Model tested: 2024 Honda Passport AWD TrailSport
Engine: 3.5-liter V-6
Transmission: 9-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Horsepower: 280
Torque: 262 lb.-ft.
EPA ratings: 19/city, 24/highway, 21/combined
Base price: $44,500
As tested: $46,330
Overview: Honda has given the popular Passport five-passenger, four-door wagon sport-utility vehicle (SUV) a more aggressive persona with the new TrailSport Edition — without diminishing its value as an efficient, family-friendly, multipurpose vehicle. The revised TrailSport Edition adds true off-road prowess and not just graphics and gingerbread trim.
Walkaround: The 2024 Honda Passport TrailSport beefed up its outdoor adventure looks with real improvements to the suspension and tires instead of simply slapping on some TrailSport graphics. The overall styling is conservative but pleasant and relatively timeless, which should aid resale values.
Interior: The leather-trimmed Passport interior is a highlight for this vehicle, with lots of room and comfort in both rows. Front-seat space and comfort are expected and delivered but the ample rear-seat room was a pleasant surprise — with real adult-size room even in the middle position. Interior materials as well as fit and finish are all up to Honda’s high standards. Front seats have three-temp heat and driver power lumbar, although it was less firm than we like. Interior storage is great with three-level front door bins, a huge console bin and a locking glovebox. As a two-row SUV, there’s ample cargo space, with a flat floor and rear seats that fold flat with only a slight upward slope. The power tailgate opens high and there’s no lift-over. A bonus storage bin is under the cargo deck. A unique TrailSport feature is orange interior lighting.
Behind the wheel: Most Honda Passport TrailSport owners will spend more time on freeways and city roads. However, the vehicle has serious off-road tuned suspension and handsome new 18-inch wheels that are wrapped in “trail-ready,” all-terrain tires that make it a fine dirt trail explorer. Aggressive tires are a key off-road feature but the compromise was more road noise on coarse freeway segments and expansion strips. We beat EPA estimates with a best of 28.4 mpg on the highway. The engine, transmission, brakes, suspension and many standard safety features were all as expected in Honda products.
Bottom line: The 2024 Honda Passport TrailSport Edition is a legitimate upgrade to an already competent two-row, five-passenger, midsize SUV that satisfies either the real or imagined TV ad depictions of everyday consumers blasting across rugged terrain in their daily commuters. The Passport TrailSport has the suspension and tires for forest service roads and other Pacific Northwest trailheads, beaches and snow areas. The roomy interior and big cargo area provide lots of space for adventure gear, luggage or home improvement supplies.
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