Honda has announced that the new 2026 Passport TrailSport is currently competing in the Alcan 5000 Rally, North America’s longest endurance time-speed-distance rally. The unmodified SUV will be piloted by the inexhaustible motoring power couple Andy and Mercedes Lilienthal (crankshaftculture.com ), who previously won the 2S class in the 2024 winter edition of the event. Spanning September 2–12, the rally covers nearly 6,000 miles of terrain between Kirkland, Washington, and British Columbia, Canada, including 900 miles of demanding off-pavement routes.
The Passport TrailSport is entering the event in its production-ready form, underscoring Honda’s focus on durability and engineering. Powered by a 285-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters, the SUV features Honda’s torque-vectoring i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system and four-wheel independent suspension. For this rally, the Passport will rely on its impressive and robust factory specifications, with no drivetrain or performance modifications.
The 2026 Passport TrailSport is Honda’s most rugged SUV to date. Standard features include General Grabber all-terrain tires, off-road tuned suspension, heavy-duty recovery points capable of handling twice the vehicle’s weight, and reinforced high-strength steel skid plates. The suspension benefits from stronger forged steel arms and cast-iron knuckles, designed to withstand extended use on rugged terrain. Seven selectable drive modes, including trail, sand, snow, and sport, enable drivers to tailor their performance to varying conditions throughout the rally.
While the core of the vehicle remains unmodified, Honda has outfitted the rally entry with a range of its genuine adventure-ready accessories. These include rock sliders, an aluminum front scuff plate, black accessory wheels, a full-size spare, and a cargo roof platform. Additional touches, such as MOLLE boards, a black hood decal, and auxiliary lighting from Baja Designs mounted on a prototype Rally Innovations light bar, enhance functionality for the long-distance challenge.
The Lilienthals have expressed confidence in the SUV’s abilities. Navigator Mercedes Lilienthal stated that their assurance comes from the rigorous off-road validation performed by Honda engineers on some of America’s most demanding trails. Driver Andy Lilienthal emphasized that capability, comfort, and power are the three qualities needed for the Alcan 5000, and the Passport TrailSport meets all of them.
Andy Lilienthal stated,
“So far the Passport has been a great vehicle for the grueling Alcan 5000. It’s been great on the bad dirt roads of British Columbia, and has enough power to get past slow traffic.”
The Alcan 5000 Rally, first held in 1984, is a unique time-speed-distance event in which teams follow a paper route book across public roads, navigating both pavement and unpaved tracks at or below posted speed limits. Success depends on precision rather than outright speed, with teams judged on how closely they match the rallymaster’s ideal times.
The rally entry builds on the Passport’s growing reputation in competitive off-road events. Previous appearances include the Rebelle Rally and the Mint 400, where Honda demonstrated the model’s durability under demanding conditions. For 2026, Honda positions the Passport TrailSport as the brand’s ultimate adventure SUV, designed with authentic off-road capability, rugged styling, and a versatile interior.
The model has already resonated with customers. Sales of the Passport have increased by 27 percent this year, with TrailSport trims representing approximately 80 percent of those purchases. The upcoming Alcan 5000 Rally will further highlight the vehicle’s ability to handle long distances and extreme environments while remaining true to its production design.
Image credits to Andy and Mercedes Lilienthal
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