Close X
Friday, September 20, 2024
ADVT 
Auto

2024 Honda Passport Trailsport

Benjamin Yong Darpan, 26 Jul, 2024
  • 2024 Honda Passport Trailsport

Mid-size crossover now even more trail ready

Launched in 2020, the Honda Passport was intended to provide a Pilot-like experience in a smaller form factor. In 2024, the crossover is going full off-road ready with an updated TrailSport model packing special suspension, tires and more. 

"The 2024 Passport lineup solidifies our decades-long commitment to building capable, comfortable and rugged SUVs for Canadians and their families," says Steve Hui, Honda Canada assistant vice president, in a press release. "The Passport TrailSport comes with its best off-road capable performance ever."

Still featuring the same styling enhancements introduced two years ago when the Trailsport variant initially launched, the chunky black mesh grille, silver skid plate-adorned bumpers and 10-millimetre greater track width over the regular version help the vehicle look the part. 

Specialty orange badges are affixed to both ends, and the 18-inch Pewter-coated wheels are for the first time wrapped in all-terrain tires (245/60/18 General Grabber A/T) to improve grip on dirt, sand, mud, snow and/or rock-covered surfaces. A Diffused Sky Blue exterior paint colour is newly available. 

 

A revised cabin brings a fresh centre console that has a roomy integrated armrest and expanded storage, boasting enough capacity to fit a full-size tablet. The tray in front of the shifter is larger as well able to accommodate two large smartphones side-by-side. The orange contrast stitching found on the steering wheel, door panels and seats really pop. The eight-inch infotainment display can now connect to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto sans cables, and Qi-compatible wireless charging and four USB ports are also standard. 

Raising the tailgate reveals a massive 1,116 litres of space, which opens up even further after stowing the one-touch folding back bench. Unfortunately, a third-row option, like seen on some mid-size competitors, does not exist. 

Honda’s 3.5-litre V6 engine, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, continues to spin all four wheels. The 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque is adequate, though I did notice a touch of lag when shifting from D to R and vice versa. Averaging 16.3 L/100 km over a week of mostly in-city testing with the Econ mode turned on (that dials back throttle response and other vehicle settings), fuel consumption was quite high. 

The TrailSport suspension is retuned to increase articulation and ride comfort on uneven ground, complemented by the Intelligent Traction Management system possessing four modes (Sand, Snow, Mud and Paved Roads) to allow tailoring to different types of driving environments. Ground clearance is rated at 205 millimetres, and while we didn’t do any hauling the SUV can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. 

All Passports include the Honda Sensing electronic driver assistance aids such as blind spot monitor, emergency braking, collision warning, lane keep assist, dynamic cruise control, and rear seat and seatbelt reminder.

In addition to TrailSport, a Black Edition is being debuted bundling dark 20-inch wheels and trim pieces, ventilated front seats, red-accented perforated leather upholstery, exclusive stitched logos and other goodies. Prices start at MSRP $52,480 and $55,940, respectively.

Highlights:   

MSRP: $52,480 

Motor: 3.5-litre V6 

Horsepower: 280 @ 6,000 rpm

Torque (lb-ft): 262 @ 4,700 rpm

Gearbox: nine-speed automatic

Layout: front motor/all-wheel drive   

Fuel economy: 16.3 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

MORE Auto ARTICLES

Volkswagen Classic Beetle

Volkswagen Classic Beetle

First thing you see opening the door of the Beetle is the interesting two tone cloth and leatherette seats. The checked beige/brown cloth is interesting; during the time I had the car, people's feeling were mixed as to its appearance

Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 2015

Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 2015

Folks unfamiliar with the Jeep Cherokee world may be surprised to learn that the venerated model has been in the marketplace, in one form or another, for 41 years, selling more than two million units.

Mercedes-Benz GLA 2015

The new creation by Mercedes-Benz is built right for attracting that desirable new demographic to the brand, but the only deterrent may be the price. Then again, can you put a price on driving the same automobile as the Super Mario Bros.?

Bigger, Greener, Better: Vancouver International Auto Show

Automobile Journalists Association of Canada created a category for the Canadian Green Car of the Year award, for an automobile that is environmentally-friendly and meets the needs of the average Canadian consumer. The inaugural honour went to the 2015 Kia Soul EV.

Range Rover LR4 HSE LUXURY

TOP OF THE LIST LUXURY OFF ROAD SUV My connection with all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles go back...

2015 Mercedes C400 4MATIC

Premiering at 2014 Canadian International Autoshow in Toronto, the C is completely redesigned and comes in two flavours for our shores: the four-cylinder C300, and the one I tested, the C400 bi-turbo with a V6.