The Honda Passport is one of the latest entries into the off-roading and adventure SUVs on the market.  Introduced for the 2019 model year, this SUV wasn’t ready to challenge most off-roaders. The new Trailsport edition is certainly pushing the Passport ahead this year. How does it measure up?

The Passport doesn’t do rock crawling or extreme trail riding.  This may make people look elsewhere. However, the new Trailsport edition is helping to make it more competitive in the class. Until now, the Pilot hasn’t been much of an off-roader, but its Trailsport edition is giving it the chance to do more.

Off-roading Capability

The Trailsport edition of the Passport has an extra wide track to give it more stability. This helps it make the most of its 8.1 inches of ground clearance.  A 24.3 departure angle is sure to help in tight situations.  

Unlike many off-roaders, there’s no four-wheel drivetrain. Instead the Honda SUV uses an all-wheel drive system that uses throttle mapping to assist its transmission shifts.  The system can split torque, sending up to 70 percent to the rear wheels.  It can also move power from side to side. 

Passport’s V6 engine produces 262 lb-ft of torque, and it has a 9-speed automatic to help it utilize that torque at low speeds when driven slowly off road.

There is also a TrailSport version of the three-row Pilot. It has a lifted suspension so that it has more ground clearance. The Pilot Trailsport has tires more fitting for off-road wandering just like the Passport Trailsport.

Both the Passport and Pilot Trailsports have style cues inside and out.  This includes sport aspects such as an orange stitch pattern and amber LED lighting.  Unlike many off-roaders, both of these have leather upholstery.  

Rival Comparisons

The Toyota 4Runner is similar to the Passport.  Its off-road capability is better than the newer Trailsport. If you are comparing them, however, the Passport Trailsport has a higher quality interior than the Toyota. Plus, unlike many off-roaders, the Trailsport hasn’t given up its on-road credibility.  The 280-horsepower engine ensures ample get-up-and-go.  Its on-road manners are better, too, giving it a better ride quality than the 4Runner which is more like a truck.

When it comes to the interior, the Grand Cherokee is similarly stylish and well-appointed.  It also has more advanced off-road capability when the shopper chooses its Trailhawk edition.  However, the Passport’s safety ratings are much better. The two have similar crash avoidance features as standards, including driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control.

Among midsize SUVs in general, you’ll find the Passport is up against contenders such as the Mazda CX-9 which is similarly sized and has a third row.  It also has less horsepower although it is known for its performance.  The Honda sits higher than the Mazda, which can be nice while driving, but it may mean its harder to get into for some drivers.

It’s early days for the Trailsport models, but clearly Honda is making a move on the off-roading market.