2023 Honda Passport TrailSport AWD Review

The Honda Passport is one of the most sought vehicles in the midsize crossover SUV category. It is known for being a true Honda, sporting characteristics such as power, towing abilities, comfort, and technology. These attributes certainly exist in the 2023 Passport.

One of its most popular trim levels is the 2023 Passport TrailSport AWD. This is its rugged off-road version that can perform on tarmac as well. It has many selling points that make it a hot topic today. To find out how good it is, the following is a review of its highlights:

Features

The Honda Passport is currently in its third generation that was facelifted in 2022. It offers three trim options, with the mid-range TrailSport being launched along with the facelift. This model gets niceties that give it a more aggressive look and make it a better companion off-tarmac.

As far as updates are concerned, there are none for this year as the Passport (including its TrailSport version) was updated just last year. That model also got an updated list of features that carries over to the 2023 Passport.

Powertrain and Numbers

The Passport TrailSport is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 hp and 262 lb-ft. All-wheel drive is standard, and so is a 9-speed automatic and a couple of modes – Normal, ECON, Snow, Tow, Sport, and Trail & Sand.

The Passport TrailSport 2023 is reasonably quick for its class and can accelerate from a standstill to 62 mph in just 6 seconds. It can also tow a lot for its size, at 5000 lbs, so pulling a trailer on your overlanding trip should be no problem at all.

Despite being an athletic vehicle, the all-new Passport TrailSport has a decent fuel economy. The EPA rates it for 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. For maximum efficiency, a 2023 Passport with FWD can also be yours – it’ll do up to 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

Interior and Technology

The Honda Passport TrailSport may be built for rugged usage, but it is an upscale vehicle on the inside. You get a nicely built cabin with many high quality materials that look and feel nice. The Passport TrailSport will seat up to five occupants with absolute ease and comfort.

It also has a high amount of trunk space – which is really helpful on the trail as you have to carry a lot of stuff. The storage area can be extended by folding down the rear seats. Also, there’s a clever underfloor compartment in the trunk to stow away one of the third-row seats.

The Passport TrailSport 2023 features a unique interior that sports durable black leather with orange stitching. There are several features that enhance comfort and convenience such as a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and front seats.

The driver gets a 10-way power-adjustable seat with memory settings while the front passenger receives 4-way power. There are captain chairs in the second row that can fold flat. There’s LED lighting throughout the interior, and wireless phone charging.
More standard tech includes tri-zone climate control, push-button ignition, keyless entry, remote start, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 7-inch instrumentation screen, a powered tailgate, and a one-touch moonroof.

You get an 8-inch touchscreen, a 7-speaker stereo, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities, HD Radio, and SiriusXM. There are several power outlets and charging ports. There’s also a satellite navigation system that responds to voice commands.

The safety features include forward collision warning, automated emergency braking (w/pedestrian detection), lane-departure warning (w/lane-keeping assist), blindspot monitoring (w/rear cross-traffic alert), a rearview camera, parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control.

Exterior and Driving

The 2023 Passport is a looker and the TrailSport model is its most unique offering. You get the standard stuff such as LED headlights, tail lights, and fog lights. There’s a roofline spoiler and three 18-inch wheel types – offered in gray, matte black and bronze finishes.

You also get a unique gloss black front grille and a heated wiper zone. Then you have several goodies that exist to enhance the off-roading experience. These include thick off-road tires for more traction, and skid plates and greater ground clearance for protection.

The exterior colors available on the 2023 Passport TrailSport are:

The new TrailSport 2023 has a smooth engine and its transmission doesn’t let you down either. It comes with great handling capabilities and its steering feels very light. Testers say that this SUV allows you to have fun on the trail and you can even do spectacular power slides with it.

Niceties such as the upgraded off-road suspension, a torque vectoring rear differential, hill descent control, and the all-wheel drive system work together to conquer every possible terrain that mother nature can throw at you.

Reliability and Warranty

JD Power has given the 2023 Honda Passport a score of 81 out of 100, putting it in the ‘Great’ category. This rating applies to the TrailSport as well. Consumer Reports also gives you the green light if you’re looking to buy it. The reviews from actual consumers are also positive.

There are two major warranties offered. The first is a limited warranty which covers you for 3 years/36k miles and the second is a powertrain components warranty that’s good for 5 years/60k miles. Honda also gives you complimentary maintenance for 2 years/24k miles.

Verdict

The 2023 Honda Passport TrailSport AWD is a rugged and powerful midsize SUV that you can use to conquer the great outdoors while being in a comfortable environment surrounded by technology and nice materials. The driveability may be outstanding but you also get stellar towing capabilities and reliability, and one of the best storage offerings in the class.

To get the 2023 Honda Passport TrailSport AWD in Woods Cross, North Salt Lake UT, Centerville UT, and Bountiful UT, check out Performance Honda Bountiful here.