Honda has officially unveiled the all-new fourth-generation Passport SUV, and this time, it’s designed to capture attention with an edgier, rugged aesthetic that ditches its previous crossover look. Built around a "Born Wild" concept at Honda's Los Angeles design studio, the new Passport is both bolder and more off-road capable, especially in its TrailSport variant.

New Passport Design: Bold and Adventurous

The exterior styling of the 2024 Passport is a departure from its predecessor, opting for a more upright, chiselled look. Up front, a prominent hood scoop, wide air dam, and large, rectangular headlamps give the Passport a powerful stance. The redesigned grille—highlighted by two thick slats and a prominent Honda emblem—complements the SUV’s boxy front, while a faux aluminum skid plate and contrasting black trim reinforce its rugged appeal.

On the sides, the Passport’s tough character continues with plastic cladding around the wheel arches, black door handles, and slightly flared fenders. These styling cues contribute to a more SUV-like appearance, further emphasized by its increased ground clearance and shorter front overhang, which improves approach angles for off-roading. It rides on 18-inch alloy wheels with 31-inch all-terrain tires, adding both style and substance. The rear features a wraparound windscreen, bold trim accents, and a chunky bumper complete with a silver-toned skid plate.

TrailSport Trim: Ready for the Wild

The TrailSport trim stands out as Honda’s most off-road-ready version of the Passport. Equipped with off-road-tuned suspension, steel skid plates, and bright orange recovery hooks, the TrailSport has everything it needs for serious outdoor exploration. It also boasts exclusive amber LED daytime running lights and off-road readouts on the interior, providing critical information when tackling tough terrain.

Spacious and Feature-Rich Interior

Inside, the Passport offers a typically Honda layout with ergonomic, well-organized controls and a clean dashboard design. The all-black theme on the dashboard contrasts with seat upholstery and door panels that vary by trim. A new 12.4-inch infotainment screen takes center stage, complete with off-road data display for the TrailSport. An accompanying 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster provides a modern touch to the cockpit. Additional features like dual-zone climate control, a 360-degree camera, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) make this a comfortable, tech-forward environment for both driver and passengers.

Performance and Engine Details

Under the hood, the Passport is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 285 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This tried-and-tested engine, widely used in Honda’s global lineup, is noted for its smooth performance but does not feature any hybrid or electrification options—a decision likely influenced by the rugged, off-road emphasis of this SUV.

Market Prospects: A Fit for India?

While Honda has no immediate plans to introduce the Passport in India, its rugged appeal and feature set could make it a strong competitor in India’s growing SUV market. With its robust design, off-road capabilities, and spacious interior, the Passport could appeal to adventure-seeking Indian drivers. Its safety features, combined with Honda’s reputation for reliability, might also make it a desirable option for family use in varied Indian terrains if it ever reaches the Indian market.

In summary, the new Honda Passport SUV has transformed from a crossover-inspired model to a true off-road-ready vehicle, particularly in the TrailSport trim. With rugged styling, high-tech interiors, and improved off-road features, it’s aimed squarely at adventure enthusiasts and families looking for a versatile SUV.