Honda has just transformed the Passport SUV. The outgoing model’s bland styling is being replaced with a much more rugged-looking shape.
Just ignore that some of that styling is clearly borrowed from its competitors because the hardware underneath — including an upgraded TrailSport off-roader — is all new.
Tougher Styling Looks Oddly Familiar
The automaker says the design is meant to have a backpack theme. That includes details like the matte-black finish on the back of the roof that lets you lean skis or fishing poles on your SUV without scratching the paint. But to us, it looks like Honda took the side profile of the last-generation Chevrolet Tahoe and mixed it with the nose of the original Nissan Pathfinder.
Just look at that slot above the grille and the four-hole insert inside. Pure Pathfinder, but also very rugged. All of Honda’s images are the TrailSport model, so expect some different inserts on the other versions of this mid-sized crossover.
More importantly than its inspirations, the shorter Passport now has a much different look than its longer sibling, the Honda Pilot. The two are now clearly different vehicles, each with unique styling.
More Cargo Space, Rear Seat Room
TrailSport Gets More Trail-Friendly Features
