Honda Passport AWD Elite Review and Off-Road Tests

[buster]

I wouldn't buy anything new or anything like the Passport for serious off-roading. While it can handle light to moderate off-roading, it's best suited for really bad weather conditions which is what I would prefer.

 

[gofast182]

None of the terrain I saw on that video seemed particularly challenging. I suspect it ran highway H/T type tires and saw pretty flat terrain with at worse some mud.

They said it was $43-50k. For a two row, FWD based SUV. Seriously?!? So lose what marginal utilitarianism of a three row SUV, and still pay that kind of money?!? I’m just not getting it.

They also said that while other suvs apply the brake to manage traction, this one manages power. Ive observed CRVs burning up rear brakes to do what he noted, in snow and ice conditions.... but it’s not clear to me how they individually manage torque to all four wheels without electric motors, a pair of LSDs, or use of brakes. He wasn’t clear.

At least the Isuzu had a real transfer case and Dana axles. I’d be more confident using the Isuzu in any real off roading then this. And I’m sure the fuel economy of this Won’t be anything to write home about. The Honda 3.5 can be nursed to be fairly efficient when going slow, but economy drops fast if used in town or too fast on the highway.

I wouldn't have expected a FWD based SUV to make it up a couple of those muddy inclines.

Some people don't want the size of a Pilot or 3 row SUV. My mom is looking at one of these for that very reason. It still has a MASSIVE 100 cu ft of cargo space and can tow 5,000lbs. That's a decent sized boat, a pair of jet skis, a track car, or a small camper. Plus all the gear that goes along with it.

Come on now, you've been around for a very long time. You should know this AWD system is in no way related to the CR-V's. It's related to SH-AWD which uses wet clutch packs to couple, slip, and decouple the axles.

I think you're missing the point. This was a demonstration of what it can do if needed. It's clear the road is where a vehicle like this is most comfortable but it is mighty impressive that you COULD tackle that kind of terrain if needed. And since it made it through without issue, it stands to reason things could still be a bit tougher and it would make it. If you're off-roading every weekend it's obviously not going to be your first choice.

 

[Blagoje]

Even though I am Mr. Subaru Outback this is a vehicle, in the Elite trim specifically, that I would at least consider if I were out shopping for a new Outback. I have driven some late model Pilots that did not thrill me too much and I would hope that the PP could do a little more to convince me. I love the PP's styling and much of its feature content with the Elite trim but I don't know if it would be enough to get me to stop buying Outbacks.

 

[Andrew1972]

None of the terrain I saw on that video seemed particularly challenging. I suspect it ran highway H/T type tires and saw pretty flat terrain with at worse some mud.

They said it was $43-50k. For a two row, FWD based SUV. Seriously?!? So lose what marginal utilitarianism of a three row SUV, and still pay that kind of money?!? I’m just not getting it.

They also said that while other suvs apply the brake to manage traction, this one manages power. Ive observed CRVs burning up rear brakes to do what he noted, in snow and ice conditions.... but it’s not clear to me how they individually manage torque to all four wheels without electric motors, a pair of LSDs, or use of brakes. He wasn’t clear.

I had a 2007 Acura MDX with SH-AWD which had it's incredible AWD derived into a Modern Pilot/Passport/Ridgeline. I believe the rear manages torque and power to each wheel thru a specialized diff and also sending power to rear furthermore specific wheel. The front is using brakes as you suspect.

https://www.motortrend.com/news/what-is-sh-awd-acura-torque-vectoring-system/

 

[edyvw]

One thing Honda did right is not to put CVT in these vehicles.
How well it is going to do in some off road setting depends also a lot on tires. It is based on SH-AWD which is OK system and nothing more, but definiately it is huge improvement compared to AWD they had in previous generation Pilot's which was simply horrid.

 

[ollie]

One thing Honda did right is not to put CVT in these vehicles.
How well it is going to do in some off road setting depends also a lot on tires. It is based on SH-AWD which is OK system and nothing more, but definiately it is huge improvement compared to AWD they had in previous generation Pilot's which was simply horrid.

I think It's a pretty slick vehicle. I'm actually thinking of a crossover for my wife and I to do some post retirement traveling. I have my dirt bike for serious OHV. I'm not into taking a street based vehicle into nasty terrain. I don't have the budget when they break.

CVT's do not bother me at all. CVT transmissions have proven to be every bit as reliable. They also have the added bonus of getting good economy with better acceleration. I'm hoping more manufacturers get on board with the CVT technology. Subarus are also making some really nice crossovers. My local mechanic got a Forester with a CVT and that was one of the smoothest. quietest, and seamless automatics I have ever had a ride in. Lot's of good choices to please any enthusiast.

 

[edyvw]

I think It's a pretty slick vehicle. I'm actually thinking of a crossover for my wife and I to do some post retirement traveling. I have my dirt bike for serious OHV. I'm not into taking a street based vehicle into nasty terrain. I don't have the budget when they break.

CVT's do not bother me at all. CVT transmissions have proven to be every bit as reliable. They also have the added bonus of getting good economy with better acceleration. I'm hoping more manufacturers get on board with the CVT technology. Subarus are also making some really nice crossovers. My local mechanic got a Forester with a CVT and that was one of the smoothest. quietest, and seamless automatics I have ever had a ride in. Lot's of good choices to please any enthusiast.

CVT and off road are no go. That is why I said Honda did a right thing.
CVT is very limited what it can do. It will bump an mpg a bit, but they belong IMO in refrigerators like Prius.

 

[ollie]

That's cool. The only thing I have to go off of is the short ride I had in one and I was impressed. Another really slick feature is the start stop. When you come to a stop the motor shuts off and seamlessly restarts when you let off the brake. I am really liking the technology that manufacturers are putting into these new vehicles.

 

[buster]

Something I didn't know until watching this video - TFL doesn't have access to Subarus as Subaru won't allow TFL to test them. Honda Passport was the only crossover to make it up cross cut hill. (around the 11 min mark)

 

[ollie]

Honestly Buster I don't think you can go wrong with any of the "big 5 Japanese" manufacturers in the crossover segment. It just depends on preference. A lot of these videos depend on the driver skill. I will say that the Passport is looking really good for a little more harder terrain than a smooth fire road.

Properly setup your CX 30 is every bit as capable when compared to the other crossovers.

 

[buster]

Yeah I just found it interesting TFL doesn't test Subarus. The ivtm-4 AWD is really good.

 

[dareo]

Yeah I just found it interesting TFL doesn't test Subarus. The ivtm-4 AWD is really good.

Subaru refuses to give them any test vehicles. Ford is also rather unfriendly to TFL. At one point TFL bought their own subaru to do whatever they wanted with it because Subaru corporate would not participate in what i consider one of the greatest automotive journalist groups around.

 

[ollie]

Are you guys talking TFL off road on youtube?