I’m sold on the more off-road capable versions of crossover SUVs that an increasing number of manufacturers are introducing these days. Not that I go off-road very often, but because they not only look cooler, but drive much better over the poorly maintained streets in my part of town. Most come with suspension modifications that soften the rides and all-terrain tires that travel better over potholes and broken pavement than conventional tires.
A good example is the mid-size, two-row 2024 Honda Passport TrailSport. It features black-out exterior trim and General Grabber A/T Sport tires on gray 18-inch alloy wheels, which gives it a seriously rugged look. More important, the spring rates have been reduced, the rear sway bar has been replaced with one that is less stiff, while the dampers have been adjusted to reduce roll on pavement, improving the overall ride over the bad streets in my neighborhood.
At the same time, the Passport TrailSport easily handled my nearby improvised off-road course of deeply rutted dirt roads on steep hills. In other words, the best of both worlds, starting for only a few thousand more than the base EX-L. That’s right, even with all the upgrades, the TrailSport is not most expensive version of the 2024 Passport. That honor belongs to the new top-of-the-line Black Edition.
If the Passport name sounds familiar, you're right. Honda first sold a rebadged version of the Isuzu Rodeo in the 1990s. Back then, both were relatively small truck-based SUVs, with the Rodeo noted for offering a two-door convertible version. But their body-on-frame construction increased their durability while making them drive like, well, trucks.
Manufacturers subsequently began producing crossover SUVs built more like cars that offered more comfortable rides and got better fuel economy. Though not as off-road capable as the truck-based SUVs that continued to be produced, they appealed to families that liked the roominess, additional height, fuel savings, and available AWD, if only for better traction in wet weather. But more and more manufacturers have now begun offering packages that increase their off-road abilities with features that include factory lifts, more capable suspensions, underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, and more.
Honda jumped into the crossover game early with the incredibly popular compact CR-V in 1995 and added the midsize three-row Pilot in 2002. It served as the basis of the midsize Ridgeline pickup in 2006 and the shorter two-row Passport in 2019, which was marketed as Honda’s most off-road capable SUV at the time because it had a slight lift and came standard with the company's optional all-wheel-drive system, dubbed i-VTM4 (Intelligent Variable Torque Management).
When the TrailSport option was first offered on the Passport a few years ago, it was little more than a trim package. The 2024 upgrades are more serious, though, with both on- and off-road benefits. Plus it comes with such niceties as front and rear rubber floor mats and special interior trim.
All versions of the Passport are powered by Honda’s workhorse 3.5-liter V6, which pumps out an ample 280 horsepower and 262 foot-pounds of torque. That may sound old fashioned compared to the increasing number of smaller displacement turbocharged four-cylinder engines offered in a growing number of SUVs. Although they may get better mileage, I personally prefer the smoother power delivery of V6 engines. I got around 20 miles per gallon in a week of mixed driving, which is reasonable for a normally-aspirated V6 in any SUV. Honda’s 3.5-liter also has a reputation for reliability.
The standard engine is mated to a responsive 9-speed automatic transmission that powers all four wheels. Selectable drive modes include Eco, Normal, Sand, Snow, and Mud. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, which is more than most competitors.
The Passport is no longer Honda’s most off-road capable vehicle, however. The 2024 Pilot is based on a new platform and is available with a TrailSport package that includes a one-inch lift. Next year’s Passport will be based on that platform and also include the available one-inch lift. But many buyers looking for a midsize two-row SUV now should be willing to trade the Pilot's one-inch lift for Passport's five inches shorter length, which makes it easier to drive and park in downtowns. It also costs about $4,000 less.
The shared exterior and interior styling of the Pilot and Passport is restrained compared to many competitors. The outside look is big and blocky, foregoing the sharp edges and creased lines that are becoming increasing common. The interior is also restrained, with a relatively small 8-inch screen integrated into the dash instead of dominating it.
Honda has taken full advantage of the midsize two-row configuration to offer a lot of leg room in the back seat and an enormous amount of cargo space under the hatch. My tester had comfortable but supportive leather seats, although most of the rest of the interior materials were soft touch plastics that should be easy to clean. The updated console provides more storage space.
All versions of the 2024 Passport come standard with Honda’s suite of safety and driver-assistance technology, which includes forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Their infotainment systems come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Bluetooth. A wireless smartphone charging pad is also standard. Some other tech features are only available on TrailSport and higher trim levels.
The number of crossover SUVs with factory off-road upgrades is increasing rapidly. They now include: the Timberline versions of the Ford Explorer; the AT4 versions of the GMC Acadia and Terrain; the Trailhawk versions of the Jeep Renegade, Compass, Cherokee and Grand Cherokee; the X-Pro versions of the Kia Sorento and Sportage; the Rock Creek version of the Nissan Pathfinder; the Wilderness versions of the Subaru Crosstrek and Outback; the TRD Off-Road version of the Toyota RAV4; and the Peak Edition version of the Volkswagen Atlas.
Few are as well balanced as the 2024 Honda Passport AWD TrailSport, however — or the 2024 Honda Pilot AWD TrailSport if you really need three rows of seats.
2024 Honda Passport AWD TrailSport
Base price: $43,295 (EX-L)
Price as tested: $46,300 (TrailSport)
Style: Midsize, two-row crossover SUV
Engine: 3.5-liter V6 (280 hp, 262 lbs-ft)
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sand, Snow, and Mud
EPA fuel economy: 19/24
Length: 191 inches
Weight: 3,959 to 4,237 pounds
Final assembly point: Lincoln, Alabama
Most Popular
Comments / 0