?Honda has recently introduced a new family of vehicles designed to be rugged enough to thrive while driving off the beaten track without affecting typical road driving. This new trim is called the TrailSport. Sometimes off-road vehicles drive great on the trail but function poorly on paved roads. Thankfully, the TrailSport has found a great balance of on and off-road driving. The TrailSport currently comes as an option on two SUVs: the Pilot and the Passport. When Honda first announced the TrailSport in 2021, it emphasized the rugged nature and versatility of the new models. Ryan Honda is your Honda dealer near Claiborne, LA, and we can’t wait to show you these cutting-edge TrailSport models.
If you are interested in checking out some of the beauty of the Kisatchie or Delta National Forests near Claiborne, a TrailSport is going to be perfectly suited to the trails. The i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system, selectable driving modes, and off-road suspension and skid plates make these models perfect for rugged terrain, meaning you will easily be able to tackle even the hardest trails at either of these forests. The TrailSport models are also built for interior comfort, providing drivers and passengers with great audio, comfortable seating, and high-tech features. Both inside and out, the TrailSport models offer a ton of great features in both functionality and fun. While there are only two TrailSport models available today, the future looks bright for the new trim.
What Is the Honda TrailSport Trim?
In 2021, Honda announced a new trim coming to its lineup. This new trim was developed to embrace rugged off-road capability while still being very capable on the road. The TrailSport features vary by model but can include improved ground clearance, more aggressive tires, a suspension tuned for off-road driving, and underbody skid plates. Each of these features makes traveling off the road both safer and easier. There is also a high-tech AWD system that provides greater traction and control.
The i-VTM4 torque-vectoring AWD system is an advanced AWD system that Honda has designed. It uses sensors and computers to precisely apply torque to the wheels so that the driver can maintain control in even difficult terrain. There are several driving modes, including snow, sand, and mud. When you combine the i-VTM4 AWD system with the other off-roading features of the TrailSport models, it makes for a truly impressive Honda vehicle.
While Honda will likely release more TrailSport models for its extensive vehicle lineup, it currently offers two of its SUVs with a TrailSport trim. These two SUVs are the Passport and the Pilot. Both of these SUVs are midsize, but the Passport has two rows while the Pilot has three. The Passport is on the smaller end of the midsize range, while the Pilot is on the larger end of the range. Both have certain advantages, and the decision on which to buy will depend on the needs of the individual.
The 2023 Passport TrailSport
The Honda Passport was first introduced in 1994 and was produced until 2002. After almost two decades off the market, Honda reintroduced the model in 2019, updated for the 21st century. The 2023 Passport TrailSport comes with a 3.5L V6 engine capable of producing 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The TrailSport trim includes some great functionality and comfort features that make this two-row SUV even more impressive.
The powerful engine and 18-inch wheels, combined with the high-tech i-VTM4 AWD system, allow the Passport TrailSport to traverse virtually any terrain with ease. Mud, sand, and off-road driving are rarely a concern when you are driving around in the TrailSport. The Intelligent Traction Management system allows you to tune your TrailSport to the different types of terrain quickly and easily so you can negotiate difficult terrain. We love all the wilderness and nature preserves within easy driving distance of Claiborne, and having an SUV like the Passport TrailSport makes the area a blast to explore.
The interior comfort of the 2023 Passport TrailSport is quite impressive. The leather seats are accented by orange stitching. The tri-zone climate control keeps everyone in the SUV perfectly comfortable, whether the weather is hot and humid or chilly. The power moonroof provides some extra ventilation while you are driving or a nice view when you are parked. The eight-inch infotainment center can be easily connected to your smart devices using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and the wireless phone charger keeps your phone fully charged. The Passport TrailSport is a great all-around SUV with room for five adventurers.
The 2023 Pilot TrailSport
The Honda Pilot has been a staple of Honda’s SUVs since 2003. That’s two decades of innovation and design iterations. The TrailSport trim comes with some great added features which make it an excellent and versatile SUV, capable of great performance on or off-road.
The functionality of the 2023 Pilot TrailSport has been optimized and finely tuned for off-road performance. It includes a V6 engine capable of producing 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine enables the Pilot to travel across a wide variety of terrain with ease. The large 18-inch wheels, along with the skid plates and all-terrain tires, make traveling off-road simpler and more fun. The Pilot TrailSport also comes with roof rails to make tying down a kayak, rooftop cargo carrier, mountain bike, or any other specialty item a breeze. The recovery points and class III trailer hitch keep you prepared for any situation.
If you’re looking for some interior comfort and great tech features, you’re in luck. The 2023 Pilot TrailSport comes with some luxurious and sporty double synthetic leather seats with orange accents. These seats are heated, and the second-row seats are captain chairs. The nine-speaker audio system keeps you entertained while you drive down the road or while you are parked and enjoying the view of the sky through the panoramic moonroof. The tri-zone climate control and second-row sunshades keep everyone in the car comfortable, whether the weather is hot or cold. The TrailSport even has acoustic glass, which keeps the interior of the car nice and quiet. The 2023 Pilot Trail Sport is a truly amazing vehicle for both driving on the road and adventuring into the wilderness.
Keep Your Eye on the TrailSport
Keep your eyes on the TrailSport models because Honda has introduced these vehicles for a reason. The brand saw a need for some more off-road capable Honda SUVs. The Pilot and Passport each bring a unique take on the TrailSport trim while both remain consistent with what Honda intends the TrailSport to be. The improved off-road performance is achieved with powerful engines, skid plates, all-terrain tires, and an advanced AWD system.
Louisiana has some beautiful wildlife areas to explore, and we have a great appreciation for the outdoors. With the right SUV––like a TrailSport––you will be well equipped for even difficult off-roading journeys. We love what we have seen from the TrailSport trims so far, and we are excited about what Honda has in store for the future of the TrailSport family. The engineers have really found a great way to balance off-road functionality with ease of driving on regular roads. Not every SUV can drive down your favorite off-road trail and navigate the daily commute with equal ease. The Pilot and Passport TrailSport models make either job look easy. That’s why we are keeping a close on the future of the TrailSport family.
