Dimensions · Space · Buying guides
For U.S. shoppers; checked October 2, 2026. Honda announced the refreshed 2027 Passport's dealership arrival on September 29, so this guide separates it from the redesigned 2026 model still found in inventory.
The Honda Passport's three core trims are RTL, TrailSport and TrailSport Elite. Towing and Blackout versions add choices, rather than making six entirely different vehicles to learn about. If most of your driving is on paved roads, start with RTL. Choose TrailSport for off-road equipment you'll actually use, or Elite if you also want its upgraded cabin. The badge alone isn't a reason to spend more.
2027 Honda Passport trim levels and prices
| Factory-listed configuration | MSRP before destination | MSRP plus $1,595 destination |
|---|---|---|
| RTL | $45,195 | $46,790 |
| RTL Towing | $45,895 | $47,490 |
| TrailSport | $49,995 | $51,590 |
| TrailSport Blackout | $51,495 | $53,090 |
| TrailSport Elite | $53,695 | $55,290 |
| TrailSport Elite Blackout | $55,195 | $56,790 |
These are Honda's published U.S. figures, not dealer transaction prices. Taxes, registration, premium paint, accessories and other charges are additional. All listed versions have standard AWD. Source: Honda's September 29, 2026 pricing and arrival announcement.
Do not confuse the before-destination column with the price of a vehicle ready to register. Compare written quotes with the same included items. A lower advertised number can still describe a more expensive purchase if the quote adds equipment you did not choose.
RTL: the sensible starting point for paved-road use
The current Honda Passport trim page lists RTL with heated front seats, a power liftgate, Google built-in and the i-VTM4 AWD system. Passport is a five-seat SUV, not a substitute for the Pilot's third row. RTL Towing adds an integrated Class III hitch and harness.
Our advice: start with RTL if you want a spacious two-row Honda and have no recurring need for specialized trail hardware. If towing is part of your plan, price the factory Towing configuration against an appropriate installed setup, with every required component included. The factory price difference is $700, calculated from Honda's table above; that is not a claim about local accessory installation costs.
Before stepping up, spend time with the driver's seat and your usual rear passengers. More trim equipment will not fix a seating layout that does not suit the household. If you regularly need a sixth passenger space, move the comparison to the Honda Pilot trim guide.
AI-generated editorial illustration based on Honda's 2027 TrailSport Elite design reference, not an RTL equipment photo. The open cargo view illustrates checking two-row loading access; the bags are not a measured luggage-fit test.
TrailSport: a more compelling middle trim for 2027
The 2027 TrailSport changes more than appearance. Honda's detailed update announcement documents reworked suspension, revised fenders and front styling, and 9.65 inches of ground clearance versus 8.27 inches for the 2026 TrailSport. TrailWatch cameras and a heated steering wheel are now standard across the TrailSport variants.
That changes our buying logic: do not automatically jump to Elite because an older comparison associates the trail camera with the top grade. Establish which capability you need first, then decide whether Elite's cabin additions are worth paying for.
Ask to demonstrate the camera views on the actual vehicle. A system can be valuable for seeing obstacles while remaining a driver aid, not permission to attempt terrain beyond the vehicle or your experience. We have not independently tested the updated suspension or measured its clearance.
TrailSport Elite: choose it for the cabin, not a different engine
Honda lists Elite with perforated leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and Bose premium audio. Compare the detailed standard-equipment lists on the 2027 model page, particularly when a dealer vehicle also has accessory equipment.
AI-generated editorial illustration based on Honda's 2027 TrailSport Elite cabin reference. It supports the cabin-upgrade discussion, not a test of seat ventilation, comfort or audio quality.
Elite is $3,700 above TrailSport before destination, calculated from the published prices. Our judgment: the step makes sense when the comfort features solve something you care about every day. It is harder to justify when your only reason is that “Elite” sounds more capable.
Try the ventilation, seat adjustment and audio in the showroom. Their presence is factual; whether they are worth the upgrade is personal. We would not describe seat comfort or sound quality as tested findings without an identified road test.
What do the Blackout packages add to the decision?
The Blackout configurations emphasize black exterior details, including wheels and badges, rather than a new core powertrain. Honda's current trim page identifies those appearance differences. Each Blackout version is $1,500 above its corresponding TrailSport or Elite configuration in the price table.
Treat that amount as an appearance choice. Compare the actual vehicles side by side and check that the listed accessories are the items you want. Do not assume a black wheel or badge proves that a vehicle has every feature of the highest trim.
2026 versus 2027: avoid the stale trim comparison
The 2026 Passport feature matrix remains useful for a 2026 VIN. It should not override the newer 2027 changes. In particular, compare the off-road suspension and camera equipment rather than assuming the TrailSport badge describes identical hardware in both years.
Honda's current 2027 pricing table lists six configurations and does not list RTL Blackout. An older seven-configuration table is not the current lineup. For remaining 2026 stock, use that model year's window sticker and a written equipment list instead of transferring the table above.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main Honda Passport trim levels?
RTL, TrailSport and TrailSport Elite. The 2027 pricing table also includes the RTL Towing and TrailSport Blackout configurations.
Does the Honda Passport have a third row?
No. It seats five. Consider the Pilot if your normal passenger requirement exceeds that.
Do I need TrailSport Elite to get TrailWatch on a 2027 Passport?
No. Honda made TrailWatch standard across the 2027 TrailSport variants, so older trim advice can be misleading.
Which Passport trim would SUVLook shortlist first?
RTL for road-focused use, TrailSport for a real off-road requirement, and Elite for buyers who will use its added cabin features. These are equipment-based recommendations, not road-test rankings.
