Snow Showdown: Can the AWD Honda Passport TrailSport Keep Up with the 4×4 Ford Bronco in a Snowstorm?
When winter unleashes its full force heavy snow, slush, ice, unplowed roads the difference between a street-SUV with AWD and a true 4×4 becomes more than academic. In the linked video, both Passport TrailSport and Bronco are tested in winter conditions, raising the question:
Is Passport TrailSport “good enough” or does Bronco remain the safer, more capable bet when snow piles up deep?
After digging through specs, driving-system fundamentals, and cold-weather driving guides, here’s a full breakdown of what each vehicle brings to the snow, and who should pick which.
What Are We Comparing?
Honda Passport Trail Sport AWD Crossover with Rugged Pretensions
- The Passport TrailSport is built on a unibody SUV platform. All models (post-2023 redesign) come standard with AWD, via Honda’s i-VTM4 torque-vectoring system.
- Engine: 3.5 L V6, 285 hp, 262 lb-ft torque.
- Ground clearance (AWD): about 8.1 inches.
- Additional TrailSport gear: more aggressive all-terrain tires, tougher suspension tuning, skid plates, rugged styling accents aimed at giving more off-road / rough-road capability than a standard SUV, though it remains a unibody design.
- As with many AWD systems, power is distributed dynamically i.e. under normal conditions it behaves like a FWD, but when slip is detected, torque is sent to other wheels. Roper Honda
Ford Bronco True 4×4 SUV Built for Off-Road and Harsh Conditions
- The traditional Ford Bronco uses a body-on-frame or rugged SUV architecture (depending on generation), and offers a genuine 4×4 drivetrain with a transfer case. This enables 4-wheel drive with low-range gearing and better torque distribution for challenging terrains like deep snow, mud, or uneven tracks. CarGurus
- Compared to Passport, Bronco typically offers higher off-road and winter-weather capability, especially when snow is deep or terrain unpredictable.
- As a true 4×4, Bronco gives the driver the option to select 4WD modes, to lock torque or shift to low-range features that dramatically increase the chance of maintaining traction in deep snow or during heavy off-road use.
AWD vs 4×4 in Snow: What Science & Experts Say
- AWD helps a lot on slippery roads: when roads are icy or lightly snow-covered, an AWD system offers better traction than 2WD (FWD/RWD) because power can go to all wheels at once, reducing wheel spin and improving stability including acceleration, cornering or pulling away. A Girls Guide to Cars
- But when snow gets deep, ground clearance matters, and weight distribution, torque control, and drivetrain robustness come into play. In those cases, a true 4WD/4×4 with selectable 4WD, possibly low-range gearing is often safer, more reliable.
- Many “best snow SUVs” lists highlight that AWD (or 4WD) plus proper snow tires + ground clearance + safety features is what matters not just drivetrain alone. Kbb
Conclusion from experts: AWD is often “good enough” for urban / suburban winters with plowed roads, occasional snow patches or light rural roads. But for heavy snow, unplowed roads, hills, drifts 4×4 remains the safer and more resilient choice. Farm Bureau Financial Services
How Passport TrailSport Performs in Snow / Winter Conditions
Where Passport works well:
- On icy or lightly snow-covered paved roads (city commuting, highway, suburbs), AWD + traction control + winter tires = good stability, confident take-offs, safer handling.
- For everyday driving in winter avoiding deep drifts, staying on plowed or maintained roads Passport TrailSport offers a comfortable ride, solid engine power, and a roomy, practical cabin, making it a fine all-around SUV even in winter.
- For modest snow conditions slush, light snow accumulation, urban winter driving Passport’s AWD is a major advantage over 2WD cars.
⚠Where Passport may struggle (compared to a 4×4 like Bronco):
- Deep snow or unplowed rural roads: hard to maintain traction, potential for stuck wheels, especially without low-range gearing or locked differentials.
- Steep inclines or declines in snowy/icy conditions: increased risk of slipping or losing control.
- Unpredictable terrain drifts, hidden obstacles under deep snow, uneven surfaces: Passport’s unibody build and AWD limitations make it less robust than a dedicated 4×4 SUV.
Thus: Passport TrailSport is a solid, versatile SUV for winter daily driving, but it isn’t a do-anything, go-anywhere winter warrior.
Why the Bronco (4×4) Still Holds the Advantage in a True Snowstorm
- With full 4×4 and transfer case, Bronco gives you the option to engage 4WD, lock torque distribution, and, if needed, use low-range gearing ideal for deep snow, mud, steep hills or when you need to “force” the vehicle through tricky terrain.
- Higher robustness and design optimized for off-road / rough-weather conditions better traction, differential options, often better ground clearance give Bronco a clear edge when winter turns fierce.
- In a real snowstorm, especially off-paved or unmaintained roads, Bronco’s design and drivetrain significantly reduce the chance of getting stuck or stranded a critical advantage in serious winter weather.
Who Should Choose What? A Quick Decision Guide
| Your Situation / Needs | Best Pick |
|---|---|
| Urban / suburban driving + mostly plowed roads, occasional light snow or rural trips | Honda Passport TrailSport (AWD) — a balanced, practical winter SUV. |
| Living in heavy-snow areas, driving in rural/unplowed roads, needing reliability and maximum traction | Ford Bronco (4×4) — better winter resilience, especially in snowstorms or harsh conditions. |
| Prioritizing comfort, interior space, daily usability & you don’t need hardcore off-road | Passport TrailSport |
| Need rugged reliability, do off-road / hike / remote travel / snowy mountain commuting | Bronco |
Final Verdict: Passport TrailSport Is Respectable - But Bronco Still Rules in a True Snowstorm
If you live somewhere where snow is moderate or winters are mild, roads are maintained the Honda Passport TrailSport delivers surprisingly good winter performance without the compromises of a heavy 4×4 SUV. It’s a smart, practical winter-ready family car.
However and this is key the 4×4 Ford Bronco remains a safer, more capable “do-anything” option when conditions turn severe: deep snow, unplowed roads, slippery hills, back-country detours or emergencies.
In other words: Passport TrailSport = sensible AWD SUV for everyday snow; Bronco = winter warhorse for serious conditions.
If you want I can also add a third column for a hybrid / AWD SUV alternative (for those who also care about fuel economy + snow capability), and contrast that with Passport & Bronco. Want me to build that extended version now with 3+ models compared?