[RedCapote]

Edited, will start a new thread on it (SoCal Overland Expo).

 

[21EXL]

Awesome, is Gotter Adventure your channel?

No, he's a member over on the Passport forum. I like his build. 4" lift

 

[Old_Becomes_New]

One of the things I'm noticing on YouTube now that everyone is starting to compare the new 4Runner to the new Passport Trailsport, is that many people, I suppose understandably since Honda hasn't been known for off-road capability and you never see Honda on off-road accessory lists with nearly every off-roady bits manufacturer, are calling Honda's Trailsport line the Costco vehicle, the pick the kids up at school vehicle, the grass at best vehicle, and saying that if you want to actually off-road, you buy the Toyota. Body On Frame, yada yada yada.

And because I trail this thing weekly, I know otherwise. I'm the only Honda out there on the trails in a sea of Broncos, Wranglers, and pick-up trucks. But I'm doing the exact same trails. It can handle it, and then drive home smooth and comfortable without a fuss of what you just put it through. If you put $3k in accessories into a Trailsport (lift, tires, suspension), you could basically do 97% of what a TRD Pro can do, for a lot less money. I have no doubt.

I think Trailsporters would do well to get out there and make videos like this and put them on Youtube showing that mild and moderate trails are very do-able. It's no Wrangler Rubicon, obviously, but I argue it can hang with all 4Runners except maybe a TRD Pro at its limits. Why would this be worth doing? Because if the reputation at large begins to change towards Honda actually being pretty capable, then Honda will make more capable off-roaders to support that reputation. I encourage Trailsporters to go out there and do Trailsport things, and post it.

The trailsport marketing does have a bit more weight now since the 23 refresh. When I was looking at my options at first, the pilot and the passport weren’t in the running when I was looking at for a more capable SUV. The trailsport trim existed in the passport, but was more of an appearance package than anything.

I test drove a 4Runner and was looking for either a wilderness edition forester or outback on a lot as those 3 were my initial picks. I ended up having a horrible dealer experience at the Toyota dealer when I went to test drive one, which I’m sure impacted my first impressions. Never ended up testing a Subaru before Honda released the specs of the trailsport pilot.

I went to 2 different Honda dealers for TS test drives and both had a way better experience than Toyota. While it’s understandable considering the age of then current gen 4Runner, it really did not feel like a “new” car. For most situations, I feel the TS is more than capable while certainly being a bit more road friendly. 4Runner has a following for sure though and I still do like the utilitarian nature of them honestly. Problem at the time was the insane markup they’d slap on those things if it was decently speced.

 

[GrizzlyRent]

One of the things I'm noticing on YouTube now that everyone is starting to compare the new 4Runner to the new Passport Trailsport, is that many people, I suppose understandably since Honda hasn't been known for off-road capability and you never see Honda on off-road accessory lists with nearly every off-roady bits manufacturer, are calling Honda's Trailsport line the Costco vehicle, the pick the kids up at school vehicle, the grass at best vehicle, and saying that if you want to actually off-road, you buy the Toyota. Body On Frame, yada yada yada.

And because I trail this thing weekly, I know otherwise. I'm the only Honda out there on the trails in a sea of Broncos, Wranglers, and pick-up trucks. But I'm doing the exact same trails. It can handle it, and then drive home smooth and comfortable without a fuss of what you just put it through. If you put $3k in accessories into a Trailsport (lift, tires, suspension), you could basically do 97% of what a TRD Pro can do, for a lot less money. I have no doubt.

I think Trailsporters would do well to get out there and make videos like this and put them on Youtube showing that mild and moderate trails are very do-able. It's no Wrangler Rubicon, obviously, but I argue it can hang with all 4Runners except maybe a TRD Pro at its limits. Why would this be worth doing? Because if the reputation at large begins to change towards Honda actually being pretty capable, then Honda will make more capable off-roaders to support that reputation. I encourage Trailsporters to go out there and do Trailsport things, and post it.

The internet has some obnoxious bent towards Toyota. And YouTube based journalists are the absolute worst about it.

I agree, with the broverland way 90% of owners use their Toyotas/Jeeps/etc, a Trailsport could hang all day long. And without sacrificing ride comfort and interior space.

That said, put $3k into a Trailsport and $3k into a 4r. The 4r will run laps around the Honda all day long. Once you expand from overlanding into truly offroading, that solid rear axle, locker, and low range 4x4 become absolutely crucial. But how few people will ever actually do that.

I look forward to seeing more Trailsports doing Trailsport things. I’d love to see Honda coaxed into offering something with a low-range.

 

[cintocrunch]

The 2026 Trailsport will give 99% of potential 4Runner buyers the looks they want and the capability they need in a more efficient and better on-road package. The new 4Runner may be great, I don't know yet, but the new Passport will be cross shopped and will steal a LOT of sales.

 

[lowmpg]

Most 4runner owners don't even know how to engage low range. Enough said.

 

[Jimboschnitz]

Happy to be a new member as I look for information and news about the Trailsport. We
just purchased our new 2025 and am very pleased so far. I am looking forward to getting
off the beaten path but and concerned that this vehicle does not have any front tow
hooks incase I get into real trouble. My experiences in the past include some bad
moves on my part and am concerned that I may be extremely hesitant to venture to far
afield.

 

[Old_Becomes_New]

Happy to be a new member as I look for information and news about the Trailsport. We
just purchased our new 2025 and am very pleased so far. I am looking forward to getting
off the beaten path but and concerned that this vehicle does not have any front tow
hooks incase I get into real trouble. My experiences in the past include some bad
moves on my part and am concerned that I may be extremely hesitant to venture to far
afield.

While it can be difficult to reach if you’re really stuck, there’s an attachment point on the front skid plate underneath the vehicle that’s rated for that.

 

[kb_112]

Happy to be a new member as I look for information and news about the Trailsport. We
just purchased our new 2025 and am very pleased so far. I am looking forward to getting
off the beaten path but and concerned that this vehicle does not have any front tow
hooks incase I get into real trouble. My experiences in the past include some bad
moves on my part and am concerned that I may be extremely hesitant to venture to far
afield.

While it can be difficult to reach if you’re really stuck, there’s an attachment point on the front skid plate underneath the vehicle that’s rated for that.

Yup and get some soft shackles! They make it easier to attach to the skid plate and hook up in the event you need a pull.

 

[GrizzlyRent]

Yup and get some soft shackles! They make it easier to attach to the skid plate and hook up in the event you need a pull.

Great point. Soft shackles are a worthwhile investment. I keep a couple in my truck all the time.

 

[Mfg]

First time poster…. Thank you all for the inspiration and information!

25 trailsport
Yakima HD crossbars/timberline towers
1up heavy duty rack with 7in hitch extender which allows for full hatch operation when rack folded vertical.

contemplating a 1.5in lift but want to see how it does on the beach first.

First Honda since an 04’ Element- so many similar design elements 20 years later-happy to be back!

 

[lowmpg]

MN

 

[RedCapote]

Sunday funday. Hiked a trail, and after I was finished with it, I thought it would be a good challenge for the Pilot, so then I drove the trail. There were some very steep inclines and declines, I don't have any device that measures yet, but I'd say it was a good 45-50 degree incline and easily a 65 degree decline if not more. It was like the rollercoaster facing straight down - I thought she'd just slide, but the brakes held her. She handles this surprisingly well.

However, I attempted to cross a very large muddy puddle (large enough to fit 2 rows of 3 Trailsports lined up one in front of the other) The problem was the mud at the bottom of said puddle, not the puddle itself. And even though I was in trail mode, the TS did not like that very much, and now we know exactly why there's not a mud mode. She absolutely did not have the tire grip, and I was lucky to have been able to reverse out because I felt her getting bogged down. I've been bogged down in sand before with her, and I know if you don't get the first reverse right, you may not be going anywhere after that. I thought I was going to be stuck, but I got out on the first reverse. Do not ford a muddy puddle with these stock all-terrain tires. Steep rocky trails? Piece of cake. Solid rocky river bottoms and such? No problem. Sand on the beach? Surprisingly good if you keep the momentum going forward. Snow? Apparently pretty good as seen above, have not tried it myself yet. Mud? She does NOT like it. She needs a lift and far more aggressive and deeper tread mud tires for such obstacles.

Best pics of the day from the top of Marshall's Peak (elevation 4006 ft):

Paragliders launch their paraglides from this spot, and there was about 6 of them in the air nearby.

 

[Hogan773]

Sunday funday. Hiked a trail, and after I was finished with it, I thought it would be a good challenge for the Pilot, so then I drove the trail. There were some very steep inclines and declines, I don't have any device that measures yet, but I'd say it was a good 45-50 degree incline and easily a 65 degree decline if not more. It was like the rollercoaster facing straight down - I thought she'd just slide, but the brakes held her. She handles this surprisingly well.

However, I attempted to cross a very large muddy puddle (large enough to fit 2 rows of 3 Trailsports lined up one in front of the other) The problem was the mud at the bottom of said puddle, not the puddle itself. And even though I was in trail mode, the TS did not like that very much, and now we know exactly why there's not a mud mode. She absolutely did not have the tire grip, and I was lucky to have been able to reverse out because I felt her getting bogged down. I've been bogged down in sand before with her, and I know if you don't get the first reverse right, you're may not be going anywhere after that. I thought I was going to be stuck, but I got out on the first reverse. Do not ford a muddy puddle with these stock all-terrain tires. Steep rocky trails? Piece of cake. Solid rocky river bottoms and such? No problem. Sand on the beach? Surprisingly good if you keep the momentum going forward. Snow? Apparently pretty good as seen above, have not tried it myself yet. Mud? She does NOT like it. She needs a lift and far more aggressive and deeper tread mud tires for such obstacles.

Best pics of the day from the top of Marshall's Peak (elevation 4006 ft):

View attachment 181413

View attachment 181412

Paragliders launch their paraglides from this spot, and there was about 6 of them in the air nearby.

Pilot looks really clean for being out doing trail running!

 

[RedCapote]

Pilot looks really clean for being out doing trail running!

You know, I've been wondering when someone was going to ask if I'm cleaning the car up for these trail pictures. I assure you I'm not. I too am surprised how clean it can sometimes (sometimes!) look in the pictures midway through these trail runs. I have always been pretty obsessive about keeping my vehicles clean, though. This sky blue color just shoots really well in the sunlight.

When zoomed in, you can see the streaks of that mudwater residue on the wheels.

 

[Hogan773]

You know, I've been wondering when someone was going to ask if I'm cleaning the car up for these trail pictures. I assure you I'm not. I too am surprised how clean it can sometimes (sometimes!) look in the pictures midway through these trail runs. I have always been pretty obsessive about keeping my vehicles clean, though. This sky blue color just shoots really well in the sunlight.
When zoomed in, you can see the streaks of that mudwater residue on the wheels.

Haha yeah I almost typed that I wondered if you had some microfiber towels and some quick detailer spray in the trunk and gave your car a wipedown before the glamour shots

 

[RedCapote]

Haha yeah I almost typed that I wondered if you had some microfiber towels and some quick detailer spray in the trunk and gave your car a wipedown before the glamour shots

I do have that in the vehicle for when I hit the car wash afterwards, but no extra glamour for those trail shots. Doesn't everybody always have 3 clean microfibers and some detailer spray on hand... or is that just us anal retentive types? 😅

 

[GrizzlyRent]

I do have that in the vehicle for when I hit the car wash afterwards, but no extra glamour for those trail shots. Doesn't everybody always have 3 clean microfibers and some detailer spray on hand... or is that just us anal retentive types? 😅

If the body isn't pin-striped within a couple trail runs, did you really go wheeling??

 

[Hogan773]

If the body isn't pin-striped within a couple trail runs, did you really go wheeling?? View attachment 181436

Grizz I would take that back to your Honda dealer and get them to replace that car, given how dirty it has become so quickly. It didn't look like that when you took delivery of the vehicle! When you look at the website and the marketing brochures, the Pilots don't look at all like that!!! Honda quality has really gone down the tubes these days, guys. If they don't swap out your Pilot with a fresh new one on the spot, I would hire two lawyers and sue them in small claims court. You shouldn't have to drive around in a car that looks that way when you've only owned it for such a short period of time!

 

[RedCapote]

If the body isn't pin-striped within a couple trail runs, did you really go wheeling??

You keep playing rough like that, you're going to misalign your body panel gaps.