Honda Passport TrailSport Off-Road Test: Almost Awesome in the Rockies

Rocky Mountain Off-Road Adventure

• ⛰️ The new Honda Passport TrailSport is taken on a challenging off-road test in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, aiming to reach a ghost town.
• 💡 The vehicle is equipped with off-road hardware like skid plates, rock rails, and an IVTM4 system with torque vectoring.
• ⚠️ Despite its features, the Passport's 8.3 inches of ground clearance is a significant limitation on rugged terrain.

Exploring the St. John Mining Site

• ⛏️ The journey includes a visit to the historic St. John mining site, founded in the mid-1860s, with remnants of old cabins.
• ⚠️ A warning is issued about the toxic nature of old mine shafts, containing arsenic and other dangerous chemicals.

Trail Performance and Limitations

• 🌲 The TrailSport mode and Trail Watch camera are utilized to navigate difficult sections, including a water crossing and rocky ravines.
• 💡 The General Grabber AT tires provide impressive grip, and the V6 engine with the 10-speed automatic offers decent low-end control, faking a low-range gear.
• 🚧 A significant obstacle, a sizable rock on the trail, highlights the breakover angle limitations, ultimately preventing the vehicle from reaching its intended destination.
• 🛠️ The rocker protection panels are demonstrated to be effective in protecting the door sill from damage, though their design could be improved.

Comparison and Livability

• 🚙 The Honda Passport TrailSport is compared to the Toyota 4Runner, with the 4Runner deemed more capable due to higher clearance and a traditional four-wheel-drive system with low range.
• 🏞️ While capable of reaching campsites, the Passport TrailSport is noted to be out of its element more quickly than expected in highly articulated situations.
• ✨ The design of the TrailSport is praised for being distinct, square, and butch, with functional elements like recovery points and skid plates.
• 💻 The interior features a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google OS, physical climate controls, and a 10.2-inch digital cockpit, with orange stitching and TrailSport badging adding unique touches.

Final Verdict

• 🚀 The Honda Passport TrailSport has many of the right ingredients for off-roading, but it needs more ground clearance to truly excel on challenging trails.
• 🤔 The reviewer suggests that a 2-inch lift could significantly improve its capabilities, and Honda should consider offering such an accessory.