For enthusiasts who appreciate the agility of sports cars, transitioning to a family SUV might seem like a compromise. The allure of nimble handling and compact design often clashes with the practical needs of a growing family. However, the 2022 Honda Passport Trailsport emerges as a compelling option, bridging the gap between driving enjoyment and family functionality. This SUV isn’t just about practicality; it injects a dose of adventure into the everyday drive, making it a standout choice in the crowded family vehicle segment.
First Impressions: Exploring the 2022 Passport TrailSport Aesthetics
Honda’s 2022 refresh of the Passport, especially in the TrailSport trim, delivers a more assertive and rugged visual appeal. The redesigned grille and robust bumpers immediately signal its adventurous intentions. Opting for the TrailSport trim elevates the exterior with distinctive 18-inch wheels, Firestone Destination all-terrain tires, and vibrant orange badging, creating a cohesive off-road-inspired aesthetic. The Sonic Gray Pearl paint of the test model further enhanced its appeal, providing a sophisticated backdrop for the TrailSport’s orange accents. This combination of rugged tires and sporty wheels ensures the Passport TrailSport looks equally at home navigating city streets and venturing onto light trails. It confidently embodies its “TrailSport” designation through visual cues that speak to both style and capability.
Stepping inside the 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport reveals a spacious and comfortable cabin designed with family needs in mind. The seats offer a living room-like comfort, inviting passengers to relax even on long journeys. While the high seating position might not cater to everyone’s preference, it provides excellent visibility. Practicality is a clear focus, evidenced by the abundance of cup holders, including dedicated ones in the rear doors for children, generous headroom, and a substantial cargo area. These elements combine to make the Passport TrailSport an ideal vehicle for family hauling and road trips. However, it’s worth noting that the cabin technology feels somewhat dated, and the presence of some lower-quality plastics is noticeable, particularly in a vehicle in this price range. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall interior ambiance prioritizes space and functionality, essential qualities for a family SUV.
Performance and Driving Dynamics of the 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport
Under the hood, the 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive on the TrailSport trim. This V6 engine is a highlight, delivering a pleasing sound that’s uncommon in the family SUV segment. While it might lack the immediate turbocharged surge found in some competitors, the V6 offers a refined and enjoyable power delivery. The engine’s responsiveness and sound contribute to a more engaging driving experience than typically expected in this class. It’s a testament to Honda’s engineering that they’ve managed to make a V6 engine feel so spirited in a practical SUV.
On the road, the Honda Passport TrailSport strikes a commendable balance between comfort and handling. The steering is well-weighted, offering good on-center feel and a reassuring heft during turns, which inspires confidence, especially when maneuvering a vehicle of this size. The ride quality is typical Honda – firm enough to maintain composure yet sufficiently compliant to ensure comfort over various road surfaces. While not designed to be a sporty SUV, the Passport TrailSport provides a composed and predictable driving experience, making it a relaxed and confident companion for daily commutes and longer journeys. Its driving dynamics are a pleasant surprise, exceeding expectations for a family-oriented SUV and adding to its overall appeal.
Taking the 2022 Passport TrailSport Off-Road: Exploring its Trail Capability
The “TrailSport” badge isn’t just for show; the 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport possesses genuine, albeit mild, off-road capabilities. Equipped with features like an 8.1-inch ride height, all-wheel drive with selectable terrain modes (mud, sand, and snow), and Firestone Destination all-terrain tires, it’s more capable than the average family SUV when the pavement ends. During testing on a sandy trail, the Passport TrailSport demonstrated surprising competence, navigating the terrain effectively in “sand” mode. While it’s not designed for hardcore rock crawling, it’s well-suited for light off-road adventures, such as reaching campsites, accessing fishing spots, or confidently tackling snowy roads.
However, it’s important to manage expectations regarding its off-road prowess. The Honda Passport TrailSport lacks underbody protection, which means drivers need to be mindful of ground clearance on more challenging trails. It’s not a direct competitor to dedicated off-road vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser or Land Rover Defender. Instead, it occupies a niche for those needing a family SUV with enhanced capability for weekend adventures and less demanding off-pavement excursions. For its intended purpose—light trails and varied terrains—the Passport TrailSport proves to be surprisingly capable and versatile.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective on the 2022 TrailSport
The 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport presents a compelling package with several notable strengths. Its enjoyable driving dynamics, highlighted by responsive steering and a comfortable ride, set it apart from many competitors. The naturally aspirated V6 engine is another high point, offering a pleasing sound and smooth power delivery in an era dominated by turbocharged engines. Practicality is a key advantage, with a spacious interior and ample cargo room making it ideal for families. Furthermore, its genuine, if moderate, off-road capability adds an extra layer of versatility for adventurous owners.
Conversely, the Passport TrailSport has areas where it could improve. The cabin technology feels dated compared to newer rivals, lacking features like larger infotainment screens and wireless smartphone integration. The use of some cheap-feeling plastics in the interior detracts from the otherwise comfortable cabin ambiance. Fuel economy is another consideration, as the V6 engine’s efficiency is not class-leading, particularly in highway driving. These drawbacks, while present, need to be weighed against the Passport TrailSport’s strengths in driving experience and practicality.
Features, Trims, and the Competitive Landscape
The 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport trim offers a well-rounded set of features at its starting price point. Standard equipment includes the robust V6 engine, 9-speed automatic transmission, and 20-inch wheels. Comfort and convenience features are also plentiful, with heated front seats, LED lighting, a power tailgate, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The TrailSport trim enhances this with all-terrain tires, all-wheel drive, a power sunroof, and tri-zone climate control, further emphasizing its adventurous spirit. Stepping up to the Elite trim adds premium features such as rain-sensing wipers, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an upgraded audio system, catering to those seeking more luxury.
In the competitive landscape, the Jeep Grand Cherokee stands out as a primary rival, offering comparable pricing but with potentially better off-road capabilities and more modern technology. Other competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Santa Fe are more focused on on-road family hauling and lack the rugged persona of the TrailSport. The Passport TrailSport distinguishes itself by blending practical family SUV attributes with a more engaging driving experience and a touch of off-road readiness, appealing to buyers who prioritize these qualities in their vehicle choice. For those seeking a balance of daily usability and weekend adventure capability, the 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport presents a strong value proposition.
Fuel Efficiency and Sustainability Considerations
While the Honda Passport TrailSport’s V6 engine is praised for its performance and sound, its fuel economy is a point to consider. With an EPA-rated combined fuel economy of 21 mpg, it lags slightly behind some competitors who have adopted smaller, turbocharged engines for better efficiency. Real-world fuel economy may also vary, and in testing, the observed average was slightly lower than the EPA estimate. In an era of increasing focus on sustainability and fuel efficiency, the Passport TrailSport’s V6 engine represents a more traditional approach. While it delivers a satisfying driving experience, buyers prioritizing fuel economy may find themselves considering more modern, turbocharged alternatives in the market.
Verdict: Is the 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport Right for You?
The 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport is a well-rounded family SUV that successfully integrates a degree of off-road capability and driving enjoyment into a practical package. Its strengths lie in its spacious and comfortable interior, engaging driving dynamics, pleasing V6 engine, and subtle off-road competence. It caters to families who need a versatile vehicle for daily life but also desire the ability to explore beyond paved roads on occasion. However, potential buyers should be aware of its less advanced cabin technology, some lower-quality interior materials, and average fuel economy compared to some rivals.
Ultimately, the 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport is a compelling option for those who value a balanced approach to a family SUV. If driving experience and practicality are higher priorities than cutting-edge technology or maximum fuel efficiency, the Passport TrailSport deserves serious consideration. It’s a cool and capable SUV that capably handles everyday family duties while offering the extra dimension of trail-ready adventure.
