Honda Passport trim comparison
2026 Honda Passport RTL vs TrailSport
The Passport RTL starts at $44,950 while the TrailSport is $48,650. That $3,700 gap buys 3 meaningful differences.
$3,700 more is ~$65/month. The question is whether the added equipment will matter to you every week.
The RTL is the cleaner stopping point if keeping roughly $65/month in your budget matters. The TrailSport earns the extra money only if you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The TrailSport adds about $65/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $3,900 more overall with interest.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
When both feel the same
The RTL and TrailSport are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $3,700 for 2 measurable differences, which works out to about $1,850 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 3 specification differences, 4 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | RTL | TrailSport |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $44,950 | $48,650 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 285 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 19 | 18 |
| Highway MPG | 25 | 23 |
| Combined MPG | 21 | 20 |
| Fuel Tank | 18.5 gal | 18.5 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,478 lbs | 4,676 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 113.6" | 113.6" |
| Length | 191.5" | 191.5" |
| Width | 79.4" | 79.4" |
| Height | 73.1" | 73.1" |
| Safety | ||
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2026 Honda Passport RTL vs TrailSport Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Honda Passport lineup, the Honda brand hub, the Midsize SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2026 Passport TrailSport cost than the RTL?
The TrailSport starts at $48,650 compared to $44,950 for the RTL. That is a $3,700 difference, or approximately $65/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Honda Passport RTL and TrailSport have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 3.5L V6 producing 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Do the 2026 Passport RTL and TrailSport have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with AWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
What warranty does the 2026 Honda Passport come with?
All 2026 Honda Passport trims, including both the RTL and TrailSport, come with Honda's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Which 2026 Honda Passport trim gets better fuel economy, the RTL or the TrailSport?
The RTL is the more efficient of the two at 21 combined MPG, versus 20 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Breaking Down the $3,700 Gap
Same engine, drivetrain, $3,700 more. The Passport TrailSport adds minor equipment upgrades over the RTL, but the core driving experience is identical.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Passport RTL gets 1 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $100 per year or $500 over five years of ownership.
What Both Trims Share
The Passport RTL and TrailSport share the same engine, drivetrain, and transmission. The $3,700 difference comes down to 2 feature and equipment changes, not mechanical differences.
The Short Version
The Passport TrailSport costs $3,700 more than the RTL (about $65/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 2 meaningful changes at $1,850 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Honda Passport RTL
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the RTL best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Honda Passport TrailSport
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the TrailSport when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2026 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Honda or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.