Honda Passport TrailSport and GMC Terrain AT4 face off for the off-road win

The Honda V6 engine has much more power

The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is powered by a 3.5‑liter V6 producing 285 hp at 6,100 rpm and 262 lb‑ft at 5,000 rpm. This engine provides the torque needed for steep dirt climbs and towing up to 5,000 lb with AWD.

By contrast, the GMC Terrain AT4 uses a 1.5‑liter turbocharged four‑cylinder rated at 175 hp and 203 lb‑ft. That’s about 110 hp less than the Honda, leaving the GMC underpowered in demanding off‑road conditions.

Real off‑road tires give Honda traction

The Passport TrailSport comes standard with General Grabber A/T 275/60R18 all-terrain tires, designed for use on loose rock, mud, and wet trails. These tires feature deep grooves that dig into dirt, maximizing traction.

The GMC Terrain AT4 also features factory all-terrain tires, but they’re narrower, measuring 235/65R17, on smaller 17-inch wheels. Compared with the Passport’s taller 31-inch General Grabbers on 18-inch rims, the GMC has less sidewall and contact patch to work with, which slightly reduces grip and composure on loose or rocky surfaces.

Honda suspension is built for tough rocks

Honda upgraded the TrailSport’s suspension for 2026 with off-road-tuned shocks, a stiffer chassis, steel underbody protection, and increased ground clearance. This allows the Passport to clear rocks and logs without scraping its underbody.

MotorTrend’s 2025 testing confirmed the Passport handled rugged trails with confidence. The GMC Terrain AT4, with lower clearance, is better suited for dirt roads than rocky terrain.

Smart all‑wheel drive helps the Honda

The Passport Trail-sport uses Honda’s i‑VTM4 AWD system, capable of sending up to 70% of torque to the rear axle and distributing it between rear wheels. This torque vectoring improves traction when a tire slips on mud or wet grass.

The Terrain AT4’s more conventional AWD system lacks the twin-clutch torque-vectoring hardware that Honda uses at the rear axle, so it can’t shuffle power between the rear wheels in the same way. In MotorTrend’s comparison, the Passport felt more composed and confident when climbing loose, uneven trails.

The bigger Honda holds more camping gear

The 2026 Passport offers 44.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 83.8 cubic feet with seats folded. This makes it one of the roomiest two-row midsize SUVs, ideal for carrying camping gear and taking long trips.

By comparison, the GMC Terrain AT4 provides about 29.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and roughly 63.5 cubic feet with them folded. Honda’s larger interior and available rugged rubber mats make it better suited for muddy adventures.

Bigger size also means better towing power

The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is rated to tow up to 5,000 lb with AWD and towing package, making it suitable for boats, campers, and trailers. This capability stems from its 3.5-liter V6 (285 hp, 262 lb-ft) paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and cooling hardware.

By contrast, the GMC Terrain AT4’s 1.5‑liter turbo I‑4 (175 hp, 203 lb‑ft) limits towing to 1,500 lb, restricting heavier loads. Families who need to haul gear for camping or water sports will find the Passport’s higher rating far more versatile.

When the trail gets rocky steel armor helps

Honda equips the TrailSport with steel skid plates under the engine and fuel tank, as well as heavy-duty recovery points. These protect vital components from sharp rocks and trail impacts, reducing the risk of costly repairs.

GMC equips the Terrain AT4 with a front steel skid plate, added underbody shielding, and red recovery hooks, which provide meaningful protection for light to moderate trails.

Honda takes it a step further by adding thicker steel plates that cover more of the underbody, including the engine and fuel tank area, so the Passport is better protected when the trail turns truly rocky.

Avoiding those obstacles is easier with cameras

The Passport TrailSport Elite introduces TrailWatch cameras, which display the area around the front tires on the dashboard screen at low speeds. This helps drivers place wheels precisely over rocks and ruts, reducing tire and underbody damage.

The GMC Terrain AT4 can be equipped with a surround-view camera system, but it doesn’t provide Honda’s specialized off-road wheel-placement view. Honda’s TrailWatch setup is tuned specifically for trail navigation, which gives the Passport an edge when threading through tight rocks.”

The inside is built for dirty boots too

TrailSport interiors feature synthetic leather with orange stitching and easy‑clean surfaces designed for mud and water resistance. These materials are more practical for outdoor use than cloth, making cleanup after hiking or camping trips easier.

The GMC Terrain AT4’s cabin is comfortable, but its styling is more suited for urban buyers. Honda’s rugged interior choices align with the TrailSport’s off‑road mission, ensuring durability when drivers bring dirt and moisture back inside.

The GMC does win on the final price

Pricing favors GMC; the 2026 Terrain AT4 AWD starts around $41,095, while the Passport TrailSport begins at $48,450 and TrailSport Elite at $52,450. The Terrain’s lower entry cost makes it attractive for budget‑minded buyers.

Honda’s higher price reflects its larger size, stronger V6 engine, off-road suspension, skid plates, TrailWatch cameras, and increased towing capacity. Buyers must weigh whether the Passport’s hardware is worth the premium over the Terrain’s lighter‑duty package.

That higher price pays for real engineering

Honda validated the TrailSport with off‑road testing in Moab, Utah, proving its suspension, AWD, skid plates, and tires in demanding conditions. TrailSport is more than a badge; it represents a genuine investment in trail capability through engineering.

The GMC Terrain AT4 adds genuine off-road hardware, including an off-road-tuned suspension, a front steel skid plate, all-terrain tires, red recovery hooks, and an exclusive Terrain mode, but it still can’t match the Passport’s higher ground clearance, stronger V6, torque-vectoring AWD, or 5,000-lb towing capacity.

Curious why Honda is shifting its EV strategy in the US? Click here to see what’s next for the Acura lineup.

The Honda Passport is the clear off‑road winner

MotorTrend’s late‑2025 comparison concluded the Passport TrailSport Elite outperforms the GMC Terrain AT4 in off‑road capability. Honda’s V6 power, 5,000‑lb towing, steel skid plates, torque‑vectoring AWD, AT tires, and TrailWatch cameras make it a true adventure SUV.

The GMC Terrain AT4, with its smaller engine, 1,500-pound towing capacity, simpler AWD system, and all-season tires, is a capable compact crossover, but not a match for the Passport on rugged trails. For families seeking wilderness access, the Passport is the proven choice.

Curious how Honda is keeping driving fun alive? Check out their 2025 manual hot hatch lineup and see what’s new.

Would you take the Passport or the Terrain AT4 on your next adventure? Share your pick in the comments, and don’t forget to leave a like!

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This slideshow was created with the assistance of AI and human input.