For quite a while now, Honda has delivered some of the most innovative and exciting vehicles on the road. The Honda Civic is often considered synonymous with cars built with efficiency and fuel economy in mind and is a fan favorite. The Accord, Honda’s midsize sedan that is a little bigger than the Civic, also has its own following of enthusiasts that love the car for its always-ambitious style and infotainment features. Aside from the innovations that lead to new advancements in tech and safety, Honda hangs its hat on a level of quality that births reliability. It is not uncommon at all to notice a Civic from over a decade ago still going strong on the road. However, Honda has historically not been known for building vehicles with rugged off-road capabilities.
Today that is set to change, and this legendary brand is embracing the off-road scene. Honda has placed a new focus on having vehicles available in its lineup that are real options for off-road enthusiasts and drivers who have been itching to do some exploring away from the city. Before you visit your local Honda dealer, you might want to know what Honda has been up to in advancing the off-roading capability of its vehicles while also learning a bit about which models and trims are the best options. Here we’ll be looking at a few of the 2023 options for Honda vehicles that are great to take off-road.
Ready to Take You Anywhere
The Honda Passport is a member of the crowded midsize SUV market. However, it always holds its place among its competitors for several reasons. The 2023 Honda Passport is offered in three trims. All three feature a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission to ensure a comfortable drive. The engine is a 3.5L V6 which features 280 hp. What this will give you as a driver is a midsize SUV that is more than capable of getting you around town or up and down the highway without ever feeling sluggish or like the engine can’t live up to your demands. As for the interior, wide seats in the front and plenty of legroom in the back will make sure everyone is comfortable as you tackle tough terrains.
For 2023, the TrailSport trim is the most suited for off-road excursions. To begin, the TrailSport features Honda’s Intelligent Traction Management. This will give you better traction in the Passport when navigating sand, snow, or mud. The rugged design tires not only help in situations like these, but they also add to the overall appeal of the Passport because of their more aggressive looks. If you’re looking to do some hauling during your off-road trip, the Passport is ready to tackle the job with its 5000-lb towing capacity. To preserve the SUV and ensure an off-road ride doesn’t feel like you’re in a vehicle that’s taking on terrain it can’t tackle, Honda has given the Passport TrailSport 8.1 inches of ground clearance. If your lifestyle or budget is leaning towards a midsize SUV, but you would still like to have a vehicle that is useful off-road, then the 2023 Honda Passport TrailSport fits all of your needs.
A Captain That Knows No Bounds
The Pilot is Honda’s three-row SUV that can seat up to eight. If you have a large family, engage in consistent carpooling, or often take long trips, then the Pilot is probably a vehicle that has caught your interest at your local Honda dealer. For 2023, this SUV has been completely redesigned with updated styling. The front end features a larger grille than in previous years. Changes to angles and edges on the body create a Pilot that is more accentuated, finishing with new LED lights on the rear of the vehicle. The redesign creates a more rugged look for the Pilot, which is perfect because, among three-row SUVs, its off-roading prowess is top-tier, especially in the TrailSport trim.
The 2023 Pilot TrailSport has a 3.5L V6 engine that produces 285 hp, earning it the title of Honda’s most powerful V6. This makes it a perfect complement to Honda’s more capable 10-speed automatic transmission. Especially helpful for off-road situations is the all-wheel drive system with Trail Torque Logic, which improves torque and response, making it easier to drive in inclement conditions or tough terrain. The 18-inch wheels wear all-terrain tires, and the underbody steel skid plates are designed with additional protection for your Pilot in mind. The TrailSport also has a specialized suspension that includes an additional inch of ground clearance for added peace of mind. You can expect it to be an SUV that isn’t going to start showing wear and tear after a few quick off-road trips.
Honda has also added tech features to the Pilot TrailSport to improve the performance and safety of your off-road rides. The large nine-inch touchscreen makes interactions much easier. This touchscreen features wireless AppleCarPlay and Android Auto for easy smartphone integration. With seven drive modes available in the TrailSport, you will be ready for a variety of conditions. When placed in Trail mode, the system prepares you and the vehicle by fine-tuning the throttle for obstructions and low speeds off-road. Further, TrailWatch activates. This advanced camera system offers a variety of views meant to help the driver avoid obstacles and be ready for changes in terrain. The 2023 Pilot TrailSport uses these features, plus several more, to ensure off-road trips are safe and exciting.
Designed to Reach High Points
The Ridgeline, available in four trims, is Honda’s midsize pickup truck. This truck seats five in its standard crew cab and includes Honda’s 3.5L V6, which produces 280 hp. In body design, Honda took unique steps in the construction of the Ridgeline that help when driving off-road. The Ridgeline is a unibody design that produces a ride that is consistently smoother and receives less interference from vibration due to road or terrain conditions. Going hand and hand with this feature are front and rear independent suspension and full-time all-wheel drive. With four drive modes made available by the Intelligent Traction Management system, you will be able to adjust the vehicle according to the terrain. With a design that has certainly kept off-roaders happy, in combination with unmatched fuel economy for its size, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline will help you with any off-road obstacles.
Raring and Ready
Honda has undoubtedly made strides in looking after drivers who enjoy off-road rides on a regular basis. The first way is by focusing on making a variety of vehicles suitable for the trail. Midsize and three-row SUV fans can now find the same off-road capabilities and value that truck owners enjoy. The TrailSport trims have allowed Honda to provide adventurous drivers with everything they need, from rugged wheels to multiple camera views. For the Ridgeline, Honda reshapes the construction while still providing a vehicle that is stylish and dependable. For those who tend to like pickups more, having those two qualities plus characteristics that enhance off-road driving is hard to ignore. Overall, the work Honda has done in making new off-road models and trims should give any driver of these Honda models confidence in their off-road journeys.
