2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is the Real Deal
About this episode
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is designed for those seeking off-road capability without extreme demands. With a tougher look and enhanced features like dedicated recovery points and an off-road tuned suspension, it stands out in its class. The episode dives into its performance, including a powerful V6 engine and advanced all-wheel drive system, while also discussing its spacious interior and modern tech features. Comparisons are made to competitors like the Kia Sorento X Pro and Subaru Outback Wilderness, highlighting the Passport's balance of utility and comfort for everyday use.
There are dozens of SUVs to choose from. Some coddle the family at the expense of off-road performance. Others can tackle Moab but punish drivers on the pavement heading there. The new 4th generation Honda Passport TrailSport is the sweet spot, offering traction on tough trails and comfort in the concrete canyons (you know, where most miles are driven). It's not an extreme boulder crawler but in many ways it's the goldilocks SUV. Tom Voelk and Martin Campbell take it on and off road and find it might be the perfect vehicle for family adventures.
Honda Passport
"This is the 2026 Honda Passport Trail Sport. It might be exactly what you need."
The Honda Passport Trail Sport is a version of the Honda Passport that is made for off-road driving and outdoor activities. It has special features that help it handle rough terrain better.
The Honda Passport Trail Sport is a variant of the Honda Passport designed for off-road capability, featuring rugged styling and enhanced features for outdoor adventures.
Honda TrailSport
"According to Honda's Brad Nelson, talk about what trail sport adds."
The Honda TrailSport is a special version of Honda vehicles that is made to handle off-road conditions better.
The Honda TrailSport is a variant designed for off-road capability, enhancing features for rugged terrain driving.
skid plate
"Trail sport adds impressive underbody protection. This skid plate defends the oil pan and transmission."
A skid plate is a strong piece of metal that protects the bottom of a car from getting damaged when driving over rocks or rough ground.
A skid plate is a protective component installed on the underside of a vehicle to shield critical parts like the oil pan and transmission from damage when driving over rough terrain.
i-VTM 4 rear differential
"Every Passport runs with all-wheel drive using Honda's new i-VTM 4 rear differential."
i-VTM 4 is a system that helps the car's wheels get the right amount of power to keep them from slipping, especially when driving on slippery or rough surfaces.
i-VTM 4 is Honda's intelligent Variable Torque Management system that optimally distributes power between the front and rear wheels, enhancing traction and stability in various driving conditions. It is particularly useful for off-road driving.
locking differential
"That acts like a locking diff."
A locking differential helps both wheels on the same axle turn together, which is helpful when one wheel is stuck or slipping, like in mud or snow.
A locking differential is a type of differential that can be locked to ensure that both wheels on an axle turn at the same speed, which is especially useful in off-road situations where traction is limited.
torque vectoring
"Another really good point to make is that we have true torque vectoring where some manufacturers use brake torque to create a simulated torque vectoring system."
Torque vectoring helps cars handle better by sending power to the wheels that need it most, which can make turning and driving on slippery roads easier.
Torque vectoring is a technology that allows for the distribution of power to individual wheels, improving traction and handling. It enhances cornering performance by adjusting the torque sent to each wheel based on driving conditions.
super handling all-wheel drive
"Is that a result of super handling all-wheel drive over the years? I mean, it's a very similar system, tuned a little bit differently."
Super Handling All-Wheel Drive is a special system that helps cars handle better by sending power to the wheels that need it, especially when turning. It makes driving feel more stable and controlled.
Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is a system developed by Acura that enhances handling and stability by distributing power not just to the front and rear wheels, but also between the left and right wheels. This improves cornering and overall vehicle dynamics.
traction management
"...And actually, traction management is a big deal."
Traction management is how a car helps keep its tires from slipping on the road. It uses technology to make sure the car stays stable and doesn't lose grip, especially when driving on wet or slippery surfaces.
Traction management refers to the systems and technologies in a vehicle that help maintain grip and control, especially in slippery conditions. It can include features like traction control and stability control, which prevent wheel spin and help the driver maintain control during acceleration or cornering.
MSRP
"This is the trail sport elite MSRP. This one is 54 grand."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests you pay for a new car. It's like a guide for how much the car should cost.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends retailers charge for a vehicle. It's a starting point for negotiations when buying a car.
Subaru Outback
"you might look at something like Kia Sorento X Pro or Subaru Outback Wilderness."
The Subaru Outback Wilderness is a special version of the Outback that is made for driving on rough roads and trails. It has features that help it go off-road better.
The Subaru Outback Wilderness is a rugged variant of the Outback, designed for off-road adventures. It features enhanced ground clearance and off-road capabilities.
Kia Sorento X-Pro
"you might look at something like Kia Sorento X Pro or Subaru Outback Wilderness."
The Kia Sorento X-Pro is a version of the Sorento SUV that is designed to be better for off-road driving. It has more features that help it handle rough terrain.
The Kia Sorento X-Pro is a variant of the Sorento SUV that offers enhanced features for off-road capability and rugged use. It's known for its spaciousness and advanced technology.
unibody construction
"Both of those, like passports, are unibody construction. If you're thinking about body on frame..."
Unibody construction means that the car's body and frame are made as one piece instead of two separate parts. This helps the car be lighter and use less fuel.
Unibody construction refers to a design where the body and frame of the vehicle are integrated into a single piece. This design typically results in lighter weight and better fuel efficiency.
Toyota 4Runner
"maybe Ford Bronco or Toyota 4Runner, you just need..."
The Toyota 4Runner is a strong SUV that works well for off-road driving. It is built to handle tough conditions and rough roads.
The Toyota 4Runner is a midsize SUV known for its durability and off-road performance. It features body-on-frame construction, making it suitable for rugged terrains.
Ford Bronco
"...f you're thinking about body on frame, maybe Ford Bronco or Toyota 4Runner, you just need to know your nee..."
horsepower
"Apparently, the most powerful V6 Honda has ever offered in the US."
Horsepower is a way to measure how strong an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the more powerful the engine is.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the power output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time.
turbocharged
"And in a world with more and more turbocharged four-cylinders, this has a V6 that's very smooth, plus it sounds great."
Turbocharged means the engine has a special device that helps it produce more power by pushing in extra air. This makes the car faster and more efficient.
Turbocharged refers to an engine that uses a turbocharger to increase its power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This results in better performance and efficiency.
V6
"this has a V6 that's very smooth, plus it sounds great."
A V6 is a type of engine with six cylinders that are arranged in a V shape. It's known for being powerful and smooth when driving.
A V6 engine has six cylinders arranged in a V configuration, providing a balance of power and efficiency. It's commonly used in many vehicles for its smooth operation.
Honda Crv
"Done with TrailSport's off-road tune setup, Passport tracks down the road without micro-corrections. As tested, it's not as car-like as CR-V, but everyday driving isn't penalized much by the off-road capability."
The Honda CR-V is a small SUV that is great for families or anyone who needs extra space. It's known for being dependable and easy to drive, making it a favorite for people who want a vehicle that works well for daily use.
The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV known for its reliability, spacious interior, and fuel efficiency. It has been a popular choice among families and commuters alike, often praised for its comfortable ride and practicality in everyday driving scenarios.
body-on-frame
"Yes, body-on-frame vehicles have gotten better, but this is superior. This is what you're going to want to drive every day."
Body-on-frame means the car's body is built separately from its frame, like a truck. This makes it strong and good for carrying heavy things, but it can feel rougher to drive than cars built with a different method.
Body-on-frame is a traditional vehicle construction method where the body is mounted on a separate frame. This design is commonly used in trucks and SUVs, providing durability and the ability to handle heavy loads, but can result in a less refined ride compared to unibody vehicles.
all-terrain tires
"This has all-terrain tires, right?"
All-terrain tires are special tires that work well on different types of ground, like roads and dirt. They help cars drive better whether you're on a smooth street or a rough trail.
All-terrain tires are designed to perform well on a variety of surfaces, including pavement, mud, and gravel. They offer a balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability, making them suitable for vehicles that may encounter diverse driving conditions.
lane-keeping assist
"Honda-sensing ADAS features like blind spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist are up to modern levels, though nothing advanced like supercruise."
Lane-keeping assist helps keep your car in the lane by gently steering it back if you start to drift without using your turn signal.
Lane-keeping assist is a safety feature that helps drivers stay in their lane by providing steering assistance if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without signaling.
ADAS
"Honda-sensing ADAS features like blind spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist are up to modern levels, though nothing advanced like supercruise."
ADAS means systems in cars that help drivers stay safe and make driving easier. These can include warnings for blind spots and features that help keep the car in its lane.
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, which include features designed to enhance vehicle safety and facilitate driving. Examples are blind spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.
adaptive cruise control
"Honda-sensing ADAS features like blind spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist are up to modern levels, though nothing advanced like supercruise."
Adaptive cruise control helps your car keep a safe distance from the car in front of you by automatically changing your speed. If the car ahead slows down, your car will slow down too.
Adaptive cruise control is a feature that automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front. It uses sensors to detect the speed of the vehicle ahead and can slow down or speed up accordingly.
automatic emergency braking
"I did not try out the automatic emergency braking, probably a good thing."
Automatic emergency braking helps stop the car if it senses that a crash is about to happen, which can prevent accidents or make them less serious.
Automatic emergency braking is a safety feature that detects an impending collision and automatically applies the brakes to avoid or mitigate the impact.
automatic engine stop-start system
"Also smooth, the automatic engine stop-start system."
This system saves fuel by turning off the engine when you're stopped and turning it back on when you press the gas pedal.
An automatic engine stop-start system is designed to improve fuel efficiency by automatically shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stopped and restarting it when the accelerator is pressed.
EPA
"...the EPA rates the average of the TrailSport at 20 miles per gallon."
The EPA is a government organization that checks how much fuel cars use and how clean they are for the environment. They give ratings to help people choose more efficient cars.
The EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, is a U.S. government agency that sets standards for fuel economy and emissions. The ratings they provide help consumers understand how efficient a vehicle is in terms of fuel consumption.
miles per gallon
"...the EPA rates the average of the TrailSport at 20 miles per gallon."
Miles per gallon is a way to show how far a car can go using just one gallon of gas. The more miles it can go, the better it is on fuel.
Miles per gallon (MPG) is a measure of how far a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. It's a key indicator of fuel efficiency, with higher numbers indicating better efficiency.
Mercury Mariners
"Works really well. I'm going to listen to the Mariners. They're doing really well this year."
The Mercury Mariner is a small SUV that was made a while ago and is similar to the Ford Escape. It's designed to be comfortable and easy to drive, but it's not as common today since Mercury is no longer making cars.
The Mercury Mariner is a compact SUV that was produced by Ford from 2005 to 2010, sharing its platform with the Ford Escape. It is recognized for its comfortable ride and decent fuel economy, although it has been less popular than its competitors.
LED DRLs
"Trail Sport gets amber LED DRLs and fog lights raised out of harm's way."
LED DRLs are special lights on cars that help others see them during the day. They use less energy than regular lights.
LED DRLs, or Light Emitting Diode Daytime Running Lights, are lights on a vehicle that make it more visible during the day. They are energy-efficient and enhance safety by improving visibility.
fuel economy
"...Unfortunately, it's got V6 fuel economy. It's a little thirsty, but you know, there are no perfect vehicles."
Fuel economy tells you how far a car can go on a certain amount of gas. It's usually shown in miles per gallon (MPG), and it's important because it helps you understand how much money you'll spend on fuel.
Fuel economy refers to the distance a vehicle can travel per unit of fuel consumed, usually measured in miles per gallon (MPG). It is an important factor for consumers as it affects the overall cost of operating a vehicle.
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