The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is stepping into one of the toughest challenges in North America, the legendary Alcan 5000 Rally. Covering nearly 6,000 miles of extreme terrain, the event will push every machine and driver to their limits. Honda’s most rugged SUV is set to prove that comfort, capability, and performance can coexist, even under the harshest conditions.
2026 Honda Passport TrailSport in the Alcan 5000 Rally
From Kirkland, Washington, through Canada’s Yukon, all the way to Fairbanks, Alaska, and back to British Columbia, the route spans 11 demanding days. The Passport TrailSport will face icy stretches, rocky trails, and nearly 900 miles of unpaved roads. What makes it even more impressive is that Honda will enter the competition with an unmodified SUV, relying solely on its production strength.
Power and Performance of the TrailSport
Under the hood, the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport carries a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower and a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. Its torque-vectoring i-VTM4® all-wheel drive system and four-wheel independent suspension are built for balance and grip. Stronger forged steel suspension arms, cast-iron knuckles, and reinforced components mean it can endure rugged trails. With seven drive modes, including Sand, Snow, and Trail, the SUV adapts quickly to changing conditions.
Rugged Features That Define the TrailSport
This TrailSport trim stands apart with factory-fitted steel skid plates, off-road tuned suspension, and all-terrain General Grabber tires. Genuine Honda accessories, such as rock sliders, roof platforms, MOLLE boards, and a full-size spare wheel, boost its adventure-ready profile. Auxiliary lighting from Baja Designs ensures visibility during night stages, highlighting the SUV’s readiness for the unpredictable rally landscape.
Experienced Hands Behind the Wheel
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport will be piloted by Andy and Mercedes Lilienthal, veterans of the Alcan 5000 and previous class winners. Their confidence in the SUV’s abilities comes from both experience and testing. As Mercedes explains, the SUV offers capability, comfort, and power, the three elements needed to succeed in an event as relentless as this.
More Than a Rally SUV
The Alcan 5000 is not just about speed; it is a precision-based time-speed-distance competition. Teams navigate using paper route books, aiming for accuracy over outright pace. The 2026 Passport TrailSport brings Honda’s spirit of endurance into a competition that values discipline as much as strength. This event follows the model’s participation in other off-road events, including the Rebelle Rally and the Mint 400.
Why the TrailSport Matters
The Passport TrailSport represents Honda’s commitment to building SUVs that go beyond daily commuting. With its rugged build and powerful engine, it proves that adventure and reliability can come standard. Its record sales, with TrailSport trims making up 80% of total Passport sales, highlight how strongly drivers connect with this balance of toughness and comfort.
Summary
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is more than an SUV, it is a capable adventurer. By tackling nearly 6,000 miles in the Alcan 5000 Rally without modifications, it demonstrates Honda’s ability to build vehicles ready for anything. Rugged design, proven V6 power, and advanced off-road capability make the TrailSport a true benchmark for adventure SUVs.
Disclaimer: Rally participation details and vehicle specifications for the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport are based on manufacturer information at the time of writing.
Source: Honda
