What are the different trim levels on the Honda Passport?

In the United States, the Honda Passport is sold in four trims: LX, EX-L, TrailSport, and Touring. This article outlines what distinguishes each trim, including powertrain, available drivetrains, and key features. The exact specs can vary by model year and market, so always verify current Honda materials for the latest details.

Current U.S. trim lineup

The four trims offer a progression in features, comfort, and capability. Here is a concise guide to what you get with each.

• LX — The entry-level Passport with the 3.5-liter V6 and 9-speed automatic transmission; available FWD or AWD; focuses on essential safety and connectivity, including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration and the Honda Sensing safety suite.


• EX-L — Adds a more comfortable cabin with leather-trim seating, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a power liftgate, and additional convenience features while maintaining the same engine and transmission and smartphone integration.


• TrailSport — The rugged, off-road-oriented option; standard AWD with an upgraded suspension and more aggressive styling, along with larger wheels and roof rails, designed for light off-road use without sacrificing on-road manners.


• Touring — The top trim, bringing premium cabin amenities such as leather seating, heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, navigation, premium audio, and expanded connectivity, with AWD typically included.

In short, the LX is the value entry, EX-L adds comfort, TrailSport adds capability, and Touring delivers premium comfort and tech.

Notes on availability and year-to-year changes

Trim names and features can shift with new model years. Honda sometimes adjusts standard equipment, adds or removes options, and may change which drivetrains are standard or optional. For the most accurate, up-to-date information, consult Honda's official brochures for the current model year or a dealer’s configuration tool.

Summary

The Honda Passport line-up today centers on four trims—LX, EX-L, TrailSport, and Touring—each stepping up in comfort, tech, and capability. Buyers can choose a practical base with LX, upgrade to EX-L for a more refined interior, add off-road readiness with TrailSport, or opt for Touring for the most premium experience.

Which Honda Passport is the best?

The best Honda Passport depends on your priorities, but the TrailSport is recommended for a balance of capability and value, while the TrailSport Elite is the top choice for those wanting the most features. For a more affordable option, the EX-L is a solid choice. 
Best overall

• TrailSport: Recommended by many reviewers, the TrailSport offers a great balance of off-road features and standard equipment for a relatively small price increase over the base model. It includes off-road suspension and all-terrain tires, making it more capable on rough roads.
  • Why it's a good choice: Adds significant off-road capability for a modest price increase. 

Best for luxury and features

• TrailSport Elite: This is the most fully-featured option, adding luxury and technology upgrades. It includes features like a premium audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
  • Why it's a good choice: If you want the most advanced tech and premium comfort features, this is the trim to choose. 

Best value

• EX-L: This trim is a strong value option, providing a good set of standard features without the higher price tag of the TrailSport or Elite. It includes leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, and a 215-watt audio system.
  • Why it's a good choice: Offers a comfortable and well-equipped cabin for a lower price than the higher trims. 

Other considerations

• Blackout trims: These are essentially appearance packages for the RTL and TrailSport trims, adding black-finished wheels and other dark accents for a more aggressive look. 
• For families: The Passport has been recognized as a top SUV for families due to its spacious interior and safety features. 
• For towing: All 2026 Passport models come standard with a 5,000-pound towing capacity, making any trim suitable for pulling a small trailer. 

What are the different trim packages on a Honda Passport?

The main 2026 Honda Passport trim levels are the RTL, TrailSport, and TrailSport Elite. Within these main grades, there are additional variations like the RTL Towing and Blackout versions for both the RTL and TrailSport levels. The trims differ in features, with the RTL focusing on comfort and convenience, the TrailSport adding more rugged and off-road capabilities, and the TrailSport Elite adding premium features on top of the TrailSport's capabilities.
 
This video provides an overview of the 2026 Honda Passport trim levels: 1mTop TrimsYouTube · Jul 3, 2025
Main trim levels and their variations

• RTL: The base level, focusing on comfort and convenience, including leather-trimmed seats and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. 
  • RTL Towing: Includes the RTL's features plus a Class III trailer hitch and harness. 
  • RTL Blackout: Adds black exterior accents. 
• TrailSport: Designed for off-road capability with features like all-terrain tires, a more rugged suspension, and skid plates. 
  • TrailSport Blackout: Features black-painted wheels and other blacked-out exterior accents. 
• TrailSport Elite: Builds on the TrailSport by adding premium amenities like a hands-free power liftgate, a multi-view camera system, ventilated front seats, and a Bose sound system. 
  • TrailSport Elite Blackout: Includes the TrailSport Elite features with the addition of blacked-out exterior accents, including black roof rails. 

What is the most common problem with the Honda Passport?

The most common problems with the Honda Passport include infotainment system malfunctions, such as the display going blank and speakers crackling, and issues with the 9-speed automatic transmission, which can include delayed or harsh acceleration. Other frequent complaints involve body hardware issues like a rear hatch that won't open and occasional electrical problems with features like the fuel filler pipe or air bags.
 
Infotainment and electrical issues 

• Display screen and audio: The infotainment screen may go blank, and speakers can crackle or pop. 
• Fuel system: Some models have had issues with a faulty fuel filler pipe, leading to fuel leaks. 
• Body and interior: Common problems include a rear hatch button that breaks, a gas smell inside the vehicle, and fading or peeling paint. 

Transmission problems 

• 9-speed transmission: Some owners report delayed, harsh, or erratic shifting with the 9-speed transmission, particularly in models from 2019-2022. 
• Engine and related systems:
  • Varnish buildup: This can cause a ticking noise from the engine. 
  • Oil in spark plug tubes: This can lead to misfires. 
  • Timing belt: Newer models have a timing belt that requires replacement, which is an expensive but necessary maintenance item to prevent engine failure. 

Other potential problems

• Steering: Some 2023 models have been recalled for a risk of steering loss due to a loose ball joint. 
• Brakes: Some reports mention premature brake wear and issues with the ABS light coming on. 
• Vibration: Some owners have experienced vibration, particularly at highway speeds. 

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

The main differences are that the Honda Passport RTL is the more affordable, entry-level trim focused on daily driving, while the TrailSport is built for off-roading with an off-road tuned suspension, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. The TrailSport is more expensive, less fuel-efficient (191919 city/232323 highway MPG vs. 191919 city/252525 highway MPG), and lacks the premium features of the top-tier TrailSport Elite model, which adds luxury elements like a Bose sound system and ventilated seats. 
This video provides a side-by-side comparison of the RTL and TrailSport trims of the 2026 Honda Passport: 1mVagabond BuildsYouTube · Jul 31, 2025
Honda Passport RTL

• Target Audience: Most drivers, prioritizing daily commuting and general utility. 
• Key Features:
  • More fuel-efficient (19 city / 25 highway MPG). 
  • Standard all-wheel drive. 
  • Leather and cloth seat upholstery. 
  • Heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat. 
• Off-road Capability: Capable of light off-roading, but not designed for more challenging terrain due to the lack of off-road specific features. 

Honda Passport TrailSport

• Target Audience: Adventure seekers who want enhanced off-road capability. 
• Key Features:
  • Off-road tuned suspension and underbody skid plates. 
  • Standard all-terrain tires. 
  • Standard Class III hitch for towing. 
  • Multi-Mode Drive with "Trail" mode to adjust throttle and ABS for off-road conditions. 
  • Distinctive orange accents on the exterior and interior. 
  • Slightly lower fuel efficiency (18 city / 23 highway MPG). 
  • Does not include the luxury features of the TrailSport Elite. 

You can watch this video to see a detailed review of the 2026 Honda Passport RTL, including its features and performance: 1mBoston Auto BlogYouTube · Mar 15, 2025
Which one should you choose?

• Choose the RTL if: You plan to use your Passport primarily for daily driving, occasional light adventures, and want better fuel economy. 
• Choose the TrailSport if: You want a vehicle specifically designed for off-road adventures with enhanced features like skid plates, all-terrain tires, and an off-road-tuned suspension. 

This video explains the different trim levels of the 2026 Honda Passport, including the RTL and TrailSport, and helps you decide which one is right for you: 57sLot ChannelYouTube · Apr 16, 2025