I guess that's sort of it though - I don't think I really require offroading. Somewhere between softroading and offroading? YEs, the 4runner could take me anywhere but it sucks to drive 90% of the time vs "car/crossovers".If you desire serious off-roading then the PP is not your best choice. Perhaps a Jeep or 4Runner?
For your remaining 90% use many of us here believe the PP is the best choice.
YMMV.
I think I was of a similar mind-set, I wanted an off road capable machine, but in truth I would be driving civilized paved roads over 95% of the time. I looked at Outbacks but they were under powered (although about 6 months ago, I bought our daughter 2019 Forester). I also was sort of considering a Tacoma, but not being a real "truck guy" I didn't want a rougher ride that 95% of the time. Anyway, I bought my Passport the about 5 weeks after it was first released and have been extremely happy with it, I did have it on some flat dirt roads in October and it was awesome! The PP is super smooth and quiet to drive (better than a Subaru)!I am looking for a new adventure vehicle and the Subaru Outback keeps popping up as an obvious choice. More recently, the Passport has popped up on my radar.
I live in a city, and do plenty of city driving. I do road trips including 2,000km+ at least once a year. I also drive up mountains in anything from slush to ice to snow. Where I've really hit the limit with my current car (Audi Q5) is exploring more off road - namely forest service roads. It's anything from decently maintained gravel roads to rocky uneven ground to (what has been hardest) dips in the road due to removed culverts or washouts.
Compared to the outback, the passport has less ground clearance but better approach+departure angles. It's frustrating the Passport only has 20" wheels, and no offering for skid plates or all-terrain tires... despite marketing it as fairly adventure-ready.
On the other end, things like the Toyota 4runner stand out and are absolutely going to take me some of the places I want to go, but under perform ON THE ROAD, which makes up 90%+ of my driving.
Indeed I've come across his stuff... it seems he's the only one that pops up when I look up offroading stuff with passport. Though he is definitely taking things more extreme than I... but I guess that shows the potential capability...I second Merkman's recommendation that you check out JonDZ on Youtube. He also has started a website: crossoverlanding.com.
Here's some examples of roads I went on where I chose to NOT take my Audi Q5 (7.9" clearance, I think better approach AND departure angle than the passport)... MAYBE my Q5 would make it, but the Nissan XTerra had the back hitch hit (ripped off the wiring block) and the sped-up video is from inside a Tacoma TRD.The passport will easily go on many mild to moderate off road trails with a set of 18" tires. Skid plates are available from aftermarket vendors if you want to push even harder with the passport. Its AWD is excellent and emulated locking diff performance pretty well, so I wouldn't worry there. I'd put it against any Subaru out there. The extra inch of clearance is not that different when you consider real measurements of components. For example a stock 4 runner is not actually the ground clearance they say on the entirety of the undercarriage.
I was able to drive my last SUV with only 7.3 inches clearance and worse angles, no skid plate on all the dirt tracks I wanted, some were even quite rough and steep. The only places I could not go were serious off road tracks that even stock 4 Runners could not do, so a TRD or Jeep would be needed anyway, and I am NOT about to drive one of those around for the few times I want to get serious per year. For those rare times, I just rent an ATV or Jeep. Ask yourself how often you will do hardcore off-roading. Otherwise the Passport can do lots of moderate stuff and is much better on the road. Some of the Cherokees are indeed plush and capable at once, but I have heard the reliability is still not there after all these years trying to improve, and friends with Jeeps seem to verify this assumption.
I'd rant for a bit about the imbecile stock 20" tires on the Passport but what is the point. The whole industry is caught up in these uncomfortable, ugly as can be bicycle wheels and people keep buying them to the point that now we don't even get a choice. Most brands only offer upper trims with these dumb wagon wheels and I always change them out particularly before attempting even moderate off-roading. Ride improves as well.
The new 2020 subaru has the 2.4L turbocharged engine, which offers very similar HP and better torque (at lower RPM) than the passport - so it's not really underpowered though?I think I was of a similar mind-set, I wanted an off road capable machine, but in truth I would be driving civilized paved roads over 95% of the time. I looked at Outbacks but they were under powered (although about 6 months ago, I bought our daughter 2019 Forester). I also was sort of considering a Tacoma, but not being a real "truck guy" I didn't want a rougher ride that 95% of the time. Anyway, I bought my Passport the about 5 weeks after it was first released and have been extremely happy with it, I did have it on some flat dirt roads in October and it was awesome! The PP is super smooth and quiet to drive (better than a Subaru)!
If I recall correctly, the Passport is at 8.1 inches of clearance, while Subaru's are at 8.7, not a deal breaker.
For what you want to do, and seeing you are in Canada, I'd recommend the following:
1) Get the Touring model (for the AWD)
2) Get the Lift Kit (approx. 2") aftermarket
3) Get the Skid Plate - aftermarket
4) Get some 18" Wheels with some Nittro Grappler2 tires - aftermarket
And you'll super happy...!
Cheers
Because it looks cool, different and slightly adds boss factorYou admit to NOT being an off-roader so why would you diminish its stock ride?
JMHO.
Bingo, we have a winner...Because it looks cool, different and slightly adds boss factor
More than likely for better On Road characteristics. I personally took my Passy offload and did better than most other vehicles. So long as the obstacle wasnt too crazy.Since Honda is advertising the Passport as more of the off-road type not sure why they did the low profile tires and no full-size spare. I wouldn't take it serious off-roading but living in Colorado there are some mountain passes that are considered off-road/4x4 roads that I would go if I had better tires and a full-size spare. I used to take my old Jeep Grand Cherokee that didn't have any added 4-wheeling accessories and it would go all these places no problem.
This brings up a question I was going to ask. Would a trans cooler extend the life of a trans when not doing any towing? Do you think the additional cost is worthwhile insurance?Also, I opted for the transcooler, which i think is always a good option.
