If our last car review was about sleek luxury, the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is the rugged best friend who’s always ready for a hike. We recently spent a week with this boxy beauty, and it was a completely different experience.
From the second we picked it up, we were smitten.
Classic Vibes & Spectacular Details
Honda has returned to a more structured, boxy silhouette for the 2026 Passport, and I am absolutely here for it! It feels classic, sturdy, and purposeful. Inside, the attention to detail was spectacular.
The Brown Perforated Leather seats with that bright Orange Contrast Stitching are beautiful. It’s a classic look that makes the whole cabin stand out. Even the dashboard had intricate detailing that made the vehicle feel special every time we climbed in.
A Stunning First Impression: Ash Green Metallic
Let’s talk about that color! We spent the week in the Ash Green Metallic, and I can honestly say it’s one of the most stunning exterior shades we’ve ever tested. It’s unique, earthy, and perfectly captures that West Coast vibe. In a sea of white, black, and grey SUVs in the school drop-off line, this one truly stands out. It feels like a “cool parent” car that isn’t trying too hard, returning to that classic, structured Honda look that we’ve all missed.
The “Sky-High” Entertainment System
Here is a parenting win I didn’t see coming: the panoramic moonroof.
Usually, my kids are the first to ask where the screens are or how to plug in their devices. But with this massive sunroof, they were completely captivated. They spent our drives looking up at the trees, the mountain peaks, and the clouds. They didn’t miss a built-in movie system at all because nature provided the entertainment. Between the view above and the 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster up front, there was plenty of “tech” to keep everyone happy without the screen-time guilt.
The Cargo Space Win
After our recent “trunk Tetris” struggles with other models, the Passport’s boot was a breath of fresh air. Because the shape is more vertical and structured, the storage space is incredibly practical. We had plenty of room for all our gear without feeling like we were sacrificing space for style. With the shape being more boxy and structured, the “boot” space is massive and actually usable. There are hidden compartments everywhere. Perfect for stashing everything, muddy hiking boots, or the “emergency” kit every parent keeps in the trunk… the “to-go potty”!
But the coolest storage detail is actually a callback to the past. If you remember the original Honda CR-Vs, you probably remember that iconic folding picnic table. Honda has officially brought it back for the 2026 Passport!
While it’s a brilliant piece of engineering, it isn’t a standard feature. If you want to bring back that classic CR-V magic, the removable Tailgate Table is available as an accessory for $1073.50 + tax.
It’s definitely a premium add-on, but for families who spend weekends camping, or at the trailhead, or parked at the soccer fields, having a sturdy, built-in table is a tempting luxury. I love that Honda is leaning back into these practical, outdoor-focused features that made us fall in love with the brand years ago!
The Only Catch for a Family of Six
For our family of six, the Passport remains a “wish list” car because we’re just one seat short. But if you are a family of four or five, you can stop your search right here. It’s rare to find a vehicle that balances “cool” and “capable” so well. While we’re still holding out hope for a 3-row version of this rugged beauty in the future, it is easily one of the most impressive 5-passenger SUVs we’ve ever had the pleasure of testing.
Built for the BC Lifestyle
For our local readers, here is why the Passport makes sense for life in the Lower Mainland:
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Rugged Capability: With the i-VTM4 All-Wheel Drive and “Trail” mode, this is more than just a grocery-getter; it’s built for the Coquihalla and those weekend trips to the valley.
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The Price Point: Starting around $56,990 CAD, it stays comfortably below the heavy BC Luxury Tax bracket.
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Classic Look: That look that is great at the trailhead or in the school parking lot.
The Verdict
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is a “cool parent” car if I’ve ever seen one. It’s sturdy, stunningly detailed, and handles the practical side of parenting (like car seats and cargo) with ease. If you don’t need that third row, this might just be the most stylish way to move your family around BC. It is stylish, incredibly functional, and feels built for the way of life here in BC.
If you’re a family of four or five who loves the outdoors but wants an interior that feels special, the 2026 Passport TrailSport should be at the top of your list. It’s a beautiful return to form for Honda, and we were genuinely sad to hand back the keys!
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