We see a Passport Trailsport as a good idea.
Off-road is becoming more crowded. Ford now has a new body-on frame Bronco that will challenge the segment leader, the Jeep Wrangler. This is something we have been waiting for for years. It was even possible that General Motors would enter the competition, but it turned out that another manufacturer might be interested in grabbing a piece.
Honda may be considering offering an off-road vehicle that is more rugged, if a patent filing is any indication. Or both. Undiscovered by CarBuzz The application for the “Trailsport”, name is registered for use in “automobiles, automobile structural parts”, but that doesn’t tell us much. The moniker could be used for off-road-oriented machines, with one or more models to be added.
The Passport is Honda’s most popular model. It seems like the best candidate for the Trailsport treatment. The model was previously a body-on frame chassis that shared the Isuzu Rodeo. It is still being promoted as an “rugged midsize SUV” and a “rugged crossover SUV.”
CarBuzz mentions that the Ridgeline truck, which is closely related to the Gladiator pickup, “would definitely make sense as the recipient of a Trailsport badge also.” There are rumors about a direct competitor, based on the new Bronco.
These are speculations, of course. Automakers sometimes take the extra step to protect a brand name even though they don’t have any plans. Honda’s “Trailsport” filing will only be confirmed in time.