Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A silver 2022 Honda Passport Trailsport is shown from the rear in the wilderness.

Exploring the Adventure-Ready 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport

Many features make an off-road vehicle capable of conquering mountainous terrains, crawling over rocky trails, and treading through mud holes. However, choosing an off-road specific vehicle for your daily driver can lead to compromised on-road performance. Its more powerful engine may experience reduced fuel efficiency due to added body protection and other essential off-road equipment, like a winch or snorkel, which can add weight to your vehicle. Even off-road mud-terrain tires can make a vehicle lose fuel economy and ride comfort since they provide increased road resistance and a rougher and noisier ride than all-terrain tires. When you find yourself in the market for a daily driver capable of adventure, there is no need for sacrifices or compromises: The midsize 2022 Honda Passport is ready to explore uncharted territories with its all-new, adventure-ready, all-terrain TrailSport trim.

Practical Yet Purposefully Built for Adventure

Understandably, a practical mode of transportation takes priority over all when you are on the hunt for your next vehicle. You need to have the means to get to work or to the grocery store, and you need a vehicle that can transport the kids to their soccer games when needed. But if you have ever felt trapped in a boring situation before, you know exactly how being confined to a specific road surface in your vehicle feels when adventure calls. Luckily for you—and all other adventurers in need of an all-terrain vehicle with optimal performance on- and off-road—the 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport is a practical model built for adventure. It is affordable, versatile, fuel-efficient, and does not lose any on-road capabilities in exchange for its superior all-terrain abilities.

The mid-level 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport is available for about $9,000 less than one of its leading competitors, making it the budget-friendly option over the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk. It even offers greater fuel economy, more cargo room, and plenty of capability on all terrain. Plus, with seating for up to five people and 50.5 cu.ft. of storage in the cargo area behind the back seats—or a total of 100.7 cu.ft. of cargo room with the rear seats folded down, you can turn your off-pavement excursion into a family outing. Or, utilize the full interior as your own private space on your weekend getaway.

Of course, an SUV just wouldn’t seem as versatile without being able to tow. Well, the AWD Passport TrailSport is powered by a 3.5-L V6 engine that can produce up to 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain can tow around the family’s small camper—or even a utility trailer loaded with necessary home improvement materials—thanks to a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. Even with all that power, you will still save on trips to the gas stations because it is estimated to receive 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.

A black 2022 Honda Passport Trailsport is shown from the front at an angle while driving in the sand.

If Looks Could Conquer

For 2022, the Honda Passport received an all-new look, now appearing more rugged than ever before. All Passport models received a new aggressive grille, but the wilderness-inspired, trail orange accents are only available with the TrailSport model. Similarly, the orange-accented TrailSport badge found on the front grille and rear tailgate can be seen throughout the cabin space, embroidered on the front seat head restraints and molded into the floor mats. Orange threading also provides additional flair to the leather-trimmed seats, steering wheel, and door panels, and so does the glow of the amber interior lighting during your adventures under the starlit sky.

To add to its looks and functionality, the 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport comes standard with bumpers that are more aggressive than those on the other Passport trims—for both style and protection. Factory-installed roof rails, capable of holding up to 165 lbs of gear with a variety of Honda rooftop carrying accessories, also add to the TrailSport’s adventurous appearance while also being purposeful. Not to mention the rugged-designed all-terrain tires, wrapped around 18” alloy wheels; they look tough with their beefy tread pattern, but they are designed for a purpose. The aggressive tread is ideal for gripping terrains found beyond the pavement, making your TrailSport ready to explore right off the factory line.

Explore the Tough Terrain Right from the Dealership’s Lot

Some may enjoy modifying their vehicles to handle any terrain, but why bother when you can buy a perfectly capable, factory-built, all-terrain SUV that is road-worthy and trail-ready—without voiding any warranties? While you may not be able to climb over boulders with the 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport, you sure can take to the dirt, sand, snow, and mud with ease.

Every Passport offers 8.1” of ground clearance to easily drive over small obstacles in its path, but the available torque-vectoring AWD system that delivers power to the rear wheels independently to enhance stability when needed comes standard with the TrailSport model. The TrailSport’s Intelligent Traction Management system comes with Sand and Mud modes to optimize traction and momentum, along with a Snow mode that comes standard with the 2WD models. Go anywhere in any weather condition; no matter how far you end up journeying off the grid, the pre-loaded satellite-linked navigation system will keep you on the path you designated.

Unibody designs are frequently frowned upon on the trail. Their rigidness makes it harder for them to maneuver over uneven surfaces. However, the unibody chassis of the Honda Passport should not deter you from wanting to take it off the pavement. The Passport is built with an independent suspension system that allows for exceptional maneuverability over uneven surfaces like potholes when street driving—and on bumpy and rocky trails. The TrailSport model takes it up a notch with a wider front and rear wheel track to increase handling capabilities and give it even more grip on the road or trail.

As rugged as the 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport may seem, it does provide some luxury features to enjoy while out on your adventures. Power-folding mirrors make it that much easier to avoid side obstacles along narrow trails or even in tight parking areas. For the colder months, there’s no need to worry about the wipers freezing to the windshield—leaving you unable to clean the debris or moisture that is obstructing your view. The heated windshield wiper system prevents the wipers from freezing, ensuring a clear view through the windshield at all times. You’ll also enjoy technology like Bluetooth infotainment connectivity and push-button start.

A grey 2022 Honda Passport Trailsport is shown from the side while driving off-road.

Adventure Awaits You—Seek It Out in a Passport TrailSport

Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too? If you can hear the wilderness calling to you through the breeze, it’s time to get yourself a 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport. Not only is it a spacious, fuel-efficient, versatile daily driver for yourself or a family vehicle, but it’s designed with the necessary tools and equipment to get you driving on any terrain.

There’s no need for compromises anymore. The all-new 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport is adventure-ready and waiting for you to answer your call—all without the need for any off-roading upgrades. It’s affordable, attractive, and practical. It is the perfect midsize SUV capable of it all. The only thing holding you back from hitting the trail in a daily driver is yourself.