If you’re shopping for a rugged yet refined SUV here in Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand area, you’ll want to consider how the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite stacks up against a key competitor: the 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road Premium.
On Road Driving & Daily Comfort
The Passport TrailSport Elite brings a notably smoother on road driving experience. It’s built on a unibody platform (body and frame integrated), which gives it a more composed feel on pavement. In contrast, the 4Runner uses a body on frame design (body mounted on frame), which gives more traditional off road truck feel but less refinement for everyday driving.
Specifically:
• Passport’s steering feedback and ride quality were measured to be more refined in the test drive.
• The 4Runner is quicker (especially in the hybrid version) but “bouncier” and looser in steering — great for off road, less great for daily comfort.
• Fuel economy: Passport rated 20 mpg combined versus 23 mpg for the 4Runner (hybrid version) — though the real world numbers for the 4Runner tracked around 21 mpg.
If you’re shopping in South Carolina for a vehicle that covers daily commutes, errands, family runs and occasional adventures, the Passport may be the smarter all round pick.
Interior Quality & Passenger Comfort
The Passport TrailSport Elite stands out in the interior comfort and material quality department. According to the comparison:
• The Passport features actual leather upholstery; the 4Runner uses simulated leather.
• The Passport’s rear seat legroom is more generous; the 4Runner’s back seat can feel tight for taller passengers, especially with the power moonroof.
• Build quality: The Passport’s interior finish was noted to be better constructed, with padded door sills versus hard plastic in the 4Runner.
• Tech wise, the 4Runner has a larger 14 inch touchscreen and more modern graphics; the Passport has a 12.3 inch display and slightly less refined tech ergonomics.
So if you prioritize interior refinement, comfort, and a premium feel for your vehicle in the Myrtle Beach area (whether for family, commuting or weekend getaways), the Passport gets a strong nod.
Off Road Capability
Here’s where things get interesting: both vehicles bring off road credentials, but each with its trade offs. The comparison declared a tie: each vehicle wins something different here.
• The Passport TrailSport Elite is very capable out of the box: all terrain tires, smart AWD with selectable drive modes, under body protection, TrailWatch camera system all come standard. In the test, the Passport held its own off road.
• The 4Runner, especially in TRD off road trims, is a better baseline platform for hardcore off road customisation (think larger aftermarket upgrades). But as equipped in the comparison (TRD Off Road Premium), some of that potential remains untapped.
• One downside for the Passport: its unibody architecture means it might lift a wheel more easily on uneven terrain than a body on frame design. The 4Runner, though bulkier, may handle extreme articulation better when modified.
If your day to day includes some light to moderate off roading (beach access, trails around the Low Country, weekend adventures), the Passport will serve you exceptionally well. If you envision hardcore rock crawling or major modifications, the 4Runner might be the direction — but you’ll give up daily comfort.
Value & Pricing
In the comparison:
• The 2026 Passport TrailSport Elite had an as tested price (including destination) around $53,945.
• The 2025 4Runner TRD Off Road Premium in the test was about $61,219.
• Despite offering more comfort and refinement, the Passport came in at a lower starting price point in the comparison.
From a value standpoint for drivers in South Carolina who want a feature rich, comfortable and capable SUV without spending an extra premium for off road parts they may never fully use — the Passport TrailSport Elite presents compelling ROI.
Why East Coast Honda in Myrtle Beach is Your Go To
At East Coast Honda, we specialise in ensuring that our customers get higher standards in both their vehicle purchase and ownership experience. When you choose the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite from our dealership, you’re not just getting a vehicle — you’re getting:
• Expert local support from our team who understand the needs of Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand drivers (beach trips, coastal weather, comfort plus capability).
• Dedicated service and parts capabilities for Honda vehicles — designed for the long term.
• A showroom experience aligned with our #FiveStarExperience promise.
Key Take Aways
If you’re looking for a rugged looking, genuinely off road capable SUV but also one that excels at everyday driving comfort, interior fit & finish, and value — prioritize the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite. The 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road Premium remains a strong contender if your main focus is extreme customization and trail dominance — but you’ll likely sacrifice comfort and pay more.
For our Myrtle Beach and Low Country drivers: the Passport delivers a smart blend of daily driving polish and weekend adventure readiness.
Thinking of a Test Drive?
Stop by East Coast Honda, and let's get you behind the wheel of the new Passport. Bring your questions, we’ll show how the vehicle suits:
• Beach to trail transitions
• Family friendly rear seating and cargo
• Local road feel around Myrtle Beach and beyond
Give us a call or visit today — your next reliable, stylish and adventure ready SUV is waiting.
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