What is the difference between a Honda Passport EX-L and TrailSport?

The TrailSport is the off-road-focused, rugged variant with standard all-wheel drive and protective hardware, while the EX-L emphasizes luxury and comfort with leather seating and upgraded interior features. They differ mainly in capability, styling, and price.

Capabilities and design

Both trims share the Passport’s core powertrain, but the TrailSport is tuned for rougher terrain, whereas the EX-L prioritizes on-road comfort and refinement. Here are the primary differences you’ll encounter on the road and off it.

• Drivetrain and capability: TrailSport comes with all-wheel drive as standard, while EX-L offers AWD as an option rather than a standard. This affects traction in adverse weather and light off-roading capability.


• Suspension and ground clearance: TrailSport uses an off-road–tuned suspension and typically sits higher than the EX-L to improve approach/departure angles and obstacle clearance.


• Tires and protection: TrailSport ships with all-terrain tires and underbody protection (skid plates) to withstand rough surfaces, while the EX-L uses more on-road-focused tires and less rugged protective hardware.


• Exterior styling: TrailSport features rugged styling cues—including badges, darker trim, and protective body cladding—designed to signal its adventure-oriented intent, whereas EX-L leans toward a more polished, luxury-oriented appearance with chrome accents and smoother lines.


• Interior and durability: EX-L emphasizes luxury features such as leather seating and upgraded cabin materials, while TrailSport emphasizes durability and practicality in materials, floor mats, and trim appropriate for tougher use.


• Technology and safety: Both trims include Honda Sensing and modern infotainment; TrailSport often packages some off-road-oriented tech and features (terrain modes or drive settings) alongside the standard suite, but core safety and connectivity are comparable.

In short, the TrailSport is built for adventure, with hardware to match, while the EX-L centers on luxury and everyday comfort with the option of AWD for tougher conditions.

Exterior styling details

Beyond mechanical differences, the way the two trims look communicates their roles. TrailSport adopts rugged styling elements intended to withstand outdoor use and muddy trails, including grained plastics, protective cladding, and specialized badging. The EX-L presents a more refined, upscale aesthetic with smoother surfaces, chrome accents, and a more traditional SUV profile.

• TrailSport styling cues: rugged accents, blacked-out or dark trim, TrailSport badges, and protective panels.


• EX-L styling cues: chrome accents, smoother lines, and a more upscale visual language.

Exterior design differences reinforce the intended use: TrailSport for outdoor capability, EX-L for premium street presence.

Pricing, availability, and value

Pricing reflects the equipment and intent of each trim. The TrailSport generally sits at a higher price point than the EX-L due to its off-road hardware and standard AWD, while the EX-L offers luxury features at a slightly lower base price but with the option of AWD.

• Pricing gap: TrailSport typically costs more than EX-L, driven by hardware like all-terrain tires, protective underbody elements, and off-road suspension tuning.


• Availability by year: The TrailSport was introduced to broaden the Passport lineup as an off-road option, joining the more traditional EX-L and other trims, with availability varying by model year and market.

For buyers, the choice often comes down to how much off-road capability you want versus on-road luxury and price.

Which should you choose?

If you regularly encounter unpaved roads, gravel driveways, or light off-roading and want the built-in confidence of standard AWD plus rugged hardware, the TrailSport is the stronger fit. If you primarily drive on city streets or highways and value leather, comfort features, and a lower upfront price, the EX-L remains the more comfortable daily driver with AWD available as needed.

• Choose TrailSport if: you plan to tackle rough terrain, want standard AWD, and value rugged protection and all-terrain capability.


• Choose EX-L if: you prefer premium interior appointments, leather seating, and a refined ride for daily commuting, with AWD available as an option.

Both trims share the Passport’s core V6 powertrain and overall practicality, so your decision hinges on whether you prioritize rugged capability or upscale comfort.

Summary

In essence, the Honda Passport EX-L and TrailSport serve different missions within the same family. The TrailSport is the adventure-ready, off-road-oriented option with standard AWD and protective hardware, while the EX-L is the luxury-focused trim that emphasizes comfort, convenience, and a refined cabin. Prospective buyers should evaluate how often they’ll venture off-p pavement, their need for all-wheel drive, and how much they value rugged durability versus premium comfort—and then choose accordingly.

What does the TrailSport package include?

The TrailSport package includes off-road-focused features like an i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system with trail torque logic, an off-road-tuned suspension, and all-terrain tires. It also adds exterior features like skid plates, recovery points, and unique wheels, along with interior comforts and specific styling, such as durable synthetic leather seats, a multi-view camera system with TrailWatch, and sometimes a panoramic moonroof or navigation system. 
Off-road and performance features

• i-VTM4 All-Wheel-Drive: An advanced all-wheel-drive system that improves off-road capability. 
• Off-road tuned suspension: A suspension system specifically designed for better performance on rough terrain. 
• All-terrain tires: Rugged tires with deeper tread for increased grip and durability. 
• Skid plates: Thick steel plates protecting the underbody from damage. 
• Recovery points: Integrated front and rear recovery points for serious off-road situations. 
• Increased ground clearance: Provides more clearance to handle obstacles. 
• Specific drive modes: Often includes modes like Trail, Snow, Mud, and Sand, along with Hill Descent Control and sometimes a rear differential lock. 

Exterior and styling

• Unique wheels: Special 18-inch wheels designed for both rugged use and aesthetics.
• Distinctive styling: Includes design cues like specific front and rear bumper garnishes, and badges.
• Roof rails: Sturdy roof rails for carrying gear. 

Interior and technology

• Multi-view camera system: Features TrailWatch camera system with multiple camera views for better visibility on and off-road. 
• Durable seating: Often features durable synthetic leather seats with special stitching. 
• Power moonroof: A panoramic moonroof that can be helpful for visibility or enjoyment. 
• Navigation system: Standard on some models, providing a dedicated GPS. 
• Heated features: Typically includes heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. 
• Power outlets: May include an AC power outlet for charging equipment. 
• Ambient lighting: Interior lighting, sometimes in an amber or white color, that adds to the premium feel. 
• Sunshades: Integrated sunshades for the second-row windows. 

What is the difference between EXL and TrailSport?

The main difference is that the TrailSport is off-road-focused, while the EX-L is a standard, comfortable trim. The TrailSport adds specific features like an off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and unique styling cues with orange stitching, while the EX-L provides a high level of comfort and tech that is included in the TrailSport as a baseline. 
TrailSport

• Performance: Engineered for off-road with an off-road-tuned suspension, increased ground clearance, and all-terrain tires. 
• Exterior: Features gloss black roof rails, LED fog lights, and unique 18-inch Pewter Gray alloy wheels. 
• Interior: Includes exclusive orange stitching on the steering wheel and seats, TrailSport logo floor mats, orange ambient lighting, and integrated rear sunshades. 
• Technology: Comes standard with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition and HD digital traffic, and a 115-volt power outlet. 

You can watch this video to see a walkaround of the 2026 Honda Passport Trailsport and compare it with the RTL trim: 46sVagabond BuildsYouTube · Jul 31, 2025
EX-L

• Performance: Standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive on some models; no off-road-specific equipment. 
• Exterior: Includes standard wheels and regular roof rails or no rails at all. 
• Interior: Offers features like leather upholstery and heated front seats, but lacks the TrailSport's exclusive orange stitching and logos. 
• Technology: Usually includes a touchscreen with smartphone integration like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but may not have the standard navigation system or 115-volt outlet. 

Similarities

• Both trims use the same V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission, with similar fuel economy and towing capacity. 
• Both include many premium features for passenger comfort and safety, such as heated front seats, leather upholstery, and tri-zone climate control. 

This video highlights the differences between the EX-L and TrailSport trims of the 2023 Honda Pilot: 1m4 Wheels SpeedYouTube · Mar 25, 2023

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

The Honda Passport TrailSport is an off-road-oriented trim of the Honda Passport, not a separate model, meaning the two are compared based on trim differences. The TrailSport includes off-road features like an off-road tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and skid plates, while the standard Passport (like the EX-L or RTL trims) is equipped for a more traditional on-road experience. Other trims may prioritize luxury or technology, like the Elite or Black Edition, which add features such as premium audio, ventilated seats, and multi-view cameras.
 
This video explains the difference between the TrailSport and TrailSport Elite models of the Honda Passport: 57sHonda InsiderYouTube · Sep 3, 2025
Key differences

Feature	Honda Passport TrailSport	Standard Passport (e.g., RTL)
Suspension	Off-road tuned suspension	Standard suspension
Tires	All-terrain tires	All-season tires
Exterior	Unique badging, orange accents, and a rugged design with features like recovery hooks and skid plates	Standard exterior design
Interior	Orange stitching and ambient lighting	Standard interior design

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This video highlights the visual differences between the standard and TrailSport models, including the tires: 1mVagabond BuildsYouTube · Jul 31, 2025
What they have in common

• Engine: Both are powered by a 3.5L V6 engine.
• Transmission: Both use a 10-speed automatic transmission.
• Drivetrain: Both feature standard all-wheel drive.
• Towing: Both have a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.
• Ground Clearance: Both have around 8.3 inches of ground clearance. 

Which one should you choose?

• Choose the TrailSport if: You plan on off-roading regularly and want features like all-terrain tires, skid plates, and an off-road tuned suspension. 
• Choose the standard Passport if: Your priority is on-road comfort and fuel efficiency, or if you don't need the specialized off-road equipment. 
• Consider higher trims if: You want more luxury and technology, such as premium sound systems and ventilated front seats. 

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.