Inside the 2026 Honda Passport and Its TrailSport Trim
June 2, 2026 | Honda News Under the hood sits a 3.5-litre direct-injected DOHC V6 producing up to 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. That engine pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission across every trim, giving the Passport a broad powerband that feels confident whether you're merging onto the Trans-Canada or climbing a steep […]
June 2, 2026 | Honda News
Under the hood sits a 3.5-litre direct-injected DOHC V6 producing up to 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. That engine pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission across every trim, giving the Passport a broad powerband that feels confident whether you're merging onto the Trans-Canada or climbing a steep forest service road outside Pemberton.
Seven selectable drive modes let you tailor the powertrain response to the surface beneath your tires. Sport and Normal handle your daily commute through Burnaby or Richmond. Snow mode earns its keep on the Coquihalla in January. Trail and Sand modes unlock more aggressive torque distribution for backcountry routes. Tow mode adjusts shift points when you have a trailer behind you, and ECON mode stretches your fuel on longer highway runs.
Natural Resources Canada rates the Passport at 12.6 L/100 km in the city, 9.9 L/100 km on the highway, and 11.4 L/100 km combined. Those numbers are reasonable for a V6-powered midsize SUV. Highway-heavy drivers covering the stretch between Vancouver and Kelowna will appreciate that sub-10 highway figure.
2026 Honda Passport i-VTM4 AWD Comes Standard
Every new Passport sold in Canada comes equipped with the Honda i-VTM4 intelligent Variable Torque Management all-wheel-drive system. This is standard across all trims, no option package required, no extra cost to factor in.
The i-VTM4 system can independently apply torque to each rear wheel. On a wet curve along the Sea-to-Sky or a loose gravel switchback near Whistler, that rear-biased torque vectoring helps rotate the vehicle through the turn rather than pushing wide. It's one of the more capable AWD systems in the midsize SUV segment, and having it standard means every Passport buyer gets full capability from day one.
Hill Descent Control adds a layer of confidence on steep grades, automatically modulating brake pressure so you can focus on steering rather than riding the brake pedal down a rocky slope.
Trim Lineup Available in Canada
Honda Canada offers the latest Passport in TrailSport and TrailSport Touring trims. Both share the same V6 powertrain and i-VTM4 AWD foundation. The differences come down to interior appointments, technology, and exterior styling.
TrailSport
The TrailSport trim is the heart of the Passport lineup. It brings off-road-tuned suspension, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and front recovery hooks that signal genuine trail capability rather than purely cosmetic ruggedness. The exterior carries blacked-out styling cues that give the Passport a muscular, planted look on the road.
Inside, a 12.3-inch touchscreen centre display anchors the dashboard, supporting pinch, swipe, and tap gestures, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Wireless charging keeps your phone topped up without cables cluttering the centre console. The 60/40 split-folding second-row seats and underfloor storage compartments make cargo management flexible, whether it's ski gear, camping supplies, or whatever the weekend calls for.
TrailSport Touring
The TrailSport Touring adds premium comfort features on top of the TrailSport's rugged foundation. For buyers who want the off-road hardware but also value refined interior materials and additional convenience technology, this trim bridges both worlds. The Carter Honda sales team can walk you through exactly what the Touring trim adds to the package.
Honda Sensing Safety Suite on Every Trim
Every Passport includes Honda Sensing as standard equipment. The suite covers a wide range of active safety and driver-assist technologies:
- Forward Collision Warning and Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, and Road Departure Mitigation
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
- Blind Spot Information System and Cross Traffic Monitor
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Low-Speed Braking Control
For stop-and-go commuting on the Lions Gate Bridge or long highway runs to the Interior, these systems reduce fatigue and add a meaningful safety margin.
Tow Capability for BC Weekend Adventures
The Passport handles towing duties with a heavy-duty trailer hitch and can pull up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. That opens up real possibilities for BC outdoor enthusiasts. A mid-sized boat for lake trips in the Okanagan, a small camper trailer for provincial park stays, a utility trailer loaded with bikes and gear for a Squamish weekend, all within range.
Tow mode adjusts transmission shift logic to maintain steadier power delivery under load. The iBooster brake system provides responsive pedal feel whether the trailer is loaded or detached.
For buyers comparing towing options across the Honda lineup, the Passport sits in a practical sweet spot. It tows confidently without the larger footprint of a three-row SUV like the Honda Pilot, making it easier to manage tight campground lanes and ferry loading ramps on BC Ferries routes to Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.
Trail-Ready Features That Matter in British Columbia
The TrailSport badge carries real hardware. Off-road-tuned suspension provides additional wheel travel and a ride height suited to rough surfaces. Front recovery hooks offer a secure attachment point if you need a pull on a muddy forest service road.
Honda TrailWatch is a camera system available on the Passport that provides multiple exterior views to help you navigate tight trail sections, rocky terrain, or tricky trailhead parking situations. When you're backing into a narrow campsite at Alice Lake or threading between boulders on a Chilcotin backroad, those camera angles matter.
The power tailgate makes loading and unloading gear straightforward after a long day on the trail. Combined with the underfloor storage compartments, dirty boots and muddy gear can be separated from cleaner cargo. It's a small thing that makes a real difference trip after trip.
Accessories to Customize Your 2026 Passport
The Passport supports a range of Honda Genuine Accessories through the parts department at Carter Honda. Popular choices include all-weather floor mats, cargo organizers, roof rails for additional carrying capacity, and tow hitch accessories. Choosing Honda Genuine Accessories ensures proper fit and maintains warranty coverage, worth considering before going the aftermarket route, where compatibility issues can sometimes surface.
For buyers curious about tire sizes or specific modifications, the team at Carter Honda on Burrard Street can walk you through what works with the Passport suspension geometry and what might affect warranty coverage. It's a conversation worth having before committing to aftermarket components.
Why Vancouver Drivers Choose the 2026 Honda Passport
Metro Vancouver presents a specific set of driving demands. Heavy rain for months at a time. Mountain highways that climb steeply and drop quickly. Ferry terminals. Gravel roads that begin where the pavement ends just 45 minutes from downtown. The Passport combination of standard AWD, ground clearance, and a proven V6 powertrain is well matched to all of it.
Carter Honda, serving Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, and North Vancouver since 1974, carries the new Honda Passport at their Burrard Street location near West Broadway. The dealership is rated 4.5 stars across 1,400-plus Google reviews and was recognized with DealerRater Dealer of the Year honours in 2021 and 2022. Staff assist customers in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Farsi, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, reflecting the diversity of Metro Vancouver's communities.
For current availability and trim-level details, browse the Honda Passport inventory or contact the sales team directly. You can also review full specifications on Honda Canada's Passport page. Drivers considering a smaller two-row option may want to compare the Honda CR-V, or, for those who need a third row, the Honda Pilot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine powers the 2026 Honda Passport?
A 3.5-litre direct-injected DOHC V6 sits under the hood, producing up to 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission and drives all four wheels through the i-VTM4 AWD system. Seven drive modes, including Trail, Sand, Snow, and Tow, let you adjust the powertrain response to match road and weather conditions across Greater Vancouver and beyond.
How much can the 2026 Passport tow?
When properly equipped, it tows up to 5,000 lbs. That capacity comfortably handles a mid-sized boat, a small camper trailer, or a loaded utility trailer. The heavy-duty trailer hitch is included, and Tow mode adjusts shift behaviour to maintain steady power delivery under load. It's a practical choice for BC weekend trips where towing to a campsite or boat launch is part of the plan.
Is AWD standard on every 2026 Passport trim?
Yes. The i-VTM4 intelligent Variable Torque Management all-wheel drive is standard across every trim sold in Canada for the latest model year. There's no front-wheel-drive option. The system sends torque independently to each rear wheel, which improves cornering stability and traction on wet, snowy, or loose surfaces that BC drivers encounter regularly throughout the year.
What safety features come standard on the 2026 Passport?
Honda Sensing is standard on every trim and includes Forward Collision Warning, Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Blind Spot Information System, Cross Traffic Monitor, Traffic Jam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Low-Speed Braking Control. Together, these systems provide a thorough active-safety net for highway driving, city commuting, and everything in between.
What fuel economy does the 2026 Passport achieve?
Rated at 12.6 L/100 km in the city, 9.9 on the highway, and 11.4 combined, the Passport delivers reasonable efficiency for a V6-powered midsize SUV. Highway-focused drivers covering routes such as the Sea-to-Sky or the Coquihalla corridor will benefit from that sub-10-highway figure. ECON mode, one of the seven selectable drive modes, further helps stretch fuel on longer trips.
Where can Vancouver buyers find the 2026 Honda Passport?
Carter Honda on Burrard Street near West Broadway carries the new Passport and has served Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, and North Vancouver since 1974. Staff speak English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Farsi, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Visit the Honda Passport inventory page to check current availability, or contact the team directly to arrange a test drive and discuss trim options.
What accessories are available for the 2026 Passport in Canada?
Honda Genuine Accessories include all-weather floor mats, cargo organizers, roof rails, and tow hitch components. These factory-designed parts ensure proper fit and maintain warranty coverage. The Carter Honda parts department can help you choose accessories that match your intended use, whether that means outfitting the cargo area for camping trips or adding roof-mounted carrying capacity for bikes and kayaks.
Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle and feature availability.