HONDA PASSPORT TRAILSPORT PASSES TEST WITH FLYING COLORS!
Not many people may be aware that the original 1994-2002 Honda Passport was actually a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo. Flash forward to 2019 and a much bigger and better Passport, in all respects, has returned. Slotted between the smaller CR-V and the Pilot, the midsize SUV leaves a more lasting impression than its predecessor.
Sharing its powertrain with the Pilot and Ridgeline in the Honda stable, the Passport comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that pumps out 280 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 262 pounds-feet of torque @ 4700 rpm. It gets Honda’s exclusive Intelligent Variable Torque Management AWD, which corrects torque, so the Passport stays the course under imperfect weather/road conditions. Want to save on frequent visits to the gas station? The variable cylinder management, which operates in three- or four-cylinder modes, is at your disposal. The engine is mated to a 9-speed auto gearbox resulting in a drivetrain that is silent, receptive and graceful. Tow and payload capacities are 5,000 and 1,332 pounds respectively. Our TrailSport trim, made exclusively for the off-road enthusiasts, can trudge mud, sand, dirt, rocky terrain and snow. To ensure safety and poise on the tough terrain, the Passport gets an off-road-tuned suspension and all-terrain tires.
The TrailSport insignia in orange is a standout within the mesh grille as a crossbar atop splits the LED headlights in gloss black. Step inside the straightforward yet sophisticated cabin and once again the coral color rules as in stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, seats and door panels. Lest we forget, the front seat headrests and floor mats also show off the TrailSport emblem! In every corner you look, the Passport has endless bins, cubicles and a mammoth center-console area. The well-thought-out interior comes with 10-way power driver and four-way front-passenger heated seats, 60/40-fold rear seat, 8-inch infotainment system, 215-watt, 10-speaker audio, tri-zone auto a/c and power moonroof, all at no extra cost.
Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag with rollover sensor, vehicle stability assist with traction control, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution, multiview rear camera, adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation brake, lane keep assist/departure warning, blind spot info with cross traffic monitor, side-impact door beams, front-seat active head restraints, electric parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.
Whether you want to go off the beaten path or stay on the road, the Passport TrailSport is up to the job. With an 8.1-inch ground clearance, the midsize SUV can traverse steep and rugged paths without much effort. The Honda stamp of reliability and durability should seal the deal for any potential buyer!
PASSPORT TRAILSPORT
Tires: P245/60R18 all-terrain
Wheelbase: 110.9 inches
Length: 189.1 inches
Width: 78.6 inches
Height: 72.2 inches
Suspension: MacPherson strut front, multilink rear
Steering: electric power rack and pinion
Fuel capacity: 19.5 gallons
City: 19 mpg
Highway: 24 mpg
Base price: $45,895
Curb weight: 4,229 pounds
Web site: www.honda.com
Nitish S. Rele operates motoringtampabay.com and Khaas Baat, and was an
automotive editor/columnist for the
Tampa Tribune. Email him at
motoringflorida@gmail.com
