Ep. 318: Only One Of These Off-Roaders Does It All!
About this episode
Three off-roaders are put to the test in a head-to-head comparison: the 2026 Honda Passport Trail Sport, the new Toyota Land Cruiser, and the Ford Bronco Everglades edition. Each vehicle is categorized as soft, medium, or hard based on off-road capabilities, features, and pricing. The hosts dive into engine specs, interior comfort, and off-road performance, sharing insights from real-world testing. The episode culminates in a lively debate over which vehicle best suits different lifestyles and off-road needs, making for an engaging discussion among enthusiasts.
( https://www.alltfl.com/ ) Check out our new spot to find ALL our content, from news to videos and our podcasts! In this episode of TFL Car Chat, Roman and Andre put three very different off-roaders head-to-head to find out which one truly does it all. They compare a small off-roader, the Honda Passport TrailSport, a mid-size legend in the form of the Toyota Land Cruiser, and a full-size, hardcore option with the Ford Bronco. Each SUV represents a different approach to off-road capability, daily usability, and adventure readiness.
The guys walk through the strengths and weaknesses of each vehicle, show them up close, and then take them out for a bit of real-world off-roading to see how they handle dirt, obstacles, and uneven terrain. From trail performance to livability, this episode breaks down which of these off-road SUVs is the best all-around choice depending on how you actually plan to use it.
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Toyota Camry
"...s. Make your holiday wishes come true with a new Camry, RAV4, Tacoma and more. All right, let's sing it..."
Toyota Rav4
"...e your holiday wishes come true with a new Camry, RAV4, Tacoma and more. All right, let's sing it toget..."
Toyota Tacoma
"Make your holiday wishes come true with a new Camry, RAV4, Tacoma and more."
The Toyota Tacoma is a pickup truck that many people choose for its strength and ability to go off-road. It's popular for work and outdoor activities.
The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck known for its off-road capabilities and durability. It is favored by those who need a reliable truck for both work and recreation.
Honda Passport
"So here all the way on this side, we have the brand new 2026 Honda Passport Trail Sport. It's in this sunset orange color, right?"
The Honda Passport Trail Sport is a version of the Honda Passport that's made for off-roading. It has special features to help it drive on rough surfaces.
The Honda Passport Trail Sport is a variant of the Honda Passport designed for off-road capability, featuring enhancements for rugged terrain.
locking differential
"it doesn't have a low range. It doesn't have a locking differential, right? It does have really off-roading tires, but the tires are not very huge, right? So this is one of them."
A locking differential helps both wheels on the same axle turn at the same speed, which is great for off-roading. It prevents one wheel from spinning faster than the other when the ground is uneven, giving you better control.
A locking differential is a type of differential that can be locked to provide equal power to both wheels on an axle, which is particularly useful in off-road situations where traction may be uneven. This feature helps prevent wheel slip and improves stability on rough terrain.
MSRP
"And how much? Let's talk about MSRP. Let's not hold it to the end. How much is this guy?"
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests you pay for a new car. It's a starting point for negotiations when buying a vehicle.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends for the retail sale of a vehicle. It serves as a guideline for both dealers and consumers when buying a car.
Honda That Honda
"... And we're going to actually show you everything that Honda has added to it to make it much more off-roady. ..."
The Honda That's is a small car that's really good for city driving because it's easy to park and use. It's designed to be practical, meaning it has a lot of space inside for passengers and cargo without being too big on the outside.
The Honda That's is a compact car primarily designed for the Japanese market, known for its efficient use of space and practicality. It features a unique design that maximizes interior room while maintaining a small footprint, making it ideal for urban driving.
Toyota Land
"The medium is the new Toyota Land Cruiser. This happens to be one of the more optioned ones..."
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a large SUV that can handle rough roads and is also comfortable for everyday driving. It's popular for its strength and luxury.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size SUV known for its off-road capabilities and luxury features. It's often used for both rugged terrain and as a comfortable family vehicle.
200 series
"this one as tested is a whopping 70,000, which is still about 20,000 less than the old outgoing 200 series..."
The 200 series is a version of the Toyota Land Cruiser made from 2008 to 2021, known for being tough and comfortable.
The 200 series refers to a generation of the Toyota Land Cruiser that was produced from 2008 to 2021, known for its robust off-road capabilities and luxurious features.
Ford Bronco
"And then here, the hard on this side is a new Ford Bronco. This is the four door."
The Ford Bronco is a tough SUV designed for off-road driving. The four-door version can carry more people and gear.
The Ford Bronco is a rugged SUV known for its off-road capabilities. The four-door variant offers more passenger space while maintaining the Bronco's adventurous spirit.
snorkel
"It also has a snorkel. And you know it's a hard-core off-roader when it's got a snorkel on, right?"
A snorkel is a pipe that helps the engine breathe when driving through water. It keeps the engine safe from getting wet.
A snorkel is an accessory that raises the air intake of an engine to a higher position, allowing the vehicle to wade through deeper water without risking engine damage.
3.5-liter V6
"I would say 3.5-liter V6. It's naturally aspirated. There are no turbochargers of any kind."
A 3.5-liter V6 engine is a type of car engine that has six cylinders and is 3.5 liters in size. It typically offers good power for driving.
The 3.5-liter V6 engine is a six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 3.5 liters. It's known for providing a balance of power and efficiency.
naturally aspirated
"It's naturally aspirated. There are no turbochargers of any kind."
Naturally aspirated means that the engine gets air from the atmosphere without using any extra devices to push more air in. This can affect how powerful the engine is.
A naturally aspirated engine does not use a turbocharger or supercharger to increase its power output. Instead, it relies on atmospheric pressure to draw air into the engine.
10-speed automatic
"And it's got a 10-speed automatic."
A 10-speed automatic is a type of car transmission that can change gears automatically and has ten different gears. This helps the car drive more smoothly and efficiently.
A 10-speed automatic transmission allows for smoother acceleration and better fuel efficiency by providing more gear ratios to optimize engine performance.
horsepower
"And this engine has 285 horsepower, 262 pound-feet of torque."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The higher the number, the more work the engine can do.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, indicating how much work an engine can perform over time. In this context, 285 horsepower indicates the engine's capability.
torque
"And this engine has 285 horsepower, 262 pound-feet of torque."
Torque is a measure of how much twisting force an engine can produce. It helps the car accelerate and pull heavy loads.
Torque measures the rotational force produced by an engine. In this case, 262 pound-feet of torque indicates the engine's ability to perform work, especially at lower speeds.
fuel efficiency
"the government rates it 19-city, 24-highway, and 21 combined on efficiency."
Fuel efficiency tells you how well a car uses fuel. Higher numbers mean the car can go farther on less gas.
Fuel efficiency refers to how far a vehicle can travel on a specific amount of fuel. The ratings provided indicate the vehicle's performance in city and highway driving.
Honda Ridgeline
"... uses in a lot of things. You'd find this in the Ridgeline as well. Yeah. You'd find it, I think, in the Pil..."
The Honda Ridgeline is a type of truck that is designed to be comfortable like a car but still has a truck bed for carrying things. It's special because it has some cool features, like extra storage space in the bed, which makes it very practical.
The Honda Ridgeline is a unique midsize pickup truck that combines the practicality of a truck with the comfort of an SUV. It stands out for its unibody construction, which enhances ride quality and handling, and its innovative features like a built-in truck bed and storage compartments.
turbocharged
"which is a combination of a turbocharged four cylinder engine."
Turbocharging helps an engine get more power by forcing in extra air, which lets it burn more fuel. This makes the engine stronger without being bigger.
Turbocharging is a technology that uses a turbine to force more air into the engine, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power without increasing engine size.
hybrid
"So, but this is also a hybrid. The only hybrid of these three that we're looking at."
A hybrid car uses both a regular engine and an electric motor. This helps it save fuel and produce less pollution.
A hybrid vehicle combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. This allows for better performance and lower fuel consumption.
eight speed automatic
"And the hybrid, and of course the eight speed automatic, the hybrid system adds more power, right? So it does add, it's the highest horsepower of the bunch, 326 horsepower,"
An eight-speed automatic is a system in cars that helps change gears smoothly while driving. It has eight different settings to help the car go faster or save fuel depending on how you're driving.
An eight-speed automatic transmission is a type of gearbox that allows for eight different gear ratios, improving performance and fuel efficiency. This transmission can adapt to driving conditions, providing smoother shifts and better acceleration.
all wheel drive
"...And all three of these are all wheel drive. So you can have them in all wheel drive or rear wheel drive, except for the passport."
All-wheel drive means that power goes to all four wheels of the car, which helps it grip the road better. This is especially useful in bad weather like rain or snow.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that distributes power to all four wheels of a vehicle, enhancing traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. This system can improve handling and performance on various terrains.
four cylinder turbo
"And personally, I don't miss the power in this four cylinder turbo."
A four-cylinder turbo engine is a type of car engine that has four cylinders and uses a turbocharger to boost its power. This means it can be more powerful while still being smaller and more efficient.
A four-cylinder turbo engine uses a turbocharger to increase the engine's power output without significantly increasing its size. This setup allows for better fuel efficiency and performance.
2.3 liter
"this is a 2.3 liter. So the smallest displacement of the bunch. But still, if you use premium fuel, 300 horsepower..."
A 2.3 liter engine is a measurement of how big the engine is. It tells you how much air and fuel the engine can hold, which affects how powerful the engine can be.
The term '2.3 liter' refers to the engine's displacement, which is the total volume of all the cylinders in the engine. A larger displacement typically means more power, but this engine manages to produce 300 horsepower despite being the smallest in its class.
fuel economy
"...How about fuel economy? Fuel economy, I wish you would not have asked me that..."
Fuel economy is a way to measure how much gas a car uses. If a car has good fuel economy, it means you can drive a long distance without needing to fill up often.
Fuel economy refers to how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel, typically measured in miles per gallon (MPG). Higher fuel economy means the vehicle can travel further on a gallon of fuel, which is important for cost savings and environmental impact.
spare tire
"...does it have a spare tire? We should always look for that, because off roaders need spare tires. Yeah, you must. You must have spare tire."
A spare tire is an extra tire that you keep in your car in case one of your regular tires gets a flat. It's important for off-road driving where you might encounter rough terrain and get a flat tire.
A spare tire is a backup tire that can be used when one of the vehicle's main tires becomes flat or damaged. It's essential for off-roaders and anyone who travels in areas where tire punctures are more likely.
Modern Spare
"...but there's a solution. Yeah, our friend's at Modern Spare. Yeah, Modern Spare. It's a really great company because about half of new vehicles actually don't come with spare tires."
Modern Spare is a company that makes spare tires for cars that don't come with one. They help you get a good spare tire so you're ready if you get a flat while driving.
Modern Spare is a company that specializes in providing well-engineered spare tire solutions for vehicles that do not come with a spare tire. They offer products that are designed to fit various vehicles and ensure drivers are prepared for tire emergencies.
brake controller
"But no brake controller. No brake controller. So we have towed with this."
A brake controller is a tool that helps control the brakes on a trailer when you're towing it. It makes sure the trailer stops when your car stops.
A brake controller is a device that helps manage the braking system of a trailer when it is being towed. It ensures that the trailer's brakes work in sync with the towing vehicle's brakes for safer stopping.
towing rating
"...you can kind of see there's a spare tire right there. Wow. There's a cover here that's protecting the hitch. And there's a also wiring here and a brake controller included. A towing condom Andre. Yes. How crazy is that?"
Towing rating is how much weight a car can pull behind it, like a trailer. It's important to know if you plan to tow something heavy.
Towing rating refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can safely tow. It's an important specification for anyone looking to use their vehicle for hauling trailers or other heavy loads.
Goodyear Territory MT
"Wow. Yeah. You've got these massive Goodyear territory. MT's. MT's on the back."
Goodyear Territory MT is a brand of tires made for off-road driving. They are designed to grip well on muddy and uneven surfaces.
Goodyear Territory MT is a type of all-terrain tire designed for off-road performance. The 'MT' stands for 'Mud Terrain,' indicating its capability to handle muddy and rough terrains effectively.
backup camera
"of course, they had to put the little backup camera poking through the wheel. Very handy,"
A backup camera is a small camera on the back of a car that helps you see what's behind you when you're backing up. It makes it safer to park and avoid hitting things.
A backup camera is a safety feature in vehicles that provides a view of the area behind the car when reversing. It helps drivers avoid obstacles and improve safety while backing up.
USB-C ports
"...Heated seats in the back and USB-C ports. That's a 150 watt outlet here. So actually really livable, nice space..."
USB-C ports are special plugs in the car that you can use to charge your phone or other devices. They are faster and easier to use than older types of plugs.
USB-C ports are a type of connection used for charging devices and transferring data. They are becoming standard in modern vehicles for their fast charging capabilities.
HVAC
"...including HVAC, including volume, including real buttons on the steering wheel. At $54,000, you get both heated and cool seats."
HVAC is the system that keeps the inside of your car warm or cool. It helps you adjust the temperature and airflow to make your ride comfortable.
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It refers to the system in a vehicle that controls the interior climate, ensuring comfort for passengers.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
"...ch a huge difference. Because let's face it, the Grand Cherokee has always been unibody. And it's very capable. A..."
Jeep Cherokee
"...uge difference. Because let's face it, the Grand Cherokee has always been unibody. And it's very capable. A..."
The Jeep Cherokee is a type of vehicle called an SUV, which means it's designed to handle rough roads and outdoor adventures. It's popular because it can carry people and gear comfortably while also being tough enough to go off the beaten path.
The Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design. It has a significant place in automotive history as a pioneer of the SUV segment, offering a blend of utility and comfort that appeals to both adventure seekers and everyday drivers.
Ford F150
"again, big screen. Lots of auxiliary switch. Yeah, which we actually hooked up to some lights. Yeah. We have F-150 LEDs on this puppy. So let me turn it around before we start going again. Let me turn it around. Hopefully we don't have music blaring. I'm turning everything off here."
The Ford F-150 is a large truck that can carry heavy loads and is great for work or outdoor activities. It's very popular because it has a lot of features, like a big screen inside, which makes it easy to use for things like navigation and music.
The Ford F-150 is one of the best-selling pickup trucks in the United States, known for its versatility, durability, and advanced technology features. It is often discussed for its strong performance in towing and hauling, making it a favorite among both work and recreational users.
Dodge Ram
"...ak about this, right? Because I saw the brand new Ram TRX, right? And also, a truck that many of us, e..."
The Dodge Ram is a big truck that can carry heavy things and is built to be tough. It's often talked about because it has strong engines and can handle rough terrain, making it great for work or adventures.
The Dodge Ram, now known as the Ram Truck, is a full-size pickup known for its powerful engines and robust construction. It has gained a reputation for its performance capabilities, especially in towing and off-road situations, making it a popular choice among truck enthusiasts.
Dodge Power Wagon
"...l his life. Can I end this with three words? Yes. Power wagon don't care. Yes. With diesel. Ciao. With diesel...."
The Dodge Power Wagon is a tough truck made for driving off-road and handling rough conditions. It's known for being very strong and capable, making it a favorite for people who need a truck that can handle difficult terrains.
The Dodge Power Wagon is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design. It has a storied history dating back to World War II and is celebrated for its powerful performance and specialized features for tackling tough terrains.
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