Exploring around Metro Vancouver in the Honda Passport Trailsport SUV

I recently spent a week test driving the Honda Passport 2026 car around metro Vancouver.

We headed to Richmond to have dinner at House of Dawn Steakhouse (130-8171 Ackroyd Rd, Richmond) where new Executive Chef James Yang had taken it up a notch.

Lawrence joined me and we shared some appetizers to start. We toasted each other with a couple of mocktails to start the evening.

Scallop
Hokkaido U12 Scallops, Pumpkin Puree, Green Pea, Corn, N’duja Aioli, Finger Lime, Prosciutto Crisp, Smoke Paprika Oil

Burrata From Puglia
36 Months 5J Cinco Jotas, Salade Maison, Persimmon Puree, Maple Poached Pear, Pickle Honeydew, Smoke Maldon, Extra Virgin Olive Oil

We then enjoyed one of the new fall dishes, the Risotto with Maple Glazed Maitake, followed by the star of the show in this dining experience are the steaks and we had the Signature Steak Served on a Sizzling Plate. Chef James In-House Flavour Dry Aged 28Days Chocolate Dry Aged Strip-loin,16oz Centre Cut Grass Fed, Potato Finished In-house dry-aged for 28 Days, encased in Butter/Chocolate for another 14Days Atlantic Prime Beef, Prince Edward Island, CA

All the cuts come with a guest selection of one side & one sauce

With side:
Pommes Frites de Tartufo Nero
With sauce: Madeira Demi Glace

Then it was on to dessert and both were good, though the favourite was the Valrhona Pistachio. We also had the Houjicha Cheesecake.

In this 2026 model, the cabin has been completely overhauled to be more “outdoor-friendly” yet tech-forward and it features:

  • Google Built-In: A new 12.3-inch touchscreen features Google Maps and Assistant natively, alongside wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Utility: Honda added clever storage like “MOLLE” boards in the cargo area and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster with off-road gauges (pitch, roll, and elevation).
  • TrailWatch™: On the TrailSport Elite trim, a four-camera system provides a “see-through” view of the trail ahead to help navigate over rocks or narrow passes.

The next day I drove to Coquitlam and a visit to Pasta Polo (2754 Barnet Hwy in Coquitlam), where I enjoyed some of their tasty Italian food, starting off with the tasty rolls with garlic oil along with their Minestrone Soup and the Spinach and Ricotta Manicotti. The Signature Tiramisu features feather‑light ladyfingers soaked in Kahlúa‑kissed espresso, folded between lush mascarpone cream and veiled in bittersweet cocoa. Chef Alberto’s recipe, perfected since 2007.

The 2026 TrailSport’s steering wheel is designed to feel more substantial and “tactile” for off-road use and it’s notable features are:

  • Design & Materials: It is a thick-rimmed, leather-wrapped wheel. In the TrailSport trim, it features exclusive orange contrast stitching that matches the seat accents and “TrailSport” embroidery.
  • Controls: Honda has avoided “haptic” touch pads, sticking to physical buttons and scroll wheels.
    • Left Side: Controls the digital instrument cluster menus, audio volume, and voice commands.
    • Right Side: Dedicated to the Honda Sensing® suite, specifically the Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist settings.

The next day we were off to West Vancouver for dinner at the newly opened Artigiano Grand Café which is located in Park Royal South.

To begin, we had the healthy Seared west coast albacore tuna; followed by the Organic chicken Escalope arugula salad (chicken that was pan-fried was at the the bottom and topped with the salad) and then the rich Wild mushrooms and goat cheese pasta (this is one to share, don’t go it alone). I loved the interactive, playful take on the Italian Zeppole that were chocolate filled and came with 4 dipping sauces (my favourite was the caramel), I shared, but don’t share.

This is a great new eatery for lunch or dinner and in between when you are out shopping.

Every 2026 Passport now comes standard with a 12.3-inch color touchscreen, a massive upgrade from the old 8-inch unit. It’s features include:

  • Google Built-In: This is the headline feature. It includes native Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. You can download apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, or Tidal directly to the car’s head unit, allowing you to stream music without even connecting your phone.
  • Wireless Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
  • The “Volume Knob” Victory: Honda kept a physical volume knob on the left side of the screen, responding to driver feedback about the difficulty of using touch sliders while driving.

By: Richard Wolak

Disclosure: Honda Canada provided me with the Honda Passport Trailsport 2026 to test drive, and photograph. As always, all opinions and photos are my own.



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