Honda Passport Trims: Complete 2026 Guide to Every Model

Shopping for a Honda Passport should be fairly simple. After all, this is a two-row midsize SUV, not a luxury sedan with an options catalog thick enough to double as bedtime reading. Yet once we begin comparing Honda Passport trims, the lineup can look more complicated than expected.

For the 2026 model year, Honda essentially gives us three core equipment levels: RTL, TrailSport, and TrailSport Elite. However, Honda's configurator also lists Towing and Blackout versions, bringing the total to seven selectable configurations: RTL, RTL Towing, RTL Blackout, TrailSport, TrailSport Blackout, TrailSport Elite, and TrailSport Elite Blackout.

The good news? The differences make much more sense once we strip away the names.

Every Passport comes with a strong V6, standard all-wheel drive, plenty of passenger space, useful cargo capacity, and a surprisingly serious 5,000-pound maximum towing rating. Where the trims really diverge is in off-road hardware, luxury equipment, exterior styling, and convenience features.

So, which Passport trim deserves a spot in our driveway? Let's work through the lineup without drowning in brochure language.

2026 Honda Passport Trim Levels at a Glance

Before digging into each model, here is the simplest way to understand the range.

These are Honda's listed starting MSRPs at the time of writing and can change.

Three Core Trims, Seven Configurations

Here's the easiest mental shortcut.

Think of RTL, TrailSport, and TrailSport Elite as the three actual steps on the ladder.

The Towing and Blackout versions are more like branches growing from those steps.

The RTL Towing mostly adds towing hardware. The various Blackout configurations mainly change appearance through black wheels, badges, and trim details. They do not suddenly turn the Passport into a mechanically different SUV.

That distinction matters because shoppers can otherwise spend hours comparing seven names when only three major equipment personalities exist.

What Every 2026 Honda Passport Has in Common

Honda didn't save the important mechanical hardware exclusively for expensive versions.

Every 2026 Passport uses a 3.5-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Honda also equips every version with its i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system with Trail Torque Logic.

That means an RTL buyer isn't settling for a weaker engine just because they didn't move up the trim ladder.

The Standard V6 Is a Major Part of the Passport's Appeal

We're increasingly surrounded by turbocharged four-cylinder SUVs. Some are excellent, but a naturally aspirated V6 still has an appealingly straightforward character.

Press the accelerator and the Passport doesn't need to pretend it's something larger. The engine has enough muscle for highway merging, family trips, loaded cargo compartments, and towing duties.

All configurations also offer a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, according to Honda's specifications.

Seven Drive Modes Across the Lineup

Honda includes Normal, Econ, Sport, Snow, Tow, Trail, and Sand drive modes across the current Passport range.

That is useful because even the basic RTL isn't merely a city crossover wearing hiking boots for a photo shoot.

It has real all-wheel-drive hardware and multiple terrain settings from the beginning.

Honda Passport RTL: The Entry Trim Is Far From Basic

The 2026 Honda Passport RTL starts at $44,950. Calling it a base model almost feels unfair because it arrives with a generous collection of equipment.

Standard highlights include:

• 285-hp 3.5-liter V6
• 10-speed automatic transmission
• i-VTM4 AWD with Trail Torque Logic
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Heated side mirrors
• Roof rails
• Power tailgate
• Leather-and-cloth seating
• Heated front seats
• Driver's-seat memory
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• 9-speaker audio system with subwoofer
• 12.3-inch touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Wireless Android Auto
• Wireless phone charging
• Google built-in
• Front and rear parking sensors

Honda has essentially started the Passport lineup halfway up the traditional trim ladder.

Who Should Buy the Passport RTL?

The RTL makes the most sense for drivers whose Passport will spend the majority of its life on pavement.

Maybe we deal with snow. Maybe we occasionally reach a cabin through a gravel road. Maybe we carry bikes, camping equipment, luggage, dogs, or half of a home-improvement store.

But if we're not deliberately searching for rocky trails every weekend, the RTL delivers nearly everything most families actually need.

It also uses all-season tires rather than the TrailSport's all-terrain rubber, helping it return slightly better EPA-rated fuel economy.

Honda rates the RTL configurations at 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

That's hardly economy-car territory, but remember: we're dealing with a large AWD SUV powered by a V6.

Honda Passport RTL Towing: A Small Upgrade With a Clear Purpose

Next comes the RTL Towing, starting at $45,650.

Mechanically and visually, it stays close to the standard RTL. Its defining addition is an integrated Class III trailer hitch with wiring harness.

This trim exists for a wonderfully simple reason: some buyers already know they'll tow.

Is the RTL Towing Worth It?

If towing is part of our plan from day one, this configuration makes considerable sense.

Instead of purchasing the regular RTL and sorting out hitch equipment afterward, the Towing configuration gives us the integrated setup straight from Honda.

Boats, compact campers, utility trailers, and recreational equipment can quickly make factory towing preparation worthwhile.

What doesn't change is equally important. We're still getting the road-oriented suspension and all-season tires rather than the TrailSport setup.

Think of it as an RTL carrying a factory-installed backpack rather than a completely different Passport.

Honda Passport RTL Blackout: Style Takes the Front Seat

The RTL Blackout starts at $46,150.

As its name suggests, we're mostly paying for visual attitude.

Honda adds 18-inch black alloy wheels, HPD center caps, black wheel lug nuts, and black Honda badging. The rest of the underlying RTL recipe remains familiar.

Does the Blackout Package Improve Performance?

Not meaningfully.

That's important to understand when comparing Honda Passport trims.

The Blackout package changes the SUV's character visually, but it doesn't provide the TrailSport's all-terrain tires, off-road-tuned suspension, recovery hooks, or other trail-focused hardware.

So we should choose it because we like how it looks.

And frankly, that's perfectly legitimate.

Cars aren't refrigerators. We see them every morning, park them in our driveway, and spend years with them. If black wheels and darker badges make the Passport look dramatically better to us, the extra expense isn't automatically frivolous.

Honda Passport TrailSport: Where the Personality Changes

The TrailSport, starting at $48,650, is where the Passport stops merely looking adventurous and starts receiving meaningful off-road upgrades.

Honda gives the TrailSport:

• 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires
• Off-road-tuned suspension
• High-visibility recovery hooks
• Underbody skid protection
• Heated windshield-wiper zone
• Integrated Class III trailer hitch and harness
• Amber daytime running lights
• Panoramic moonroof
• TrailSport-specific interior accents
• 115-volt outlets in the second row and cargo area

This isn't simply an RTL wearing orange badges.

Why the TrailSport Matters

There is a noticeable philosophical shift here.

The RTL is a capable everyday SUV that can handle poor conditions.

The TrailSport is the Passport aimed at people who intentionally seek those conditions.

Dirt roads, loose surfaces, snow-covered mountain routes, camping access roads, muddy trailheads, and uneven terrain are much more central to its design.

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The all-terrain tires alone give it a different personality, while the suspension tuning and physical protection provide extra confidence when pavement disappears.

Ground Clearance Is the Same Across the Range

Interestingly, Honda lists 8.3 inches of unladen ground clearance for every 2026 Passport configuration, including both RTL and TrailSport models.

So the TrailSport advantage isn't about simply lifting the body higher.

Instead, we're paying for tires, suspension tuning, protection, recovery hardware, and other equipment designed to make that clearance more usable in rough conditions.

That's a more thoughtful approach than throwing taller springs underneath an SUV and declaring victory.

Honda Passport TrailSport Fuel Economy

There is a trade-off.

Honda rates TrailSport-based configurations at 18 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined, compared with 19/25/21 mpg for the RTL family.

That difference is modest, but frequent highway drivers should consider it.

All-terrain tires and off-road equipment aren't free lunches. They're more like bringing hiking boots everywhere: excellent when we're climbing a rocky path, slightly excessive when we're walking through an airport.

Honda Passport TrailSport Blackout: Rugged Meets Dark

The TrailSport Blackout carries a $49,850 starting MSRP.

We keep the useful TrailSport hardware while adding the darker visual treatment, including black wheels, HPD center caps, and black Honda badges.

For some buyers, this may be the best-looking configuration in the lineup.

TrailSport vs TrailSport Blackout

The important difference isn't capability.

Both sit on the same basic TrailSport mechanical foundation.

The Blackout version is mainly about appearance, so our decision can be refreshingly subjective.

Like the brighter standard TrailSport wheels? Save the money.

Prefer a more sinister, monochromatic appearance? The Blackout model exists precisely for that reason.

Honda Passport TrailSport Elite: The Luxury Adventure Trim

The TrailSport Elite begins at $52,650, making it the highest core equipment tier.

It combines the TrailSport's off-road hardware with noticeably more premium cabin technology and comfort features.

Among the major upgrades are:

• Second-generation TrailWatch system
• Multi-view camera
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Perforated leather seating
• Bose premium audio
• Integrated rear-door sunshades
• Power-folding heated auto-dimming side mirrors
• Acoustic front side glass
• Hands-free power tailgate with walk-away close
• Enhanced tri-zone climate controls

This is where the Passport attempts to be two vehicles simultaneously: muddy hiking companion outside, comfortable long-distance cruiser inside.

TrailWatch Is More Useful Than It Sounds

One of the TrailSport Elite's most interesting features is its camera system with TrailWatch.

On narrow or uneven terrain, seeing obstacles immediately around the SUV can be much more useful than staring over a tall hood and guessing where the tires are going.

Cameras don't make us expert off-road drivers, of course. But they can provide extra information exactly when visibility becomes difficult.

The same system is useful in mundane places too.

Parking garages may not look like Moab, but concrete pillars have ruined plenty of bumpers.

Honda Passport TrailSport Elite Blackout: Everything Turned On

At the top sits the TrailSport Elite Blackout, starting at $53,850.

The formula is predictable by now.

Take a TrailSport Elite, then add the Blackout aesthetic: black 18-inch wheels, HPD center caps, black badging, and related dark exterior touches.

Is the Most Expensive Passport the Best One?

It is the most fully equipped, but "best" depends on what we're actually buying the SUV to do.

Someone commuting 60 miles every weekday probably gains little from paying extra for all-terrain equipment.

Someone traveling to remote campsites may care more about TrailSport hardware than ventilated seats.

And someone who wants absolutely everything—the off-road hardware, premium audio, camera technology, comfort equipment, and dark styling—will naturally gravitate toward the TrailSport Elite Blackout.

The trick is separating features we will use from features that merely look impressive on the configurator.

Honda Passport Trims Compared for Interior Comfort

All versions seat five passengers.

The Passport's two-row layout is one of its strengths because Honda doesn't attempt to squeeze in a tiny third row simply to advertise seven-passenger seating.

Second-row passengers get 40.9 inches of legroom across the lineup, while shoulder room measures 61.7 inches in the rear.

That's generous space for adults.

RTL Interior

The RTL uses leather-and-cloth upholstery and includes heated front seats.

This is already a comfortable cabin rather than a stripped entry model.

TrailSport Interior

TrailSport swaps in durable leatherette-and-cloth seating with orange stitching and TrailSport accents.

It feels intentionally rugged without transforming the cabin into a rubber-lined work truck.

TrailSport Elite Interior

The Elite makes the biggest jump.

Perforated leather, ventilated front seats, enhanced acoustic treatment, Bose audio, and rear sunshades turn it into the Passport we'd choose for long highway journeys.

Honda Passport Cargo Space Across the Trims

Here's another reason trim selection doesn't need to become stressful: cargo capacity barely changes.

Honda lists 44.0 cubic feet behind the second row across all configurations.

With the rear seating area configured for maximum cargo use, capacity can exceed 100 cubic feet depending on measurement configuration.

That is a serious amount of space for a two-row SUV.

Golf clubs, coolers, suitcases, camping equipment, bicycles, large grocery runs, and the mysterious pile of objects that somehow accompanies every family road trip all have room to breathe.

Hidden cargo bins add another clever layer of storage.

RTL vs TrailSport: The Comparison Most Buyers Actually Need

Forget the Blackout editions for a moment.

For many shoppers, the real decision is simply RTL vs TrailSport.

Choose the RTL when:

• Most driving occurs on pavement.
• Better fuel economy matters.
• We don't need all-terrain tires.
• We want the lowest purchase price.
• Snow and dirt roads are occasional rather than recreational.

Choose the TrailSport when:

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• We regularly camp or explore remote areas.
• Gravel, mud, sand, snow, or rocky surfaces are common.
• Factory skid protection matters.
• We value recovery hooks.
• All-terrain tires are something we'd otherwise buy later.
• Factory towing equipment is useful.

The roughly $3,700 gap between the standard RTL and TrailSport buys actual functional equipment, not merely cosmetic changes.

For drivers who will use those capabilities, the TrailSport's price step is easier to justify.

TrailSport vs TrailSport Elite: Capability or Comfort?

This comparison is more subtle because both versions share the important adventure hardware.

The TrailSport Elite isn't dramatically more capable on the trail simply because it costs more.

Instead, the extra money largely buys comfort, cameras, audio quality, convenience, and premium cabin appointments.

If we return from a muddy trail and still want ventilated leather seats, Bose sound, extra acoustic insulation, and a more sophisticated camera system, the Elite makes sense.

If those features barely move the needle, the regular TrailSport already provides the heart of the Passport's off-road package.

Which Honda Passport Trim Is Best for Daily Driving?

For normal commuting and family use, the RTL is arguably the most rational starting point.

It has the same engine, transmission, standard AWD system, core infotainment technology, heated seats, roomy cabin, and strong cargo capability as the more expensive trims.

Its all-season tires also contribute to the best EPA estimates in the lineup.

Adding the Towing configuration makes sense if trailers are part of our life, while Blackout is largely a style choice.

Which Honda Passport Trim Is Best for Off-Road Driving?

For genuine recreational trail use, we'd start with the TrailSport family.

The regular TrailSport contains the most important mechanical and protective upgrades without pushing the price into TrailSport Elite territory.

If off-road cameras and premium comfort also matter, the TrailSport Elite becomes much more compelling.

We shouldn't confuse appearance with capability, though.

An RTL Blackout may look tougher than a normal RTL, but the TrailSport's tires, suspension, protection, and recovery equipment are the meaningful differences when the terrain becomes difficult.

Which Honda Passport Trim Is Best for Towing?

All 2026 Passport configurations are listed with up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, but not every configuration includes the integrated hitch hardware in the same way.

The RTL Towing provides a cost-effective route for buyers who primarily want factory towing equipment without TrailSport extras.

TrailSport models already include an integrated Class III hitch and harness as part of their broader adventure-focused equipment package.

Always confirm actual trailer weight, tongue weight, cargo load, accessories, and the specific towing requirements in Honda's owner's information before hitching anything heavy.

What About Honda Passport Safety Features?

Honda includes its driver-assistance technology broadly throughout the lineup.

Depending on feature terminology, the Passport includes systems such as:

• Collision Mitigation Braking
• Road Departure Mitigation
• Forward Collision Warning
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Traffic Jam Assist

Honda's current specification chart lists these driver-assistance systems throughout the trim range.

That is good news because it means safety technology isn't being treated like dessert—we don't have to buy the most expensive trim just to get the basic suite.

How the 2026 Passport Differs From Older Trim Structures

Anyone shopping used Passports may encounter names such as EX-L and Black Edition.

That's because Honda reorganized the Passport lineup with the redesigned 2026 model.

The current structure centers around RTL and TrailSport variants rather than simply carrying forward the previous trim naming scheme.

This distinction matters when searching online because older comparison articles can easily create confusion.

Always check the model year.

"Honda Passport trims" doesn't mean exactly the same thing for every Passport generation.

Are Blackout Models Worth the Extra Money?

Blackout packages are the easiest Passport configurations to evaluate because they appeal to emotion rather than utility.

We aren't buying meaningfully greater towing capability.

We aren't unlocking a stronger engine.

We aren't getting a dramatically different AWD system.

We're buying a look.

And that's okay.

The only bad decision would be assuming "Blackout" represents a performance package simply because the SUV looks meaner.

If the darker design makes us smile every time we walk toward the vehicle, the upgrade may be worthwhile. If wheels and badges barely register on our radar, put that money toward fuel, insurance, accessories, or a memorable road trip.

A Simple Honda Passport Trim Buying Strategy

We can simplify the entire decision into four steps.

1. Start with the RTL. Ask whether its standard equipment already covers everything we need.
2. Add RTL Towing if towing is the priority.
3. Jump to TrailSport if off-road hardware matters.
4. Choose TrailSport Elite only if its additional comfort and technology features are worth the extra spend.

After that, treat Blackout configurations as styling decisions.

This strategy prevents us from doing what car configurators are extremely good at making us do: climbing the price ladder one harmless-looking option at a time until the SUV in our browser costs thousands more than the one we originally intended to buy.

Final Thoughts on Honda Passport Trims

The 2026 Honda Passport lineup looks complicated at first glance, but underneath the marketing names lies a refreshingly logical structure.

The RTL is the road-friendly all-rounder. It already packs a 285-hp V6, standard AWD, a large touchscreen, heated seats, useful safety technology, and plenty of cargo space.

The RTL Towing takes that same formula and makes it more convenient for trailer owners.

The RTL Blackout adds attitude without changing the fundamental driving experience.

Then comes the TrailSport, where meaningful adventure hardware enters the equation through all-terrain tires, off-road suspension tuning, recovery equipment, skid protection, and standard towing hardware.

The TrailSport Elite keeps those capabilities while layering on the luxury pieces: ventilated leather seats, Bose audio, TrailWatch camera technology, rear sunshades, and additional convenience.

Finally, Blackout versions give buyers darker styling at either end of the TrailSport spectrum.

There's no need to overcomplicate it.

If we're mostly commuting, start with RTL. If weekends frequently involve dirt rather than asphalt, look hard at TrailSport. If we want trail capability without giving up premium amenities, TrailSport Elite bridges those worlds nicely.

The Passport is a bit like choosing hiking gear. The expensive version isn't automatically the right version. The right one is the one whose equipment matches the road—or trail—we genuinely expect to travel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Honda Passport Trims

1. What are the 2026 Honda Passport trims?

The three main 2026 equipment levels are RTL, TrailSport, and TrailSport Elite. Honda also offers RTL Towing and Blackout configurations, producing seven choices on its current configurator: RTL, RTL Towing, RTL Blackout, TrailSport, TrailSport Blackout, TrailSport Elite, and TrailSport Elite Blackout.

2. What is the cheapest Honda Passport trim?

The 2026 Honda Passport RTL is the least expensive configuration, with Honda currently listing a starting MSRP of $44,950. Despite being the entry point, it includes AWD, a 285-hp V6, heated front seats, Google built-in, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a power tailgate.

3. What is the difference between Passport RTL and TrailSport?

The TrailSport adds adventure-focused hardware including all-terrain tires, off-road-tuned suspension, skid protection, recovery hooks, a heated wiper zone, and an integrated Class III trailer hitch. The RTL uses all-season tires and a more road-oriented chassis setup.

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4. Which Honda Passport trim has ventilated seats?

The 2026 Passport TrailSport Elite includes heated and ventilated front seats. It also adds perforated leather upholstery, Bose premium audio, TrailWatch camera technology, integrated rear-door sunshades, and a hands-free power tailgate.

5. Do all Honda Passport trims have AWD?

Yes. Honda lists i-VTM4 all-wheel drive with Trail Torque Logic throughout the 2026 Passport lineup. Every configuration also uses the same 285-hp 3.5-liter V6 and 10-speed automatic transmission.

If you want to know other articles similar to Honda Passport Trims: Complete 2026 Guide to Every Model you can visit the category Models.