Honda Passport TrailSport vs GMC Terrain AT4

It seems that every automaker is producing an off-road SUV version. However, Honda has taken that a step further with the Passport TrailSport and its genuine ability to take on pretty much anything you can throw at it. Compared to the GMC, the Honda is the better vehicle when the roads are no longer roads, according to MotorTrend. 

2026 Passport Trim Levels and Pricing 

The 2026 Honda Passport is available in two primary trim levels, RTL and TrailSport. From there, buyers can choose the RTL Towing, RTL Blackout, TrailSport Blackout, TrailSport Elite, or TrailSport Elite Blackout. The TrailSport, similar to the one in this comparison review, starts at $48,650*. Each model also comes standard with Intelligent Variable Torque Management all-wheel drive.  

Engine, Transmission, and Fuel Economy 

With a 3.5-liter V6, the Passport produces 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, and features a smart and fast-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission that’s ideal for both city and highway driving. The EPA reports that the TrailSport will achieve fuel mileage ratings of 18 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined**. Honda recommends regular 87 octane, which will help save a few dollars at the pump. 

Cargo Space and Towing Capacity 

Every Honda Passport is able to tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped and has a total of 44 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. That number nearly doubles when the seats are folded flat to 83.8 cu.ft.  

MotorTrend Really Likes the Honda Passport 

Driving the Passport was a great experience for MotorTrend, with writer Billy Rehbock offering, “Fortunately, the Passport TrailSport Elite impresses with its on-road manners. What’s more, it seems to address an age-old Honda issue, road noise. When the engine settles down, the cabin remains quiet at speed, making for enjoyable road trips. The ride is settled over nearly every surface, and the suspension’s off-road tuning makes for great on-road comfort. On curvy roads, the steering feels direct and body composure remains poised.” 

Terrain Performance 

When it comes to the GMC Terrain AT4, GMC equipped the crossover with a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 175 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, with front-wheel drive, and 203 horsepower with all-wheel drive. Power is put through a CVT when equipped with FWD and an 8-speed automatic with AWD. However, the AT4 does come standard with all-wheel drive.  

What MotorTrend Said About How the Terrain Drives 

MotorTrend said that the Terrain AT4 was not really great to drive, especially in corners, saying, “On a curvy road, the Terrain AT4 is less than stellar. The soft suspension that allows for a compliant ride in most scenarios gives way to considerable body roll in the corners.” 

Terrain Cargo Space and Towing Capacity 

Behind the second row, the Terrain offers 29.8 cubic feet of cargo space and 63.5 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. Front-wheel drive models are only able to tow up to 800 lbs, while AWD Terrains can tow 1,500 lbs.  

MotorTrend Says the Terrain Doesn’t Stack Up 

As you can see, the Terrain just isn’t up to snuff when it comes to performing for buyers the way the Honda Passport TrailSport is, or as MotorTrend said, “As a compact, the 2026 GMC Terrain AT4 is down on size, power, and utility compared to the midsize 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite.” 

Standard Interior Features 

The Honda also wows on the inside, with the TrailSport offering a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster display. MotorTrend’s specific tester came with brown perforated leather, which they said gives off a very luxurious look and feel, especially with contrast stitching. Honda also equips each Passport with a total of four USB-C ports, distributed between the front and rear seats, as well as a wireless phone charger for the driver and front passenger to use. Additionally, the vehicle features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with both Alexa and Google Built-in. Because the model tested was an Elite trim level, it also gets a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system with a subwoofer. Lower trims come standard with a 9-speaker audio system featuring a subwoofer.  

Standard Safety Features 

Like all Honda vehicles, the Passport comes standard with Honda Sensing, which includes Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) with Advanced Pedestrian Detection, Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow (ACC), Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR), Traffic Jam Assist, Blind Spot Information (BSI) with Lane Change Assist, Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM), Low Speed Braking Control, Driver Attention Monitor, Auto High-Beam Headlights, and front and rear Parking Sensors. TrailSport models also get a Multi-View Camera System and TrailWatch.  

The Honda Passport Is Incredibly Safe 

All of those safety features helped the Passport earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ award, making it one of the safest vehicles on the road today.  

Let Michael Hohl Honda Help You Find the Best Vehicle 

When you’re ready to choose a new or used Honda, the great salespeople at Michael Hohl Honda will take care of you. Not only will they help you to find the right vehicle that fits your needs, but they will also give you the best price around.  

Why Choose Michael Hohl Honda 

At Michael Hohl Honda, we take the utmost pride in offering you the absolute best experience possible. Whether you are looking for a new or used car, our sales team and finance department will work with you to secure the best possible price. When it comes to servicing your vehicle, our service center will take care of your car as if it were one of their own. And our parts center will take care of all your Subaru accessory needs.   

 We look forward to working with you. 

* MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $1,495 destination charge, and accessories. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $455 charge for premium colors. 

** 18 city/23 highway/20 combined mpg rating for TrailSport and TrailSport Elite trims. Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.