Opinions on Handling / Drive Dynamics appreciated 20 Touring awd

1661 Views 4 Replies 3 Participants Last post by Caneinvain, Jan 1, 2021

Caneinvain

Discussion Starter · Jan 1, 2021

After looking for a long while I had a chance to test drive a Touring awd that will come with crossbars and rear cargo mat. It was a dealer that bought vehicle from neighboring Honda dealer so it was prob an executive/dealer car as it’s near new and the price is outstanding considering it’s practically brand new (under 32).

I did my research but I needed to know if the car felt too large while driving it. As a single guy I only haul sports equipment and sometimes real estate cargo. Well, It def. felt like a large suv but I didn’t notice driving dynamics, but I do know after break In this will be quite a quick straight line vehicle (C&D quoted 5.8 60 which is amazing).

Since test drives are so limited I wanted others’ feedback on handling/cornering? Compared to say a Jeep GC, 4Runner, etc. basically other midsize suvs the forum has driven. And yes I’m cognizant it won’t be a Porsche, but I read as far as midsized go, the Blazer has great D dynamics, I don’t know about the PP?

Im basically wondering if I’m better off in a Forester XT or spending more looking for a Blazer. Both smaller crossovers than PP.

I love that PPs are so rare (esp in SW).
I love that PP mixes luxury w rugged.
I trust Honda quality and have never owned American.
I’m not planning on kids or ever coaching a soccer team.
I plan on going over 100k miles on this purchase.

Thanks for reading (and responding to) my long-windedness.

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DudeCS

· #2 · Jan 1, 2021

Prior to the Passport, I had an 2009 Accord V6 Coupe. Overall length between the two are about the same. The Pilot is the built on the same chassis and is 6" longer. The point, is that the Passport is not an overly long vehicle. Parking lot maneuvers are not an issue. The body is wide, so you have to be mindful of its width.

There is no mitigating physics with the higher center of gravity of the Passport or any SUV. However, Honda does a good job with vehicle handling... firm suspension and good feedback. The 20" wheels are great for on-road handling, but a negative for off-road or bad urban roads. I've filled the cargo area with two bikes hanging off the back for a cross-country trip and it still handle well at speed (80mph speed limits on western interstates).

If you are want some serious fun, change the transmission mode from "D" to "S", use the paddle shifters and take it around some curves. The engine had no problem spinning to redline.

With a smaller SUV, you give up 2nd row space (it is spacious) or rear cargo volume.

Honda is not an American car company, but the Passport is more American (built in US and content) than American brands. The Honda V6 engine has been around for awhile and it is a good one.

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Caneinvain

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jan 1, 2021

DudeCS said:
Prior to the Passport, I had an 2009 Accord V6 Coupe. Overall length between the two are about the same. The Pilot is the built on the same chassis and is 6" longer. The point, is that the Passport is not an overly long vehicle. Parking lot maneuvers are not an issue. The body is wide, so you have to be mindful of its width.

There is no mitigating physics with the higher center of gravity of the Passport or any SUV. However, Honda does a good job with vehicle handling... firm suspension and good feedback. The 20" wheels are great for on-road handling, but a negative for off-road or bad urban roads. I've filled the cargo area with two bikes hanging off the back for a cross-country trip and it still handle well at speed (80mph speed limits on western interstates).

If you are want some serious fun, change the transmission mode from "D" to "S", use the paddle shifters and take it around some curves. The engine had no problem spinning to redline.

With a smaller SUV, you give up 2nd row space (it is spacious) or rear cargo volume.

Honda is not an American car company, but the Passport is more American (built in US and content) than American brands. The Honda V6 engine has been around for awhile and it is a good one.

Coming from a Crosstour (197”) I wanted something of less length and of course that’s on an Accord platform too. The Sport mode comment is helpful and I realized later I had forgotten to utilize it on my test drive. Not first time I’ve done that. Thank you!

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stevenD

· #4 · Jan 1, 2021

Caneinvain said:
Im basically wondering if I’m better off in a Forester XT or spending more looking for a Blazer. Both smaller crossovers than PP.

I also have an AWD Touring, after 16 years of driving a couple of BMW 3-Series, the last one a 2-door Coupe with the M package that handled awesome. The PP is bigger and has more of a wide body feel but handles curves and such pretty well.

The Blazer is a POS, read up on it before getting stuck with that boat-anchor! And it is made in Mexico.

I bought our daughter a Forrester 4 months after I bought my Passport, it drives nice and is perfect for a 20 year old, she actually loves driving my PP as well, but the 4cyl engine and the CVT were the dealer breakers for me.

My wife drove a 1998 4Runner for 17 years, I drove it quite a bit too and it was MUCH more truck-like than the Passport.

If you can get a lightly used AWD Touring Passport for under $32k, I'd say go for it and fast...

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Caneinvain

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jan 1, 2021

stevenD said:
I also have an AWD Touring, after 16 years of driving a couple of BMW 3-Series, the last one a 2-door Coupe with the M package that handled awesome. The PP is bigger and has more of a wide body feel but handles curves and such pretty well.

The Blazer is a POS, read up on it before getting stuck with that boat-anchor! And it is made in Mexico.

I bought our daughter a Forrester 4 months after I bought my Passport, it drives nice and is perfect for a 20 year old, she actually loves driving my PP as well, but the 4cyl engine and the CVT were the dealer breakers for me.

My wife drove a 1998 4Runner for 17 years, I drove it quite a bit too and it was MUCH more truck-like than the Passport.

If you can get a lightly used AWD Touring Passport for under $32k, I'd say go for it and fast...

Yeah, nothing I cross shop will match that price. I actually read great things on the ‘20 Blazer as compared to the ‘19. I presume the kinks were worked out. You’re a good source for my question because you come from the ultimate driving dynamics car and have a Forester in family. Turbo is only one I’d consider though, I drove a low mileage one last week. Thx for your feedback and Happy New Year.

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