This is the new Honda Passport, and while that sentence might have previously sent you straight to sleep, the fourth-gen actually turns the Passport into a surprisingly cool-looking thing.
We’re not joking. That’s the Passport in its new off-road ready TrailSport trim, apparently “the most off-road capable Honda SUV ever” according to Japanese automaker.
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Certainly looks the part. The new Passport was designed in Los Angeles around a ‘Born Wild’ concept that has apparently influenced the chunky arches, the increased ground clearance, the blunt front end with its bonnet scoop, a shorter front overhang for increased approach angles, stronger roof rails and that “backpack design” rear end. PASSPORT is stamped in bold letters at both ends too, and you get a wider track than the previous generation with 18in wheels.
The range starts with the entry-level RTL trim, but take a step up to the TrailSport and you’ll get the amber LED daytime running lights, plus off-road tuned suspension, steel skid plates, bright orange heavy-duty recovery hooks, all-terrain tires and off-road readouts inside.
Speaking of the interior, you’ll get much more space in there compared to the previous Passport with more rear legroom and a bigger cargo area that can apparently fit two full-size adult mountain bikes with their front wheels removed when the rear seats are folded flat. There’s a much bigger 12.3in touchscreen too (with Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) as well as a 10.2in digital dial display.
The top spec TrailSport Elite trim will apparently add perforated leather seats that are ventilated up front, a heated steering wheel, rear climate controls, more ambient lighting, a ‘TrailWatch’ camera setup and a 12-speaker Bose sound system.
All new Passports will be powered by a 285hp 3.5-liter V6, and that’ll be mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox. There’s a new torque vectoring four-wheel drive system too with 30 per cent faster responses.
The off-road goodness doesn’t stop there, because Honda will also offer a hefty line of accessories that includes new wheels, an aluminium front scuff plate, rock sliders, a cargo roof platform, MOLLE storage systems and a cargo shelf that apparently transforms into an ‘adventure-ready picnic table’.
Ready for the most adventurous picnic yet, kids?
NOTE: This story first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.
