Four Honda Passport SUVs in gray white orange and black parked lakeside at sunset showcasing full trim range.

 

Rensselaer Honda Trim Guide

2026 Honda Passport Trim Levels Explained

Compare RTL, RTL Towing, RTL Blackout, TrailSport, TrailSport Blackout, TrailSport Elite, and TrailSport Elite Blackout by price, capability, appearance, comfort, and ownership fit.


Honda lists seven separate 2026 Passport trim levels: RTL, RTL Towing, RTL Blackout, TrailSport, TrailSport Blackout, TrailSport Elite, and TrailSport Elite Blackout. Every one uses the same 285-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, 10-speed automatic transmission, standard i-VTM4 AWD, seven drive modes, and broad Honda Sensing foundation, so the decision is not about choosing a different engine or drivetrain.

The lineup is easiest to understand as three equipment families with meaningful branches. The RTL family covers road-focused value, a towing-ready alternative, and a Blackout appearance treatment. The TrailSport family adds the major all-terrain, suspension, protection, recovery, and trailering upgrades, with a separate Blackout version. TrailSport Elite and TrailSport Elite Blackout retain that capability while adding the strongest camera, seating, audio, rear-passenger, and convenience equipment.

For Capital Region shoppers, the useful question is whether the Passport will mainly handle Troy and Albany commuting, winter roads, family cargo, and Northway or Thruway travel; needs an integrated hitch without the full TrailSport package; will regularly reach campsites, trailheads, or boat ramps; or should combine that capability with premium comfort and a dark-appearance theme. This guide explains which changes affect function, which affect appearance, and where it makes sense to stop.

Quick Answers2026 Honda Passport trim levels

What are the 2026 Honda Passport trims in order?
The seven trims are RTL, RTL Towing, RTL Blackout, TrailSport, TrailSport Blackout, TrailSport Elite, and TrailSport Elite Blackout.


What is the difference between RTL and RTL Towing?
RTL Towing keeps the RTL comfort, technology, all-season tires, and road-focused suspension while adding an integrated Class III trailer hitch with harness.


What does RTL Blackout add?
RTL Blackout adds 18-inch Rugged Black alloy wheels, HPD center caps, black wheel lug nuts, and black Honda badges while retaining the RTL mechanical and cabin package.


Which 2026 Honda Passport trim is the best value?
RTL is the road-focused value choice. TrailSport is the capability value center when its hitch, all-terrain tires, skid plates, recovery hooks, and off-road suspension will be used regularly.


Do all seven 2026 Passport trims have AWD?
Yes. Every trim includes i-VTM4 AWD with Trail Torque Logic and the same seven drive modes.


Which trims have ventilated seats and TrailWatch?
TrailSport Elite and TrailSport Elite Blackout include ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, a Multi-View Camera System, and TrailWatch.


Are the Blackout models actual trim levels?
Yes. Honda lists RTL Blackout, TrailSport Blackout, and TrailSport Elite Blackout as separate trims. Their incremental equipment is primarily appearance-focused, but this guide treats them as full Honda-designated trims.


 

Tan and black Honda Passport cabin with touchscreen display and leather seats showcasing modern design and comfort.

 

2026 Honda Passport Trim Comparison & Lineup Essentials

One V6 AWD foundation, seven Honda-designated trims, three clear equipment families

Because every trim shares the core V6, AWD system, displays, five-passenger layout, and primary safety technology, the comparison centers on what each version adds. Use the topics below to compare pricing, towing equipment, Blackout treatments, TrailSport hardware, cabin comfort, cameras, audio, and driver-assistance differences.

Select a Topic or Use Previous/Next

Comparison Topic 1 of 7

What's New for the 2026 Honda Passport?

A full redesign with a seven-trim retail structure

2026 Honda Passport Redesign HighlightsHighlighted features only — not a complete list of all equipment, options, packages, accessories, services, pricing, or availability details.
Update Area What Changed Why It Matters
Design & Stance • Bolder, more upright exterior
• Longer wheelbase
• Wider track
A more substantial footprint supports passenger room, cargo usefulness, and a settled two-row platform.
Structure & Ride • Stiffer body structure
• Revised suspension geometry
• Increased lateral rigidity
The redesigned platform improves road control and gives the TrailSport family a stronger base for uneven surfaces.
Powertrain • 285-hp 3.5L DOHC V6
• 10-speed automatic
• Second-generation i-VTM4 AWD
All seven trims share the same output and drivetrain, so equipment and use case drive the decision.
Trail Capability • 8.3 inches of ground clearance
• Improved approach geometry
• Expanded TrailSport hardware
TrailSport trims gain credible rough-road preparation without changing the Passport into a body-on-frame SUV.
Cabin & Technology • 12.3-inch touchscreen
• 10.2-inch digital cluster
• Standard heated front seats
• More useful storage
Frequent-use comfort, navigation, media, charging, and cargo organization improve across the range.
Seven-Trim Structure • RTL
• RTL Towing
• RTL Blackout
• TrailSport
• TrailSport Blackout
• TrailSport Elite
• TrailSport Elite Blackout
Honda separates towing, trail, premium, and Blackout upgrades into individually listed trims with their own MSRPs.

Redesign Takeaway

The redesign improves every Passport as a daily SUV, while the expanded lineup lets shoppers add towing, trail, premium, or appearance equipment without automatically moving through one traditional trim ladder.

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Which 2026 Honda Passport Trim Fits Your Driving?

The seven trims divide into towing and trail steps, premium comfort steps, and Blackout appearance choices. Expand each card to match the trim to the change you will actually notice.

RTLThe Everyday All-Road Passport

Best Fit: Drivers who want the lowest-priced Passport with standard AWD, V6 performance, heated comfort, technology, and road-focused tuning.


Why Stop Here: The Passport already feels complete here; stop when a hitch, Blackout styling, or TrailSport hardware will not add regular value.

Primary Scenario: Capital Region commuting, family errands, winter roads, pets, luggage, and highway travel.

RTL TowingThe Road-First Towing Shortcut

Best Fit: Shoppers who want RTL road manners and cabin equipment with a factory-integrated Class III hitch.


Why Stop Here: It solves the towing-equipment need without paying for all-terrain tires, skid plates, recovery hooks, or a panoramic moonroof.

Primary Scenario: Paved commuting and highway use with regular light recreational towing.

RTL BlackoutThe Street-Oriented Blackout Passport

Best Fit: Drivers who prefer RTL comfort and road tuning but want a darker wheel and badge treatment.


Why Stop Here: It preserves RTL road manners while delivering the darker presentation you will see every day.

Primary Scenario: Daily driving, winter commuting, and family use with a more assertive look.

TrailSportThe Capability Sweet Spot

Best Fit: Shoppers who will use the hitch, all-terrain tires, skid plates, recovery hooks, power outlets, or off-road suspension.


Why Stop Here: It provides the main towing-and-trail upgrade without the Elite camera, audio, and premium seating package.

Primary Scenario: Camping, small-boat towing, rough trailheads, lake trips, and mixed-surface weekends.

TrailSport BlackoutThe Blackout Capability Trim

Best Fit: TrailSport buyers who want the full capability package with black wheels, HPD center caps, and black badges.


Why Stop Here: It combines the complete TrailSport use case with the Blackout finish, without requiring the Elite comfort and camera package.

Primary Scenario: The same towing and trail routines as TrailSport with a darker visual theme.

TrailSport EliteThe Premium Adventure Flagship

Best Fit: Drivers who want TrailSport hardware with TrailWatch, ventilated seats, heated rear seats, Bose audio, sunshades, and hands-free cargo access.


Why Stop Here: Stop here when premium comfort and visibility matter but Blackout styling does not.

Primary Scenario: Frequent road trips, family travel, trail use, towing, and premium daily comfort.

TrailSport Elite BlackoutThe Fully Equipped Blackout Flagship

Best Fit: Shoppers who want every Elite comfort and camera feature plus Honda's darkest appearance treatment.


Why Stop Here: It is the only choice that combines every Elite upgrade with Honda's full Blackout treatment.

Primary Scenario: Flagship family travel and outdoor use with the most complete appearance package.

What the Experts Recommend

Car and Driver

10 / 10

2026 Honda Passport rating

Editors' Choice & 2026 10Best Awards

Expert Pick: TrailSport

Read the Car and Driver Review

TrailSport Is the Expert-Backed Capability Sweet Spot

Car and Driver recommends the 2026 Passport TrailSport because its trailering equipment, all-terrain tires, off-road-tuned suspension, skid plates, recovery hooks, and distinctive design details create the lineup's most meaningful functional step.

That recommendation supports the article's broader decision logic: RTL-family trims favor road use, while the Elite pair is the move for shoppers who want TrailSport capability plus premium cameras, seating, audio, and cargo convenience.

 

Sage Green Honda Passport TrailSport towing camping trailer on dirt mountain road at sunrise highlighting off-road capability.

 

2026 Honda Passport Trim-by-Trim Breakdown

Select any of Honda's seven trims to review its highlighted equipment, buyer fit, regular-use advantages, move-up logic, and practical stopping point.

Select a Trim or Use Previous/Next

Trim 1 of 7

2026 Honda Passport RTL

The road-focused foundation with substantial comfort, technology, and AWD capability

2026 Passport RTL trim level image

 

2026 Honda Passport RTL HighlightsHighlighted features only — not a complete list of all equipment, options, packages, accessories, or availability details.
Starting MSRP* $44,950
EPA MPG* 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined
Wheels & Tires • 18-inch Shark Gray alloy wheels
• P265/60R18 all-season tires
Core Highlights • Leather-trimmed seats with cloth accents
• Heated front seats
• Driver-seat and mirror memory
• Tri-zone climate control
• Programmable power tailgate
• 9-speaker audio
• Google built-in
• Front and rear parking sensors
Core Role Well-equipped road-focused foundation.
Best Fit Drivers who want the Passport's shared V6, AWD, winter confidence, cargo room, safety technology, and daily comfort at the lowest starting MSRP.

Real-World Analysis

A complete daily-use Passport without specialty towing or trail equipment

RTL establishes how complete the redesigned Passport is before any specialized branch is added. Heated seating, memory settings, tri-zone climate control, parking sensors, Google built-in, and a power tailgate affect daily ownership, while the shared V6 and i-VTM4 AWD system provide the same core power and winter-traction strategy as every higher trim.

It fits drivers who spend most of their time on Route 7, I-87, I-90, neighborhood roads, and paved weekend routes while carrying passengers, pets, luggage, or ski equipment. The all-season tires and road suspension keep the setup centered on normal road use.

Stop at RTL when neither an integrated hitch nor the Blackout look has enough value to justify a separate trim. Move to RTL Towing for the hitch, RTL Blackout for appearance, or TrailSport for the full capability package.

Trim 1 of 7

 

Ready to Compare Passport Trims in Person?

Review current Passport availability at Rensselaer Honda, estimate your trade value, or connect with our Car Buying Center before comparing the towing, appearance, trail, comfort, and camera features you plan to use most.

 

White and black Honda Passport TrailSport SUVs parked in driveway with puddles reflecting vehicles and greenery.

 

Final Thoughts: Which 2026 Honda Passport Trim Should You Buy?

The RTL family covers the road-focused decisions. Choose RTL for the strongest starting value, RTL Towing when the integrated hitch is the only specialized upgrade you need, or RTL Blackout when appearance is the priority.

The TrailSport family is the point where the Passport's intended use changes. Choose TrailSport for the core towing and trail package, or TrailSport Blackout for the same functionality with the darker exterior treatment.

The Elite family adds comfort, visibility, audio, and passenger convenience rather than more basic trail hardware. Choose TrailSport Elite for the complete premium package or Elite Blackout when you also want the Blackout finish. The quiz below can narrow the seven trims around the upgrades you expect to appreciate most often.

Interactive Trim Finder

Which of the Seven 2026 Honda Passport Trims Fits You Best?

Answer eight questions about road use, towing, TrailSport hardware, Blackout styling, cameras, seating comfort, audio, and value priorities.


FAQ: 2026 Honda Passport Trim Levels

Is the 2026 Honda Passport a three-row SUV?

The Passport is a five-passenger, two-row midsize SUV. Shoppers who need a third row should compare the Honda Pilot.

Can the 2026 Honda Passport tow 5,000 pounds?

Yes. The Passport is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. RTL Towing and the four TrailSport-family trims include factory-integrated Class III hitch equipment.

Which Passport trims have all-terrain tires?

TrailSport, TrailSport Blackout, TrailSport Elite, and TrailSport Elite Blackout use P275/60R18 all-terrain tires. The three RTL-family trims use P265/60R18 all-season tires.

Which Passport trims have a panoramic moonroof?

TrailSport, TrailSport Blackout, TrailSport Elite, and TrailSport Elite Blackout include a panoramic moonroof.

Is TrailSport Elite more capable off-road than TrailSport?

Both trims share the main all-terrain tires, off-road suspension, skid plates, recovery hooks, and towing equipment. Elite adds camera visibility and premium comfort rather than a separate level of core trail hardware.

Which Passport trim is best for Albany-area winter driving?

All seven trims include AWD, Snow mode, heated front seats, remote start, and 8.3 inches of ground clearance. The RTL family is road-focused, while the four TrailSport-family trims add all-terrain tires and a heated wiper zone.

Which Passport trim is best for towing or camping?

RTL Towing is the road-focused hitch choice. TrailSport is the strongest capability-and-value choice for camping, rough access roads, and regular towing. Choose the corresponding Blackout or Elite trim when appearance or premium comfort is also important.

Which Passport trim is best for mostly highway use?

RTL is the clearest value fit for mostly paved commuting and highway travel. RTL Towing adds a hitch, while RTL Blackout adds the dark appearance treatment without changing the road-focused setup.

What areas does Rensselaer Honda serve?

Rensselaer Honda serves Honda shoppers from Troy, Rensselaer, Albany, Latham, Clifton Park, Schenectady, Saratoga Springs, Cohoes, East Greenbush, North Greenbush, Brunswick, Wynantskill, Averill Park, Watervliet, Colonie, Waterford, Halfmoon, Ballston Spa, Mechanicville, and surrounding Capital Region and Capital District communities.


Why Shop Rensselaer Honda for Your Passport?

We have served Capital Region Honda drivers as a family-owned dealership since 1977, and our location at 770 Hoosick Road in Troy gives shoppers convenient access from the Route 7 corridor, Albany, Latham, Clifton Park, and surrounding communities. Our goal is to make the Passport comparison clear before you choose a vehicle, not rush you toward the highest trim.

Our Simply Better Buying approach combines trained Honda Product Specialists with online shopping tools, straightforward pickup and signing, and finance or lease support. We can help you compare new, used, and Honda Certified Pre-Owned options while keeping the conversation centered on your towing plans, winter travel, cargo needs, comfort priorities, and budget.

Trade support is part of that process. Our Car Buying Center and KBB-based tools can help you understand your current vehicle's value, whether you plan to trade it toward a Passport or sell it directly to us. We can also help organize appraisal, payoff, title, and transaction details.

Our support continues after purchase through Honda service, Express maintenance, online scheduling, vehicle video updates, parts and accessories, and available transportation assistance. That long-term ownership support matters when your Passport becomes part of daily commuting, family schedules, towing, winter travel, and weekend trips throughout the Capital Region.

Where To Go Next

Continue researching Honda SUVs or move into current inventory, financing, trade support, and dealership contact tools.

 


 

Disclaimers:
*MSRP figures were checked July 13, 2026 and exclude the $1,495 destination charge unless otherwise stated, plus tax, registration, dealer-installed accessories, and other fees. Honda lists a $455 charge for certain premium colors. Pricing and charges can change without notice.
*EPA fuel-economy estimates are for comparison purposes. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions, vehicle condition, loading, maintenance, accessories, weather, and driving habits.
*Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Towing requires appropriate equipment, loading, maintenance, and driver judgment. Confirm the exact vehicle, hitch, wiring, trailer, and load limits before towing.
*Honda lists RTL, RTL Towing, RTL Blackout, TrailSport, TrailSport Blackout, TrailSport Elite, and TrailSport Elite Blackout as seven separate trims. Blackout trim differences are primarily appearance-focused, while equipment and availability can change.
*Cargo, passenger-volume, ground-clearance, and dimension figures are based on Honda specifications and can vary by trim, measurement method, cargo-floor position, accessories, and configuration.
*Trail and off-road features do not make the Passport invulnerable to damage. Avoid terrain beyond the vehicle's capabilities, follow all posted rules, and use appropriate judgment and recovery practices.
*Features, colors, installed equipment, accessories, and availability can change. Confirm the exact Monroney label and current Honda information before purchase.
*Inventory, offers, and linked shopping pages are subject to change. Contact Rensselaer Honda for current availability and terms.
*Car and Driver ratings, awards, rankings, and recommendations were checked July 13, 2026 and belong to the publisher. Editorial recognition can change.
*Honda Sensing and other driver-assistance systems are aids only. They cannot detect every object or condition and do not replace attentive driving, safe vehicle operation, or proper parking and trail judgment.