As part of the 2019 Overland Expo West event dedicated to outdoors activities, currently underway in Flagstaff, Arizona, Honda unveiled a version of its new Passport SUV outfitted for overlanding
adventures.
The goal of course is to allow Honda to demonstrate just how rough and ready its newest SUV is for taking off-road challenges. The company spared no effort in transforming the utility model into an overlanding specialist, including equipping it with a number of tools to help it accomplish that.
Read our review of the 2019 Honda Passport
Honda partnered with the Jsport company to create what it’s officially calling the Honda Passport Adventure Lifestyle Project. The modified version of the SUV gets a suspension raised by 1.5 inches in front and 0.75 inches in back to help it survive inhospitable terrain. Honda also fitted a Jsport-designed skid plate under the vehicle, and shod the revised Passport in Nitto Ridge Grappler tires fitted on 18-inch Jsport KMC XD wheels.
The tailgate welcomes a full-size spare tire that evokes the early-generation CR-V models. This change necessitated a modified bumper as well. The top, meanwhile, gets roof rails to fit all manner of gear that’s required for successful overland trekking. What’s more, that roof can even accommodate installation of a tent. The Passport also gets specially designed footboards to reach that roof area.
At the Flagstaff event Honda is also displaying a Jsport-transformed Ridgeline.
At the Flagstaff event Honda is also displaying a Jsport-transformed Ridgeline.
And what are Honda’s plans for the Honda Passport Adventure Lifestyle Project? The company has not said anything about that yet, but given the love consumers are feeling for SUVs in general, we have to think that if public reaction to the special-edition Passport is positive, we could see Honda market a whole series of accessories for the SUV and for other Honda vehicles as well.
