Honda TrailSport Models: Honda Plans Bigger, Tougher TrailSport Models With Real Off-Road Upgrades

Honda TrailSport Models: Honda Plans Bigger, Tougher TrailSport Models With Real Off-Road Upgrades

Honda TrailSport Models are set to evolve into genuinely capable off-road machines, as Honda plans to introduce bigger, tougher versions with real off-road upgrades, moving beyond mere appearance packages. Speaking at a recent roundtable, American Honda Motor Co. president and CEO Kazuhiro Takizawa emphasized a commitment to improving ground clearance and suspension on future TrailSport vehicles. This strategy follows the immense success of current TrailSport variants, which already account for over 80% of all Passport sales, extending to the CR-V, Ridgeline, and Pilot.

From Appearance to Capability: The TrailSport Evolution

Initially introduced with the 2022 Passport TrailSport, the sub-brand is now expanding its focus from aesthetics to genuine off-road performance. (Honda TrailSport Models)

• Current Success: TrailSport variants already make up over 80% of all Passport sales, and the trim line has expanded to the CR-V, Ridgeline, and Pilot.
• Strategic Shift: Kazuhiro Takizawa, president and CEO of American Honda Motor Co., stated that the “TrailSport trim is not just for [showing off at] SEMA”. The company is “improving the ground clearance” and “improving the suspension,” calling this a “new challenge.”
• Future Hint: The Passport TrailSport HRC Concept displayed at SEMA provides a clear hint of what’s to come, featuring:
  • A 2.36-inch suspension lift.
  • More underbody protection.
  • New front/rear dampers and bumpers that improve approach/departure angles.
  • Accessories like an 8,000-lb winch and a swing-out full-size spare wheel carrier.

Potential New TrailSport Models

Honda is exploring expanding the TrailSport sub-brand to other crossovers in its U.S. lineup, including the HR-V and the electric Prologue EV.

• HR-V TrailSport: A natural fit, inspired by the success of smaller, off-road-treated crossovers like the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness (which boasts 9.3 inches of ground clearance and all-terrain tires). An HR-V TrailSport could serve as a direct alternative.
• Prologue EV TrailSport: While trickier due to potential impacts on range, applying TrailSport upgrades to the electric Prologue could position it as a competitor to upcoming adventure-minded EVs like the Toyota bZ Woodland, expected early next year.
• Body-on-Frame SUV: The article also notes that Honda needs a proper body-on-frame SUV to directly compete against rivals like the Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser.

Final Thoughts

Honda’s commitment to developing more capable TrailSport models with genuine off-road upgrades signals a significant evolution for the sub-brand. By focusing on mechanical enhancements like increased ground clearance and tougher suspensions, Honda aims to deliver vehicles that not only look rugged but perform authentically off-pavement. This strategic move, driven by the overwhelming success of current TrailSport offerings, promises a broader range of adventure-ready SUVs that could eventually include smaller crossovers and even electric vehicles, cementing Honda’s position in the burgeoning overlanding and off-road lifestyle market.

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