Honda Passport TrailSport becomes even more off-road for the 2024 model year

Honda, as promised two years ago, has improved the capabilities of the Passport TrailSport crossover for off-road driving: the suspension has been retuned, “ toothy tires and underbody protection.

In the 90s of the last century, the name Passport was borne by a mid-size frame SUV from Honda, which was one of the many clones of the then Isuzu MU/Rodeo, and in 2018 this name was removed from the archives for a shortened 5-seater crossover based on the family Honda Pilot. The current Passport is offered exclusively in the North American market and is produced at Honda's plant in Lincoln, Alabama. In 2021, Passport underwent restyling, at the same time Honda launched the TrailSport sub-brand for off-road versions of its models, it is aimed at combating Subaru's Wilderness sub-brand with a similar purpose.

Honda Passport TrailSport 1/2 Honda Passport TrailSport 2/2

The first to try on the TrailSport nameplates and special off-road decor was the restyled Passport, but until now, the Passport TrailSport was no different from other versions except for the decor, although Honda at the time of its debut promised to later supplement the model with some “hardware” features. And today, so to speak, a full-fledged Passport TrailSport is presented, dating back to the 2024 model year. The main innovation is a retuned suspension: springs, shock absorbers and even anti-roll bars are now better adapted for off-road driving. The front track has been widened by 10 mm, the ground clearance is 206 mm, the two-tone wheels of a special design are shod with General Grabber A/TX tires measuring 245/60 R 18, and extended underbody protection can be ordered from the updated line of accessories. Sky Blue has been added to the Passport TrailSport exterior color palette for the new model year, like the car in the title photo.

Honda Passport TrailSport

The Honda Passport TrailSport comes only with all-wheel drive; it is equipped with a proprietary i-VTM4 system with two individual power take-off clutches for the rear wheels. The i-VTM4 system has several off-road operating modes, including driving on sand, snow, rocks and mud. The power unit is a non-alternative 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 (284 hp, 355 Nm) paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Honda Passport TrailSport 1/3 Honda Passport TrailSport 2/3 Honda Passport TrailSport 3/3

All versions of the Honda Passport received a slightly updated interior for the 2024 model year, namely an expanded central tunnel with sides and a spacious central storage box-armrest (previously, each front seat had individual folding armrests). The shelf in front of the push-button automatic transmission mode selector now accommodates two smartphones, and wireless charging is integrated into it. The interior of the TrailSport version has orange stitching and all-season floor mats.

Honda Passport Black Edition 1/2 Honda Passport Black Edition 2/2

In addition, the top-end Elite configuration of the Passport crossover has been replaced by the Black Edition, which is available not only in black, but also in red, gray and white, in which the “blackness” in the name is justified by a darkened grille, tinted headlights, black fittings, black 20-inch wheels and Black Edition badges.

< p>The 2024 Honda Passport will go on sale before the end of the current calendar year, but pricing has not yet been announced. In the first three quarters of 2023, the Passport sold 33,347 copies in the United States, up 8.5% from the first nine months of last year.