2022 Honda Passport Trailsport: Better than Chevy Blazer?
The Honda Passport started life as a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo SUV, but when it was brought back for the 2019 model year Honda decided to keep all design and manufacturing in-house. Basing the new model off the larger Pilot three-row crossover, this shorter two-row SUV has a more compact silhouette, but that does not hamper interior space.
NEED TO KNOW
- The 2022 Passport Trailsport received a significant exterior redesign that the writer called substantially more masculine and capable-looking than the prior generation.
- The i-VTM4 AWD system with torque vectoring is Honda’s most capable all-wheel-drive setup, providing genuine off-road traction beyond typical crossover limits.
- The writer’s verdict is deferred primarily to the companion YouTube review video; the written text confirms a positive overall impression from the 1,200-mile road trip.
- At $44,090 as tested, the Trailsport underprices many competitors with similar off-road capability.
Redesigned for the 2022 model year, and now boasting a new off-road oriented Trailsport trim, this new Passport has much more masculine styling on the outside vs the 2019-2021, with Pilot styling carrying over on the inside.
The Trailsport boasts new Firestone Destination tires riding on Trailsport-specific 18-inch wheels. Inside orange contrast stitching and all-weather rubber floor mats make this model ready to get dirty. Partnered with the excellent i-VTM4 AWD system, this Passport is more capable than its light modifications and crossover roots let on.
What did we think about this rig on our 1,200 round trip to the southernmost Texas beach and back? Watch our review to find out:
2022 Honda Passport Trailsport Features:
• 3.5L V6 Engine
• 280 Horsepower
• 262 lb-ft of Torque
• 9-Speed Automatic Transmission
• i-VTM4 Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive
• 4 Drive Modes
• 8.1-inches of Ground Clearance
• 21.1 Degree Approach Angle
• 24.3 Degree Departure Angle
• Trailsport Exterior Styling
• Seating for 5
• Heated Front Leather Seats with Orange Contrast Stitching
• 50.5 Cubic Feet of Storage Behind 2nd Row
• 100.8 Cubic Feet of Storage Behind 1st Row
• 8-inch Color Touchscreen Infotainment with Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Proximity Key with Push Button Start
• Power Tailgate
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Forward Collision-Avoidance
• Lane-Keeping Assist
• 18-inch Wheels
• EPA Fuel Economy 19/24/21 (city/hwy/combined)
• Starting MSRP $38,370 (EX-L)
• Price as tested: $44,090
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2022 Honda Passport Trailsport
PROS
- Writer took it on a 1,200-mile round trip to the southernmost Texas beach, confirming real-world capability and comfort over distance
- New aggressive Trailsport styling is a major improvement over the 2019-2021 generation's bland appearance
- i-VTM4 torque-vectoring AWD system provides more off-road capability than its crossover platform suggests
- Exceptional cargo space with 100.8 cubic feet available with the front row folded
CONS
- Apple CarPlay is wired-only, not wireless — a shortcoming at this price point in 2022
- Based on the Pilot platform, it inherits some of that vehicle's less sporty character despite the Trailsport upgrades