Trail-Ready Design & Durability Features
TrailSport Essentials:
- Steel skid plates underneath oil pan, transmission, and gas tank. Built to withstand direct hits and protect vital components.
- Optional rock sliders, made of stainless steel, which proved tough during off-road use—only showing light scuffs, no structural damage.
- Cast iron recovery hooks, rated to hold twice the vehicle's gross weight, yet designed to collapse if hit to prevent impalement hazards.
Geometry and Tire Grip:
- 31″ General Grabber A/T tires provide competitive traction across mud, sand, rocks, and gravel.
- Ground clearance of ~8.3 inches, with improved approach angle (~23°) and departure angle through smart bumper and exhaust placement.
🛠 Trail Damage vs Jeep Wrangler: What It Can Take
On Impact:
- On testing in Moab and Puerto Rico, the Passport suffered multiple hits—skid plates and sliders absorbed impacts with only metallic thunks and surface scrapes, not component failure.
Limitations Revealed:
- Without low-range gearing, it can high-center on steeper terrain where Wrangler’s lower gearing and rigid suspension would prevail.
- Despite strong AWD and torque vectoring, Passport lacks rigid axle and disconnecting sway bars, reducing performance compared to a Wrangler Rubicon or 4Runner Trailhunters in extreme articulation scenarios.
After the Trail: Repairability & Real-World Durability
Hits & Bruises:
- Most trail strikes resulted in non-structural cosmetic damage—skid plates and sliders took the blows, keeping the body intact. Video logs confirm only scuffs on accessories.
On-Board Cameras & Tech:
- TrailWatch camera system offered real-time visual cues to help avoid damage to bodywork during tricky maneuvers, reducing unseen contact.
- Hill descent control, Trail mode, and tuned torque management helped control vehicle behavior on loose terrain, minimizing sudden jarring impacts.
Quick Comparison: Patrol Passport TrailSport vs Jeep Wrangler
| Feature | Honda Passport TrailSport | Jeep Wrangler |
|---|---|---|
| Underbody Protection | Steel skid plates; optional rock sliders | Factory skid plates, aftermarket lift optional |
| Suspension/Geometry | Unibody; lacks sway disconnect; 8.3″ clearance | Rigid axles; greater flex; available 4WD Low |
| Trail Damage Handling | Handles moderate rocks & impacts; aftermarket protection recommended | Built to take serious trail punishment; components often replaceable |
| Recovery Points | Wow-grade rated hooks front & rear | Factory recovery points, stronger chassis |
| High-Center Risk | Potential at severe breakovers | Less likely with axle articulation |
Key Takeaways for Trail Testing
- Passport TrailSport performs impressively for a unibody SUV, with robust parts absorbing impacts well and minimal trail damage when used within its capabilities.
- It’s not a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon killer, but it does serve as a surprisingly capable, daily-drivable off-roader for moderate trails.
- For serious articulation or rocky rigors, a Wrangler, 4Runner, or Bronco still hold distinct advantages.
- With the right accessories (rock sliders, bumpers, lifted suspension), TrailSport owners can push boundaries further—but expect aftermarket customization costs.
Bottom Line
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is an unexpected contender in the mild-moderate off-roading field—its trail damage resilience is impressive for the price and platform. Although it cannot match™ Jeep’s hardcore mechanical design, it strikes a respectable balance between comfort, tech, and capability. Do you need help sourcing rock sliders or protective upgrades for deeper trail missions?