2026 Passport TrailSport vs. Elite
The 2026 Honda Passport is unique in the Honda lineup. Unlike the Pilot, which has a distinct hierarchy from "Good" to "Best," the Passport splits at the top into two equal but distinct personalities.
For Ponca City drivers, the choice between the TrailSport and the Elite isn't about budget. They are priced similarly. It is about purpose. Do you need a vehicle built for the red dirt trails at Kaw Lake, or one designed for maximum comfort on the commute to Tulsa?
At Heather Cannon Honda, we help you decipher the spec sheet to find the trim that matches your lifestyle.
The Mechanical Divide: Suspension & Tires
The TrailSport
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The Elite
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- Tires: 18-Inch All-Terrain Tires. These have a thicker sidewall and an aggressive tread pattern designed to bite into loose dirt, sand, and snow.
- Suspension: Off-Road Tuned. The dampers and spring rates are specifically calibrated to absorb the impact of washboard roads and rocks, providing a smoother ride on unpaved surfaces.
- Wheels: 18-Inch Pewter Gray Alloys (Inset spoke design to protect against curb rash).
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- Tires: 20-Inch All-Season Tires. These low-profile tires are optimized for highway quietness and sharp cornering grip on pavement.
- Suspension: Street Tuned. It offers a firmer, more planted feel at high speeds, reducing body roll on on-ramps.
- Wheels: 20-Inch Machine-Finished Alloys.
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Interior Luxuries: The "Elite" Advantage
While the TrailSport is rugged, the Elite is the "Cadillac" of the Honda lineup. It adds several comfort features that are unavailable on the TrailSport.
| Feature |
Passport TrailSport |
Passport Elite |
| Front Seats |
Heated Only |
Heated & Ventilated |
| Rear Seats |
Standard |
Heated Outboard Seats |
| Upholstery |
Durable Synthetic Leather with Orange Stitching |
Perforated Genuine Leather |
| Sound System |
215-Watt / 7 Speakers |
540-Watt Premium Audio / 10 Speakers |
| Climate Control |
Tri-Zone Automatic |
Tri-Zone Automatic |
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The Ventilated Front Seats in the Elite are a game-changer for Oklahoma summers, actively pulling hot air away from your body.
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Shared DNA: What You Get in Both
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Regardless of your choice, the core engineering remains the same. Both trims are powered by the 280-hp V6 engine and feature the torque-vectoring i-VTM4® AWD system.
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Towing: Both are rated to tow 5,000 lbs (with the accessory hitch).
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Safety: Both come standard with the full Honda Sensing® suite (Collision Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control).
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Technology: Both feature wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.
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The Aesthetic Difference
TrailSport
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Elite
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Features a unique grille design, blacked-out badging, massive dual exhaust outlets, and the signature orange TrailSport logo. It looks ready for adventure.
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Uses more chrome accents, gloss black trim, and a cleaner, more sophisticated rear bumper design. It looks at home in a corporate parking lot.
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Which Passport is Right for You?
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Choose the TrailSport if:
- You want the most comfortable ride on Ponca City’s uneven roads.
- You value the "tough truck" look.
- You actually plan to drive off-road.
Choose the Elite if:
- You want the best audio experience.
- You hate sweating in leather seats (ventilation is key).
- You primarily drive on highways.
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Compare Them Side-by-Side
The best way to decide is to hear the difference between the 7-speaker and 10-speaker audio systems, or feel the difference in the suspension over a set of railroad tracks.
Visit Heather Cannon Honda today to test drive both the TrailSport and the Elite.
New Honda Passport Inventory
Why Buy from Heather Cannon Honda
