In last year’s review of the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite, I pointed out how Honda has made the Passport an increasingly capable off-roader over the years. The most rugged version of the Passport, the TrailSport model, has shorter front overhang, better approach angle, steel skid plates, all-terrain rubber, specially tuned suspension, and more adventure-ready features. Judging by the looks of the 2026 Passport TrailSport HRC (Honda Racing Corporation) Concept recently displayed at the Overland Expo West, it seems that an even more focused and better-equipped model may be on its way.
The May 15-17 Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, Arizona, was the first stop on the HRC Concept’s tour of six overlanding events around the country where HRC US will showcase its experimental components designed for off-the-grid fun. The Passport’s 3.5-liter V-6 breathes through a one-off exhaust system. Wheeling at night is easier thanks to a custom multi-zone lighting control system for the upgraded fog lights, side camp lights, rooftop light bar, ditch lights, and rear chase lights. The suspension comes equipped with new front and rear dampers. A 2.3-inch (60-millimeter) suspension lift, redesigned bumpers that boost the approach and departure angles, and prototype wheels with all-terrain tires that are one inch larger in diameter put more distance between rough terrain and the HRC Concept. If Mother Nature gets too close, extended aluminum skid plates, additional underbody protection, and wider rock sliders (that double as side steps) are there to protect the center bearing, prop shaft, and rear drive unit. An 8,000-pound winch, integrated air compressor, and full-size spare tire on a swing-out carrier can help with worst-case scenarios. Once it’s time to set up camp, there’s a roof rack with a side canopy and rooftop tent.
Inside, the HRC Concept makes “roughing it” a little smoother with HRC blue Alcantara inserts, HRC accessory mounting panels, and — the coolest feature of all (literally) — a refrigerator.
Given the trajectory of the Passport (and the popularity of off-road/overlanding vehicles), it’s completely reasonable to expect some version of the HRC Concept to go into production. Based on the feedback it receives, HRC US may decide to offer all of the above upgrades a la carte. Or, since the current Passport came out as a 2026 model, Honda may decide to roll all of those parts into an updated TrailSport model within the next few years. Whatever Honda decides to do, you can see the 2026 Passport TrailSport HRC Concept up-close at the following events in the meantime:
- Range2 Ranch: 6/18-21 – McCall, ID
- Xoverland The Big Thing: 7/9-12 – Three Forks, MT
- Overland Expo Mountain West: 8/21-23 – Loveland, CO
- MSO Adventure X Fest: 9/11-13 – Circleville, WV
- Overland Expo East: 10/23-25 – Arrington, VA
