Driven: 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport Is More Off-Roadish Than Genuine Off-Roader

Honda's design of the Passport is typical for the brand and, in many ways, the segment. It doesn't necessarily stand out, even though the TrailSport gets a few unique touches to set it apart as a more rugged model. The TrailSport trim adds bespoke bumpers, 18-inch wheels with rugged tires, roof rails, and a wider track for improved stability. On the TrailSport, the side mirrors are gloss black and you get LED fog lights over the base model. There isn't that much difference that you'd notice the difference unless someone parked a base Passport right next to your TrailSport.

Honda isn't the only manufacturer that keeps the design simple and slightly generic, and the Toyota 4Runner - barring the gaping grille - is equally inoffensive and slightly bland.

Honda has chosen its 3.5-liter V6 mill to power the Passport Trailsport, and we were largely happy with both it and the 9-speed automatic transmission it is mated to. The power plant makes 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, and, as is expected of an off-road focused trim, the Trailsport spins all four wheels - the brand's i-VTM4 torque-vectoring AWD setup is the only configuration for this model. The Intelligent Traction Management system offers Snow, Sand, and Mud drive modes, and while it's useful, there's no option for a 4WD system such as that on the Grand Cherokee. It's worth noting that the TrailSport has a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, which makes vacations with a boat or camper a breeze.

Unless SUVs are specifically designed for performance and fun, they are generally rather bland in how they drive. This isn't necessarily a slight on any brand, though, since this segment tends to prioritize functionality and dependability over driving thrills. This is the case with the Passport, and since it's based on a three-row platform, it's a big car to maneuver, to boot. That's not to say it's deathly boring, and despite its cumbersome size, it responds with eagerness. You could even call the Passport mildly entertaining in Sport mode, though the shift speeds aren't incredible. The suspension, steering, and drivetrain all work in concert to whisk you about without disturbing you too much.

We've called the TrailSport 'off-road-ish' largely because that's the best way to describe how it managed anything that isn't smooth tarmac. This isn't a serious off-road car with underbody protection, off-road-specific shocks, or impressive ground clearances. Those rugged tires do the heavy lifting when it comes to off-road work, not beefy suspension and healthy approach and departure angles.

We'd be hesitant to take the TrailSport up anything with large obstacles or deep ruts. Honda's cameras are for parking, not spotting, and the bumpers look ripe for a bashing without a proper suspension lift. Still, with the off-road driving we did do - mostly rocky trails with shallow ruts - the Passport TrailSport earns its name. We can't complain too much about performance in this regard because it's not the TrailSport's forte, nor does it pretend that it is.

If you're looking for other reasons to invest in a TrailSport over the base model, you won't find many reasons inside the cabin. The price difference between entry-spec and TrailSport is substantial, and all that money has been invested in exterior bits and pieces, all-wheel drive, and a few minor bits and pieces to make it more rugged. In the cabin, the TrailSport gets orange stitching and matching ambient lighting, built-in navigation, a 115V power outlet, second-row sunshades, and illuminated cupholders. It's worth noting that Honda does a great interior, and the fit and finish are solid.

As for infotainment, Honda's offering does a fine job. The unit in the Passport consists of an eight-inch high-resolution touchscreen display with customizable feature settings, which could've benefited from some off-road-oriented tech - but that's wishful thinking since the TrailSport isn't truly off-road-oriented either.

Honda has also managed to make the Passport comfortable for all occupants, with sufficient leg and headroom all round. Without a third row, the Passport maximizes passenger and cargo volume, and the cavernous rear hatch and folding seats make it easy to carry large items. We managed to fit a mountain bike back there, although the wheel did have to come off to keep the back seats mud-free. Small items can be kept in numerous spacious cubbies, and there's rear underfloor storage out of sight, too.

Honda has done a good job of keeping the Passport on par for 2022, and it'll roll over into 2023 with that game plan. The SUV feels current, and its ethos caters to the needs of its buyers well. We don't really have much to complain about with the TrailSport trim, though it could use some more equipment if it really wants to live up to off-roading aspirations. However, Honda has hinted that more is coming from its TrailSport team, and we expect some future models will get a little more serious about their off-road manners. For now, the Passport TrailSport is what it is, and that's just fine. If you're shopping in the segment for dependability and a balance between the daily grind and some occasional adventuring, the TrailSport makes for a fine choice. If you're hoping to take on hardcore off-roading, we'd suggest you look elsewhere.