Honda's Passport TrailSport Was Pushed to the Edge of Its Towing Limit

A near-limit tow test offers a practical stress check

The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport has been put through a real-world towing test close to its rated maximum, giving a clearer picture of what owners can expect when they actually use the SUV for heavy hauling. In the test, the vehicle pulled a U-Haul car hauler carrying a manual Honda Civic Coupe, for a combined load of about 4,800 pounds, just under the Passport’s 5,000-pound limit.

That setup matters because it moves the discussion beyond brochure numbers. The Passport TrailSport is rated at 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, but towing performance is defined as much by behavior and usability as by drivetrain output. Loading the SUV that close to capacity creates a more meaningful measure of how it feels in everyday conditions.

The route mixed highway and city driving and included practical maneuvers such as entering a gas station and a drive-thru. Those are the kinds of situations that often determine whether a towing package feels well executed. The test also highlighted details of Honda’s trailering setup, including accessible safety chain loops and a seven-pin connector positioned next to the hitch.

One useful note from the exercise is that even before any extreme terrain or mountain grades entered the picture, the weight of the trailer and car was immediately noticeable. That is not a surprise near the upper end of a tow rating, but it is the sort of candid observation potential buyers often need more than raw specs. A tow rating may tell you what is possible; a near-limit test begins to show what it is actually like.

The source material also acknowledges the limits of the review. The test took place in Indiana, so it does not answer how the Passport would behave on a steep 7 percent incline in a place like Colorado. That caveat is important because sustained climbs, descents, altitude, and heat can change the towing picture considerably. Still, a flatland test at close to maximum capacity remains useful because it covers the routine conditions many owners are more likely to face.

What emerges is not a lab result but a practical reference point. The Passport TrailSport can be used at the edge of its tow rating, and its hardware setup appears thoughtfully executed for real hitching and hauling tasks. For shoppers comparing midsize SUVs, that kind of grounded test can be more valuable than marketing language. It does not settle every question, but it narrows the gap between rated capability and lived experience.

This article is based on reporting by The Drive. Read the original article.