Temple of VTEC Rumors and News - Honda announces updates for 2022 Passport, new TrailSport trim

Adventure Calls and 2022 Honda Passport Answers, with Rugged Redesign and All-New TrailSport

September 22, 2021Passport�s new rugged exterior design better reflects true off-road capabilities
More aggressive exterior design from the A-pillars forward and a new rear bumper with larger dual exhaust outlets give Passport a tough new look
First-ever Passport TrailSport is even more emotional and adventurous, further advancing Honda�s new rugged design direction for light truck lineup
As new halo for Honda light trucks, TrailSport further highlights the off-road capability, versatility and durability long engineered into Honda light trucks

Honda today introduced the refreshed 2022 Honda Passport with a new, more rugged exterior design that better matches its true off-road capability. Equally at home on dirt and mud-strewn trails as it is on the highway or twisting mountain roads, the adventure-ready Passport features a new, more aggressive front end and a new rear bumper with larger exhaust outlets.

Taking Passport�s new rugged styling even further is the first-ever Passport TrailSport. A new halo for Honda light trucks, TrailSport further highlights the off-road capability, versatility and durability that has been engineered into the brand�s light trucks for more than two decades.

Created for active buyers who thrive on adventure, the new Passport TrailSport combines Passport�s strong unibody construction, independent front and rear suspension, and available class-leading torque-vectoring AWD system with TrailSport exclusive exterior and interior styling. It builds upon a more than 50-year legacy of off-road engineering and performance that includes Honda motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides and light trucks.

�Some may not realize the true rugged, off-road capabilities of our light trucks,� said Dave Gardner, executive vice president of National Operations, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. �Now they�re getting tough, rugged looks to match, and the addition of TrailSport will further enhance the off-road capability of our vehicles in the future.�

Passport�s cabin has also been refreshed for a sportier, adventurous character, and the entire Passport lineup has been enhanced with new Rear Seat Reminder and rear seatbelt reminder technology for additional peace of mind.

What's New:

More aggressive exterior design from the A-pillars forward
Updated rear styling featuring a new bumper and larger exhaust finishers
Updated EX-L interior includes contrast stitching on perforated leather seats
TrailSport edition features unique exterior and interior styling and standard intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4�) all-wheel drive system with true torque vectoring
Standard Rear Seat Reminder and rear seatbelt reminder systems on all models
Available HPD accessories package for sportier appearance

Key Features

Standard 280-horsepower (SAE net at 6,000 rpm) V6 engine and 9-speed automatic transmission
i-VTM4� all-wheel drive with true torque vectoring available on all grades (standard on TrailSport and Elite)
Ground clearance up to 8.1 inches for tackling rugged terrain
Standard 8-inch Display Audio system with Apple CarPlay� and Android Auto� integration
Standard Honda Sensing� system of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies
Standard Smart Entry and Push-button start
Standard LED headlights

Bolder Design Reflects Rugged Capabilities
Passport�s new front and rear styling better reflects the rugged capabilities of its strong unibody construction, independent front and rear suspension, standard V6 engine, and available class-leading i-VTM4� torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system. New sheet metal from the A-pillars forward includes a new hood with a pronounced power bulge, a new squared off nose and upright grille design unique to Passport, and new front fenders.

Atop the grille is a crossbar that bisects the headlight lenses, finished in chrome on EX-L, and painted gloss black on TrailSport and Elite. It accentuates Passport�s width, while a prominent skid garnish design adds to the tougher look of its new front bumper. Broad side vents route air through the bumper and around the front wheels and tires, creating air curtains to improve aerodynamic performance.

A new more aggressive rear bumper features cutouts for larger twin exhaust outlets, plus a tow hitch cover and skid garnish design that matches the more rugged front-end styling. The crossbar under the rear window is matte black on EX-L and TrailSport, and gloss black on Elite.

All Passport grades also feature new tougher-looking alloy wheel designs. TrailSport is equipped with new 18-inch diameter wheels, while EX-L and Elite receive newly designed 20-inch wheels.

For those looking to take Passport�s rugged new styling even further, a new HPD Package has been created in collaboration with Honda Performance Development (HPD), Honda�s U.S.-based racing company. The HPD Package adds a unique grille treatment, black fender flares, aggressive wheels and special HPD graphics on the rear quarter panel.

One of the most powerful SUVs in its class, every 2022 Passport is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower (SAE net at 6,000 rpm) and is backed by a smooth and responsive 9-speed automatic transmission. Standard on TrailSport and Elite, and available on EX-L, is Honda�s i-VTM4� torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system. In all conditions, the system enhances controllability and traction management by automatically sending up to 70 percent of the engine�s 262 lb.-ft. (SAE net @ 4,700 rpm) of torque to the rear wheels, and continuously apportioning 100 percent of that torque between the rear wheels based on driving conditions at each wheel.

The exceptional off-road traction management of the i-VTM4� system expands Passport's off-road ability well beyond its crossover-based competition. In addition, Passport�s four-mode Intelligent Traction Management allows drivers to customize the i-VTM4�system for different terrains, including sand, snow, mud and paved roads. With 8.1-inches of ground clearance (with AWD), Passport can navigate tough trails and its 5,000-pound towing capacity (with AWD, with additional equipment) allows it to pull a large camper trailer or off-road toys.

Passport�s strong unibody construction and independent front and rear suspension deliver class-leading on-road ride comfort and dynamics, and sharp, precise steering gives Passport a sporty driving character in any situation.

Inside, for a sportier, off-road character, Passport EX-L grades now feature high-contrast stitching on perforated leather seats, and all trims have new gray instrument cluster illumination and white gauge needles.

Passport seats five comfortably, and its class-leading 50.5 cu.-ft. of cargo space offers plenty of room for everyone�s gear. A power tailgate is standard on all grades, with handsfree access on Elite. The cargo space can be expanded by 2.5 cu.-ft. thanks to multiple under-floor storage compartments, perfect for keeping items out of sight, storing wet clothes or muddy hiking boots.

All-New TrailSport
The first in what will be a new series of Honda TrailSport vehicles, the 2022 Passport TrailSport is packed with exclusive styling and unique interior touches. The new Passport TrailSport features a unique grille treatment, and more aggressive front and rear bumpers with skid garnish designs prominently painted silver.

Even the design of the new TrailSport logo, inspired by nature�s beauty and the spirit of exploration, expresses the exhilaration of outdoor adventure. Orange TrailSport badges grace grille and tailgate, while the Passport and AWD badges are painted gloss black instead of the chrome used on the rest of the lineup.

New machined 18-inch wheels with Pewter painted highlights are also unique to TrailSport, and its front & rear track widths are increased 10 mm to improve stance and stability. The unique design of its 245/60R18 tires includes sidewall tread for a more rugged look.

As with the rest of the Passport lineup, TrailSport�s off-road capability exceeds expectations. Honda�s i-VTM4� torque-vectoring all-wheel drive and Intelligent Traction Management systems are standard. When the trail narrows and every inch of width counts, the outside mirrors can be folded with the touch of a button. TrailSport also includes a heated windshield wiper parking area to keep them from getting stuck in frigid conditions.

In the cabin, TrailSport stands out with orange contrast stitching on the steering wheel, door panels and seats, with the TrailSport logo embroidered on the front seat head rests and molded onto the standard all-season rubber floor mats. TrailSport�s gauge cluster features the same new gray lighting and white needles as the rest of the Passport lineup, but with a grade-specific black chrome gauge surround. At night, the interior features exclusive amber ambient lighting in the footwells, overhead console, door handle pocket, door tray and cupholders.

Over the next few model years, the off-road capability of the Passport TrailSport will increase further with possible future upgrades such as more aggressive tires and off-road tuned suspension.

Extensive Safety and Driver Assistive Technologies
Every 2022 Honda Passport comes standard with the Honda Sensing� suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies. On Passport, Honda Sensing� includes Collision Mitigation Braking System� (CMBS�) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

New for all 2022 Passport grades is a Rear Seat Reminder and rear seatbelt reminder as standard equipment. The Rear Seat Reminder chimes when Passport is turned off, with a notification on the digital meter reminding drivers to check the rear seating area for children, pets, or other precious cargo when exiting the car. The rear seatbelt reminder uses a warning on the digital meter to let drivers know if rear seat passengers have not fastened their seatbelts.

About Honda
Honda offers a full line of clean, safe, fun and connected vehicles sold through more than 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. Honda has the highest fleet average fuel economy and lowest CO2 emissions of any major full-line automaker in America, according to the latest data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Honda lineup includes the Civic, Insight, Accord and Clarity series passenger cars, along with the HR-V, CR-V, Passport and Pilot sport utility vehicles, the Ridgeline pickup and the Odyssey minivan. Honda�s electrified vehicle lineup includes the Accord Hybrid, CR-V Hybrid, Insight hybrid-electric sedan, and the Clarity Fuel Cell and Clarity Plug-In Hybrid.

Honda has been producing automobiles in America for 38 years and currently operates 18 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2020, more than 95 percent of all Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.