, citing Motor Trend and Automotive News as the sources of Honda’s planning information. The update is expected to reach US dealers in late summer or fall 2027 as a 2028 model year.

This 2028 Honda Passport TrailSport review comes as Honda simultaneously ramps up Passport production by 13 percent — made possible by the Ridgeline production halt through 2028, which frees up capacity at the Alabama plant. More units means more buyers can actually get the TrailSport at or near MSRP — a practical benefit in a market where the 2026 model saw strong demand.

Honda has not officially confirmed the full scope of changes at time of writing. The details confirmed come from Automotive News reporting and Carscoops’ independent industry sources. Final specifications, pricing, and feature lists will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

2028 Honda Passport TrailSport Review: Price

Honda has not confirmed pricing for the 2028 Passport TrailSport at time of writing. The 2026 Passport TrailSport starts at approximately $47,000 before destination. The 2026 TrailSport Elite — the top configuration — starts at $52,650 MSRP.

For the 2028 Honda Passport TrailSport update, a modest price increase of $500–$1,500 over the equivalent 2026 trim is the most likely outcome. The suspension upgrade and design revisions carry real engineering costs. Honda has consistently positioned the Passport TrailSport below the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro on price — and that positioning is expected to continue in 2028.

The new Honda Trail Experience (HTX) app is free in the Apple App Store and adds no cost to the vehicle purchase. This is a meaningful decision — Honda is not monetising the off-road data features behind a subscription paywall for the 2028 Passport TrailSport. That stands in contrast to how some rivals handle connected features.

2028 Honda Passport TrailSport Review: Engine and Performance

2028 Honda Passport TrailSport Review: V6 Engine Carries Over

The 2028 Honda Passport TrailSport uses the same 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 engine as the 2026 model. Carscoops confirmed: “Don’t look for anything new under the hood.” The engine produces 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

This engine has proven itself over multiple model years in the Passport, Pilot, and Ridgeline. It is reliable, linear in its power delivery, and well-matched to the Passport’s character. For a midsize adventure SUV, a naturally aspirated V6 is more predictable under sustained off-road use than a turbocharged engine of equivalent output.

The second-generation i-VTM4 AWD system carries forward on the 2028 Passport TrailSport. It manages torque distribution between the rear wheels in real time — not just front-to-rear, but left-to-right at the rear axle. This is the key technology that gives the Passport TrailSport its composed cornering behavior and its confident footing on loose surfaces.

2028 Honda Passport TrailSport Review: Suspension and Ground Clearance Upgrade

The most significant mechanical change in the 2028 Honda Passport TrailSport is the suspension revision. Gear Patrol confirmed the TrailSport will gain “an extra inch of ground clearance over the current 8.3-inch figure” — bringing it to approximately 9.3 inches.

That additional inch matters more than it might sound. It improves the approach angle, increases clearance over rocks and ruts, and puts the 2028 Passport TrailSport closer to the Toyota 4Runner’s 9.6-inch clearance — the benchmark it is explicitly targeting. Combined with the existing General Grabber all-terrain tires, skid plates, and recovery hooks, the 2028 TrailSport will be meaningfully more capable on technical terrain than the already-strong 2026 model.

2028 Honda Passport TrailSport Review: Towing and Capability

The 2028 Honda Passport TrailSport retains the 5,000-pound braked towing capacity of the current generation. The RTL Towing Package — available on other trims — continues to provide a factory-fitted hitch and all necessary hardware. For a midsize adventure SUV this focused on trail use, 5,000 pounds is a practical and well-suited number.

Seven drive modes continue: Normal, ECON, Sport, Snow, Trail, Sand, and Tow. Trail mode is the most relevant to this 2028 Honda Passport TrailSport review — it calibrates AWD torque distribution for loose, uneven surfaces and adjusts throttle response for the more deliberate inputs off-road driving requires. Hill Descent Control manages brake pressure on steep descents automatically.

2028 Honda Passport TrailSport Review: Fuel Consumption

The 2028 Honda Passport TrailSport is expected to return fuel economy close to the current 2026 TrailSport’s figures: approximately 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MPG on all-terrain tires. The suspension lift and any weight changes from the styling revisions may marginally affect these numbers, but no significant departure from the current figures is expected.

The active shutter grille — standard on the 2026 Passport — continues on the 2028 TrailSport. It automatically closes at highway speeds to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. Without it, the all-terrain tires and boxy body would return even lower highway figures.

For a dedicated off-road-focused SUV in this class, 20 MPG combined is a competitive number. The Ford Bronco Sport Badlands returns similar figures. The Toyota 4Runner TRD trails the Passport on efficiency despite having a newer engine. No hybrid option is planned for the 2028 Passport TrailSport.

2028 Honda Passport TrailSport Review: HTX App and Technology

The most genuinely new feature in this 2028 Honda Passport TrailSport review is the Honda Trail Experience (HTX) app. Honda developed it using input from more than 1,500 Passport TrailSport owners. It is free in the Apple App Store and integrates with the vehicle via Apple CarPlay.

HTX delivers real-time vehicle and terrain data — including pitch and roll angles, altitude, GPS track, wheel articulation, and speed — overlaid on video footage recorded through the driver’s iPhone. The iPhone mounts anywhere on the vehicle — inside, outside, or held by a spectator. Video capture is controlled from the vehicle’s touchscreen, not the phone itself. This allows the driver to focus on the trail while footage records automatically.

Once recorded, footage with data overlays can be exported directly to share with friends, family, or other enthusiasts. It is a genuinely useful tool for documenting trail runs — and more importantly for this 2028 Honda Passport TrailSport review, it reflects Honda listening to what TrailSport owners actually do with their vehicles. ClassicCars.com notes it is the first app of its kind from Honda.

Driving the 2028 Honda Passport TrailSport

The 2026 Passport TrailSport established a strong baseline for what the 2028 Honda Passport TrailSport review has to build on. Cars.com drove the 2026 model in Puerto Rico and confirmed it “has more off-road capability than all but the most hardcore enthusiasts will ever need.” The 2028 suspension update pushes that capability further.

On sealed roads, the 2026 TrailSport impressed with its composed, comfortable behaviour despite the all-terrain tires. The 2028 version will ride slightly higher but is expected to maintain similar on-road manners — Honda’s suspension tuning philosophy has always prioritised daily livability alongside off-road performance.

The TrailWatch camera system — one of the standout features from our 2026 test experience — continues on the 2028 Passport TrailSport. It provides multiple camera angles including a forward underbody view displayed in the digital instrument cluster. Navigating obstacles is significantly easier with underbody visibility than without it — and it remains one of the best implementations of trail camera technology available in this price range.

The i-VTM4 AWD system’s rear-axle torque vectoring gives the 2028 Passport TrailSport an on-road cornering advantage over rivals with more basic AWD setups. In Trail mode, it distributes more torque outward on corner exit — reducing understeer and making the Passport feel more planted and predictable than its size and weight might suggest.

2028 Honda Passport TrailSport Review: Exterior Design

The 2028 Honda Passport TrailSport receives subtle front and rear styling revisions. Carscoops describes them as giving the SUV “a more aggressive stance” — in line with the direction the TrailSport HRC Concept shown at SEMA previewed. Honda is expected to preserve the boxy neo-retro silhouette that has been central to the 2026 model’s success.

Gear Patrol made an important editorial observation about the 2028 Passport TrailSport’s design direction: “The boxy neo-retro design ranks as one of the Passport’s better qualities. Hopefully, Honda doesn’t change it too much.” That sentiment reflects the buyer base’s attachment to the current design language — and Honda’s history of preserving strong designs through midcycle updates rather than disrupting them.

The Passport TrailSport HRC Concept shown at SEMA 2025 provides the clearest design preview: a 2.4-inch lift, full-size spare tire carrier, roof rack, auxiliary lighting, custom bumper, and Thermal Orange wrap. Not all of those elements will reach production — but the direction toward a more purposeful, overlanding-inspired appearance is clear. New color options for 2028 are expected but not yet confirmed.

2028 Honda Passport TrailSport Review: Interior and Technology

The interior of the 2028 Honda Passport TrailSport carries forward the strong 2026 foundation. The 9-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster displaying Trail Info data are all expected to continue.

The Trail Info display — showing pitch, roll, altitude, compass heading, and tilt angle — is standard on all Passport models for 2026 and will carry into 2028. The HTX app integration through Apple CarPlay adds a new layer of trail data and video recording capability that elevates the 2028 Passport TrailSport’s technology story meaningfully over the previous model.

Cargo space remains one of the Passport TrailSport’s strongest arguments against rivals. The 2026 model offers 44.0 cubic feet behind the second row and 83.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The wider loadspace, the matte-black “backpack” roof section that prevents scratches when loading gear, and the fourteen cupholders throughout the cabin all reflect Honda’s understanding of what TrailSport buyers actually do with their vehicle.

The TrailSport Elite continues as the top configuration of the 2028 Passport TrailSport. It adds ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, a premium audio system, and tri-zone automatic climate control. These features make the Elite the choice for buyers who want full off-road capability without sacrificing long-distance comfort for passengers.

2028 Honda Passport TrailSport Review: Safety Systems

The 2028 Honda Passport TrailSport continues with the full Honda Sensing suite as standard. This includes adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic high beams.

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard. The TrailWatch camera system adds multiple trail-specific views that function as a practical safety tool off-road — the forward underbody camera alone prevents the kind of damage that occurs when drivers cannot see what is directly beneath their front bumper on rocky terrain.

Honda is targeting a five-star NHTSA overall safety rating for the 2028 Passport TrailSport — consistent with the 2026 model’s safety targets. The 2025 Passport achieved IIHS Top Safety Pick+ in its final year. Honda’s reinforced body structure and next-generation airbag system are expected to maintain those strong passive safety credentials through the midcycle update.

2028 Honda Passport TrailSport Review: Pros and Cons

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
~9.3 inches ground clearance — approximately 1 inch more than current 2026 TrailSport	Still unibody — no body-on-frame construction for extreme off-road use
Free Honda HTX app — real-time trail data and video recording via Apple CarPlay	HTX app is iOS only at launch — Android version timing not confirmed
Proven 285 hp V6 + 10-speed auto — reliable, linear, and trail-tested	No hybrid option — 20 MPG combined (AT tires) trails more efficient rivals
More aggressive styling — SEMA HRC Concept previews bolder direction	Small fuel tank on TrailSport — limits range on extended adventures
i-VTM4 rear torque vectoring AWD — class-leading technology for unibody SUV	Final specs and pricing not officially confirmed at time of writing
13% more production capacity — better availability and less dealer markup pressure	No low-range 4WD — limits capability on the most technical technical trails

2028 Honda Passport TrailSport Review: vs The Competition

Every 2028 Honda Passport TrailSport review must address the Toyota 4Runner — because Honda has explicitly stated it is in the crosshairs. The 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium starts at approximately $52,000 with body-on-frame construction, a locking rear differential, and 9.6 inches of ground clearance. The 2028 Passport TrailSport’s ~9.3 inches of clearance brings it close. But the 4Runner’s body-on-frame architecture and low-range transfer case give it a genuine edge on the most technical terrain. On pavement, the Passport’s unibody construction is significantly more comfortable and more refined.

The Ford Bronco Sport Badlands is a closer unibody rival. It offers a twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, a disconnecting rear anti-roll bar, and Sasquatch-capable 29-inch all-terrain tires — but has significantly less cargo space than the Passport TrailSport and a smaller overall footprint. The 2028 Passport TrailSport’s size advantage is real and relevant for buyers who carry gear, bikes, or camping equipment regularly.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk competes at a higher price point with an available PHEV powertrain — an efficiency argument the Passport cannot currently answer. The Subaru Outback Wilderness undercuts the Passport on price with standard AWD and a turbocharged engine, but lacks the visual identity and dedicated off-road hardware that draws TrailSport buyers specifically.

2028 Honda Passport TrailSport Review: Final Verdict

This 2028 Honda Passport TrailSport review concludes where the story began: Honda listened. More than 1,500 TrailSport owners gave Honda feedback on what the 2026 model needed. The result is a targeted, purposeful update that addresses the most consistent criticism — not enough ground clearance — with more lift, a more aggressive appearance, and the new HTX app that turns every trail run into a shareable experience.

The 2028 Honda Passport TrailSport does not become a body-on-frame vehicle. It does not get low-range four-wheel drive. It does not gain a hybrid powertrain. But it does gain the inch of clearance that makes the TrailSport’s off-road claim more convincing, the styling that makes it look the part more completely, and the technology that connects trail capability to modern digital life in a way no rival currently offers.

The 2026 Passport TrailSport represented 80 percent of all Passport sales. The 2028 model aims to defend that position against a Toyota 4Runner that is being refreshed and a midsize segment that is more competitive than ever. Based on everything confirmed so far, this 2028 Honda Passport TrailSport review finds the update well-targeted, well-timed, and well-deserved. If you are considering a midsize adventure SUV in the second half of 2027, wait for it. The extra inch is worth it.

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This 2028 Honda Passport TrailSport review is based on confirmed pre-production information from Carscoops, ClassicCars.com Journal, Gear Patrol, Honda USA official documentation, and Automotive News reporting. All 2028 specifications are based on confirmed industry reports — Honda has not officially announced final specifications or pricing at time of writing. 2026 Passport TrailSport specifications sourced from Honda.com, Cars.com, and Honda East Cincinnati. HTX app details confirmed by Honda USA press release. Production capacity increase confirmed by Carscoops citing Honda internal sources.

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2028 Honda Passport TrailSport Review Images

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