Honda is jumping into the off-road model game with the new Honda Passport TrailSport. Off-road models for SUVs and trucks have become increasingly popular, and just about every automaker has at least one if they make an SUV or truck model. Honda might be the most surprising automaker to jump into the off-road ring as the Japanese automaker is more known for on-road precision rather than off-road toughness.
What is the TrailSport?
The TrailSport is an off-road badged trim line that will outfit various Honda SUVs with more aggressive styling, extra off-road gear, and some interior design changes. More intense upgrades are expected to follow with a more rigid suspension, off-road tires, and additional ride height. The first model to receive a TrailSport trim is the Honda Passport. The Passport TrailSport will be a midgrade trim level above the base EX-L model and below the Elite.
The main differences on the Honda Passport TrailSport are a new hood, a blockier grille, and revised bumpers. Inside, TrailSport badging is plentiful throughout with an orange and black theme. Another slight deviation is the 18-inch wheels with a larger offset that widen the Honda Passport’s track by 0.4 inches. These wheels are paired with all-season tires that offer more aggressive shoulder tread and more bite off-road.
Honda Passport Off-Road
The AWD Passport already has 8.1 inches of ground clearance, which is pretty respectable for off-road driving. In the future, the TrailSport badged Passport may also get some factory lift to further improve its off-road prowess. The Passport features a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 280 horsepower. It’s paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly in most situations.
The AWD system is no slouch either. Depending on what conditions you encounter, the AWD system can transfer up to 70% of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels and put up to 100% of that transferred torque to one wheel or the other if necessary. The more grippy TrailSport tires should give the Passport more edge off-road with this system.
Rugged Roads
A more rugged Passport may also be in the works as Honda recently created a Rugged Roads project vehicle, which features a Passport with a lift kit, larger tires, and various other off-road modifications. Right now, the factory upgrades are mostly limited to fender flares, rocker panel moldings, and larger wheels. The current Honda Passport TrailSport marks the beginning of Honda’s off-road-focused journey, and it will be fascinating to see just how serious the automaker is about appealing to the off-road set.
For now, the Honda Passport TrailSport is undoubtedly more competent off-road than its standard counterpart. At the very least, the new trim looks the part and helps the otherwise somewhat staid Passport stand out among other crossovers.
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