This Is Promising News For The Future CR-V TrailSport
Honda may not have a dedicated off-road, body-on-frame SUV to match the likes of Toyota’s Land Cruiser or 4Runner, but if the new Passport TrailSport’s sales figures are any indication, it doesn’t matter. Even though it’s still a crossover under the skin, the Passport TrailSport’s rugged upgrades and masculine looks have completely won over buyers.
Looking at Honda’s May 2025 sales, the new-generation Passport sold 5,480 units, up 74% relative to May 2024. But the figure that really stands out is this one: Of all Passport sales, a whopping 76% are for the TrailSport versions of the SUV.
Honda
TrailSport’s Higher Price Not A Deterrent
Looking at the 2026 Honda Passport lineup, the four most expensive trims are all TrailSport models, with prices ranging between $48,450 and $53,650. The less specialized RTL models begin at $44,750, but only 24% of buyers chose one of these last month.
All TrailSports feature the following upgrades over the RTL variants:
- All-terrain tires
- Off-road tuned suspension
- Underbody skid plate
- LED TrailSport amber daytime running lights
- Trail hitch with harness and hitch panel
- High visibility recovery hooks
- TrailSport all-season floor mats
Despite all the extra equipment, the TrailSports have the same 8.3 inches of ground clearance as RTL models, along with the same approach/departure angles. You also get the same drive modes for trail/snow/sand across the lineup. So, while the TrailSports are better vehicles for light camping expeditions, they aren’t serious off-roaders in the vein of a Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler.
Under the hood, the Passport TrailSport retains the same 3.5-liter V6 found in other Passports. This trusted powertrain delivers 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. All Passports get standard all-wheel drive and a ten-speed automatic transmission.
Honda
Passport TrailSport’s Success Bodes Well For Upcoming CR-V TrailSport
In late April, Honda announced that it would be expanding the TrailSport sub-brand to the compact CR-V Hybrid. This will be the first time that a Honda SUV combines the TrailSport upgrades with an efficient hybrid powertrain.
The CR-V TrailSport Hybrid will come with all-terrain tires, standard all-wheel drive, a more rugged front-end look with a silver skid garnish, and black exterior trim elements. The cabin will be jazzed up with amber lighting to match the orange badging dotted around the exterior.
Upon the reveal of the CR-V TrailSport, Honda said that TrailSport models make up 20% of all Passport, Pilot, and Ridgeline sales combined. Based on the Passport TrailSport’s May sales, it looks like that number will only increase when the rugged CR-V arrives at dealers this spring.
Honda
Off-Road Crossover Trims Are All The Rage Right Now
Specialized off-road trims are increasingly popular for modern, family-friendly crossovers, even if most of these vehicles will never see an off-road trail. Over at Hyundai, XRT-badged models feature similar upgrades to Honda’s TrailSport models, including the Tucson and Palisade.
Subaru has its own Wilderness range of SUVs, but these go a step further, with more ground clearance than standard variants. The Wilderness treatment has already been applied to the Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback.
We anticipate demand for such models will continue.
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