Is the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport's Off-Road Suspension Too Stiff for Daily Driving in Hull?

The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport comes with serious off-road credentials—210 mm of ground clearance, General Grabber all-terrain tires, and a suspension tuned specifically for trail articulation. But for drivers in Hull, Quebec, daily commutes involve navigating Gatineau's notorious potholes and winter-worn pavement. A critical question emerges: does this off-road-tuned suspension sacrifice everyday comfort?

If you're considering the Passport TrailSport for both weekend adventures and weekday errands around Hull, understanding how its suspension performs on typical Quebec roads is essential. Here's what the engineering behind this SUV reveals about its real-world ride quality.

What Makes the TrailSport Suspension Different?

The Passport TrailSport features an off-road tuned suspension with exclusive spring rates, damper valve tuning, and optimised stabiliser bars designed to improve articulation and off-road ride comfort. Unlike typical SUV suspensions that prioritise highway smoothness, the TrailSport setup aims to keep all four wheels planted on uneven terrain—rocky trails or deep ruts.

The suspension architecture includes:

• MacPherson strut front suspension
• Multi-link independent rear suspension
• 24.2 x 4.5 mm tubular front stabiliser bar
• 17 mm solid rear stabiliser bar

This configuration allows the suspension to absorb impacts from obstacles while maintaining body control. The extended 2,885 mm wheelbase (+70 mm over the previous generation) benefits straight-line stability and ride comfort, while wider tracks (1,727 mm front, 1,732 mm rear) improve cornering stability on paved roads.

Structural Rigidity Reduces Harshness

A key factor in the TrailSport's daily comfort is the extremely rigid Honda light truck platform beneath it. The platform delivers a 72% increase in front lateral rigidity and a 50% increase in rear torsion rigidity compared to the previous generation. This structural stiffness doesn't just improve off-road capability—it directly enhances ride comfort, handling, and overall refinement on paved surfaces.

Greater structural rigidity means the suspension can do its job more effectively. When the body shell flexes less, suspension components can absorb road impacts without transmitting as much vibration and noise into the cabin. For Hull drivers navigating frost heaves and patched pavement, this translates to a more controlled, less jarring ride.

All-Terrain Tires Balance Trail and Pavement Performance

The General Grabber all-terrain tires (275/60R18) were co-developed exclusively with General Tire for the Passport TrailSport. These tires are designed to handle sand, mud, rocky terrain, and snow while remaining quiet and comfortable on paved roads.

All-terrain tires typically feature more aggressive tread patterns than standard all-season tires, which can increase road noise and reduce ride smoothness. However, the Grabber tires prioritise on-road civility without sacrificing off-road traction. For daily driving in Hull, this means you won't experience the constant drone or stiff ride often associated with dedicated off-road rubber.

While all-terrain tires improve snow traction compared to standard all-season tires, dedicated winter tires remain the safest choice for severe ice and winter conditions common in Quebec.

Body Stabilising Seats Reduce Fatigue

The Passport TrailSport includes Body Stabilising power adjustable heated front seats with memory. These seats are specifically engineered to reduce fatigue on long drives by providing enhanced lateral support and maintaining proper posture. The design helps minimise the constant micro-adjustments your body makes to stay stable, which is particularly valuable on uneven or bumpy roads.

Combined with the off-road tuned suspension, these seats help filter out harshness that might otherwise reach occupants. From commuting to Ottawa to exploring Gatineau Park trails, the seats work in tandem with the suspension to maintain comfort.

Comparing Daily Comfort: TrailSport vs Standard SUVs

The TrailSport's suspension tuning prioritises controlled body motion and wheel articulation over the ultra-soft, floaty ride some mainstream SUVs offer. This means you'll feel more connected to the road, with less body roll in corners and more predictable handling—characteristics that actually benefit daily driving, especially in variable Quebec weather.

Real-World Ride Quality on Quebec Roads

The combination of the off-road tuned suspension, structural rigidity, and all-terrain tires creates a ride quality that is firm but not harsh. On Hull's typical roads—including Boulevard des Allumettières, Rue Saint-Rédempteur, and the approaches to bridges crossing into Ottawa—the Passport TrailSport absorbs impacts with control rather than cushioning them into oblivion.

Potholes and frost heaves produce a noticeable thud, but the suspension prevents the jarring secondary impacts that less-rigid platforms allow. The ride feels planted and composed, without the excessive float or bounce that can make some SUVs feel disconnected from the road surface.

For drivers accustomed to car-based crossovers with very soft suspension tuning, the TrailSport will feel more substantial and slightly firmer. For those coming from body-on-frame SUVs or trucks, the TrailSport will feel refined and comfortable by comparison.

Active Noise Cancellation Reduces Road Noise

The Passport TrailSport includes Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology, which uses the audio system to counteract unwanted sounds entering the cabin. This system is particularly effective at reducing low-frequency road noise—the kind generated by all-terrain tires and rough pavement.

For daily driving in Hull, ANC helps maintain a quieter cabin environment even when the suspension is working hard to manage uneven surfaces. The system works alongside the 12-speaker Bose premium audio system on TrailSport Touring trims, ensuring conversations and music remain clear without excessive volume.

Drive Modes Adjust Suspension Response

The Passport TrailSport offers seven selectable drive modes: Normal, Sport, Econ, Snow, Sand, Tow, and Trail. While most Hull drivers will use Normal mode for daily driving, the Snow mode optimises throttle response and all-wheel drive torque distribution for slippery conditions—common during Quebec winters.

The drive modes don't alter suspension firmness directly, but they do change how the vehicle responds to inputs, which can affect perceived ride quality. Normal mode provides the most balanced daily driving experience, while Econ mode smooths throttle response for highway cruising.

Is the TrailSport Comfortable Enough for Daily Use?

The answer depends on your expectations. If you prioritise a cloud-like, ultra-soft ride that isolates you completely from road imperfections, the TrailSport's off-road tuned suspension will feel firmer than some alternatives. However, if you value a controlled, confident ride that handles both paved roads and occasional trails without compromise, the TrailSport delivers exactly that.

For Hull drivers who regularly encounter:

• Pothole-riddled city streets
• Frost heaves on rural routes
• Gravel driveways or cottage roads
• Winter snow and ice

The TrailSport's suspension provides the right balance of compliance and control. The off-road tuning doesn't make the ride punishing—it makes it predictable and capable, with enough refinement for comfortable daily commuting.

Experience the Passport TrailSport's Ride Quality Yourself

The best way to determine if the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport's suspension suits your daily driving needs is to experience it on the roads you drive most. Visit Lallier Honda Hull to test drive the Passport TrailSport on local routes, including the types of surfaces you encounter regularly. Our team can help you evaluate how the off-road tuned suspension performs in real-world conditions and if it's the right fit for your lifestyle.