Why the Passport suits OC's outdoor households
Orange County sits an hour from three totally different playgrounds: San Onofre and Salt Creek for surfing, the Cleveland National Forest for hiking and mountain biking, and Big Bear or Mammoth for weekends in the snow. The Passport is Honda's most credible answer to households that actually use all three. Standard AWD, real ground clearance, and a squared-off cargo box that swallows two paddleboards and a cooler.
Is the Passport TrailSport actually capable off-road?
Yes, for the fire roads and mountain trips most OC families actually take - the TrailSport gets standard AWD, all-terrain tires and steel skid plates. It's not a Wrangler, but it will out-camp any CR-V or Pilot Elite on a trip to Big Bear, Joshua Tree, or the fire roads above Trabuco Canyon.
What are the 2026 Passport trims?
- RTL - the value entry. AWD standard, leather, heated seats.
- TrailSport - all-terrain tires, steel skid plates, orange recovery hooks, unique interior stitching. The one to buy if you actually leave pavement.
- TrailSport Elite - all of the above plus premium audio, cooled seats, panoramic roof and a factory light bar mount.
Honda offers additional 2026 Passport configurations above and between these trims. Check live RSM Honda inventory for the exact trims and equipment available right now.
| Trim | Powertrain | Drivetrain | Key features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTL | 3.5L V6 | AWD standard | Leather, heated seats | Value entry to the Passport lineup |
| TrailSport | 3.5L V6 | AWD standard | All-terrain tires, steel skid plates, recovery hooks, unique interior stitching | Buyers who actually leave pavement |
| TrailSport Elite | 3.5L V6 | AWD standard | Premium audio, cooled seats, panoramic roof, factory light bar mount | Top-shelf adventure buyers |
Passport vs Pilot - which is right for South OC families?
Buy the Pilot if you need a third row; buy the Passport if you don't and want more cargo room and off-road capability instead. These are the two most cross-shopped Hondas in the RSM Honda showroom for adventure-oriented families. The Pilot has a third row. The Passport doesn't - and that's the point. It uses that space for cargo, headroom and a shorter wheelbase that's better on trails. See our Pilot guide if you need seven or eight seats.
What MPG and towing capacity does the Passport have?
Honda rates the new Passport around 19/24 mpg, with a 5,000-lb tow rating. Real-world OC owners see 20-22 mpg mixed and closer to 24 on a highway run to Mammoth. The 5,000-lb tow rating is enough for a small boat, a jet-ski trailer, or a 20-foot travel trailer.
What does Passport maintenance cost in Orange County?
Plan on $100-$130 for an oil change and $300-$450 for the 15k/30k services. Passport V6 oil changes run about $100-$130 at Honda dealers. TrailSport all-terrains wear faster than regular OE tires - budget a set every 35-45k miles. RSM Honda's service department handles Passport maintenance for owners across RSM, Coto de Caza, Ladera Ranch and Mission Viejo.
Not sure the Passport is the right Honda? Our Orange County Honda buying guide compares it against the rest of the SUV lineup.
RSM Honda · Rancho Santa Margarita
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