Far too often, SUVs are falsely portrayed in advertisements as rugged vehicles that can thrive in any terrain. A TV commercial will end by showing the SUV cresting the top of a mountain and coming to a smooth stop. However, the eager consumer is left disappointed by discovering that the automobile struggles with a mud puddle much less a snowy peak. That is why the 2019 Honda Passport is such a refreshing break from the norm. It is a vehicle that you truly can take off-roading, thanks to its impressive features.
Power/Traction
Obviously, if you are going to travel where other autos can’t, you need some serious power, and the Passport delivers in the form of a 3.5-liter V-6 that cranks out 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. If you are not a car buff, here’s the summary: these are best-in-class numbers.
Of course, a powerful engine with no traction is pretty useless, so Honda has equipped the Passport with incredible technology to keep the driver in control. With the Intelligent Traction Management (ITM) system, you can select the type of surface you are driving on (e.g. sand, snow, mud, etc.), and the vehicle will switch into optimal settings. The Passport can also sense when more power is needed on the left, right, or rear wheels and automatically adjusts, thanks to the i-VTM4 AWD system.
Exterior
The exterior of the Passport looks stout, and this isn’t just for show. The ground clearance is approximately one inch above that of other Honda SUVs. Similarly, the Passport is shorter and contains less overhang than other vehicles in its class. The advantage of all this is that it allows you to drive through rugged terrain with less chance of hurting the exterior of your vehicle. Also, the matte black grille and bumper and black wheels are less susceptible to showing wear and tear after a day of off-road adventure.
Safety
If you are going to go off-road, you better have some advanced safety features, and the Passport has all that you would expect from Honda, who has long had a reputation for exactly that. Included standard is Honda’s Sensing system, which features advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies. However, even the most basic safety technology is implemented with the idea that the vehicle is designed to veer off of traditional paved streets: the standard 20-inch tires allow for better handling on any type of surface. As a result, the Passport has received top safety ratings from both the NCAP and IIHS.
Of course, Honda realizes that you need your vehicle to be functional for everyday use as well, so it has interior features that far surpass any of its competition. The features include a premium sound system, best-in-class storage space, best-in-class passenger volume, and an outstanding infotainment system. Add it all up, and the Passport really is a perfect vehicle for every driver — whether you plan to follow the beaten path or consistently blaze your own trail.
Image via honda.com.
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