If you want a reliable off-road vehicle, look no further than our guide to the top off-road Honda models. Find the best option for your needs and budget.
The top Honda models that stand out as the best options for off-roading are the Honda Pilot TrailSport, Honda CR-V, and Honda Ridgeline. These vehicles are designed to handle the toughest trails, with powerful engines and advanced suspension systems that provide excellent control and stability.
Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or love going on adventures in rough terrain or trails, picking the right machine is critical for an exhilarating experience. Based on extensive testing, reviews, and comparison of various off-road Honda options available today, I’ve narrowed down to only the best performers so that you don't have to tire yourself out searching. Read on to learn more.
Key Takeaways
- When it comes to off-road adventures, there’s a Honda vehicle that can suit your needs.
- Hondas feature sturdy frames, powerful engines, and advanced suspension systems.
- When choosing a Honda vehicle, it's best that you consider your needs and preferences.
- Ultimately, research, compare your options, and test-drive the vehicles that interest you.
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Top 5 Best Off-Road Honda for Your Next Adventure
Trailblazers or off-roaders searching for an off-road vehicle that can withstand any environment need not look further than Honda's inventory of ATVs. With their history of producing high-quality products, these vehicles offer ideal reliability on rough terrains.
If you're looking for a reliable off-road vehicle that can handle any terrain, Honda has a few great options to choose from.
Here are the top Honda vehicles that are extremely capable for your off-road adventures:
1. Honda Pilot TrailSport
Whether it's rocky hillsides or muddy banks, the Honda Pilot TrailSport has you covered when it comes to traversing any type of rough terrain.
With its robust build and smart features designed for everyday use, this car bridges both worlds seamlessly. Here are some of the key highlights regarding what makes owning a Honda Pilot TrailSport a wise choice:
Specifications
The Honda Pilot TrailSport comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic transmission.
The TrailSport also has a lifted suspension, 18-inch wheels, and different tires than the standard Pilot. It has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, which is perfect for hauling a trailer or boat.
Performance
The Honda Pilot TrailSport rises to meet off-road challenges head-on where the average Pilot falls short.
A notable feature of this off-road capable SUV is its increased distance from the ground, which ensures smooth sailing over jagged rocks and other rough terrain types.
With maximum traction in any condition, you can feel confident driving on dirt, mud, or snow. So, you can easily crank up that all-wheel-drive for superior grip and tackle any backdrop Mother Nature dreams up!
What Sets It Apart
What sets the Honda Pilot TrailSport apart from other SUVs is its combination of rugged off-road capability, comfort, and convenience features. Besides the spacious and comfortable interior, it also comes with a variety of features designed to make your life easier, such as a power liftgate and heated front-row seats.
Recent Updates
As a recent addition to the Honda lineup, the TrailSport model of the Honda Pilot was introduced in 2022.
Despite its novelty, Honda has already significantly updated the new Pilot for the 2023 model year. The recent updates include a new color option and some minor tweaks to the exterior styling.
Benefits
- Has a spacious and comfortable interior and accommodates up to eight passengers.
- The all-wheel-drive system provides maximum traction in any driving conditions.
- The new Pilot TrailSport model boasts a suspension lift and alternative tire selection, rendering it more adept at off-road performance than the base Pilot vehicle.
Drawbacks
- The new Pilot is more expensive than the standard Pilot.
- The TrailSport has a lower fuel economy than the standard Pilot.
- The TrailSport's off-road capabilities may be overkill if you don't plan on doing much off-roading.
Who Should Buy
For families that love exploring rugged terrains, trekking in undiscovered wilderness areas, and taking on challenging trails, a car must be ready for anything you may encounter along the way.
That's where the Honda Pilot TrailSport comes in: Its robust build can withstand harsh weather conditions while providing comfort and versatility fit for off-roaders or any adventure seeker.
Where to Buy
You can purchase the Honda Pilot TrailSport from Honda’s site or at any Honda dealership, including online platforms like Autotrader.
2. Honda Passport TrailSport
The rugged Honda Passport TrailSport is a midsize SUV that's ideal for off-road adventures. Its advanced features make it an excellent choice, and you'll be impressed by its capabilities on the road.
Specifications
The Honda Passport TrailSport comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It has a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The vehicle can tow up to 5,000 pounds and has a ground clearance of 7.5 inches.
Performance
The Passport TrailSport is built for off-road exploration. It has a four-mode Intelligent Traction Management system that allows you to adjust the vehicle's performance based on the terrain you're driving on. The system includes Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand modes.
By incorporating an i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system, this car is able to showcase remarkable traction and stability capabilities while traversing uneven terrain.
Additionally, its off-road tuned suspension has been purposefully designed for off-roading purposes - featuring raised ride height paired with meticulously calibrated shock absorbers.
What Sets It Apart
In terms of off-road ability, few midsize SUVs can hold a candle to the Passport TrailSport. Its rugged exterior aesthetic speaks volumes with features such as skid plates, roof rails, and 18-inch black alloy wheels.
Recent Updates
As of the year 2022, Honda added the Passport TrailSport to their list of current models. It is considered a newer addition since there haven't been any significant updates made to it ever since its launch. However, Honda has a habit of updating their vehicles frequently with new tech features.
Benefits
- Excellent off-road performance
- Spacious interior with plenty of cargo space
- Comfortable ride, even on rough terrain
- Reliable and well-built
Drawbacks
- Higher price point than some other midsize SUVs
- Not as fuel-efficient as some competitors
- Noisy engine at higher speeds
Who Should Buy
If you're an adventurist who enjoys discovering new grounds, the Honda Passport TrailSport is definitely a vehicle worth checking out. Families who need an SUV with ample cargo space will also benefit from this model. However, those who prioritize fuel efficiency may want to consider other options.
Where to Buy
You can buy the Honda Passport TrailSport at any Honda dealership. It's also available for purchase online through Honda's website.
3. Honda CR-V
If you’re an off-roading enthusiast, you’ll be pleased to know that you don't need a rugged four-wheel-drive truck for your next adventure. The Honda CR-V will get them there just fine!
Specifications
The Honda CR-V comes with a standard 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque.
The CR-V has a ground clearance of 7.8 inches, making it less than ideal for serious off-roading. It’s also paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
This agile compact SUV delivers precise handling through its MacPherson strut front suspension system and rear multi-link suspension system.
Performance
While not necessarily built for hardcore off-roading activities, utilizing the Honda CR-V under mild off-road circumstances proves immensely possible.
Beneath this vehicle's frame exists an advanced drive system that guarantees significant adherence to surfaces prone to becoming slick or unstable.
The suspension also encompasses cleverly engineered features resulting in substantial cushioning along precarious paths. However, the CR-V's low ground clearance limits its off-road capabilities.
What Sets It Apart
In terms of flexibility compared to other off-highway cars, it's not even close; few vehicles hold a candle to the Honda CR-V. This highly reliable SUV offers superior comfort and practical benefits for all driving situations while remaining fuel-efficient. In fact, its unbelievable EPA estimated rate suggests you can expect around 28 miles per gallon in urban areas and up to 34 on highways.
Recent Updates
For the 2022 model year, Honda has refreshed the CR-V with a new Sport trim level and updated styling. This popular SUV was last redesigned in 2017, but now it comes with additional standard safety features.
Benefits
- The CR-V is fuel-efficient.
- Versatile and practical SUV for various driving conditions.
- The all-wheel-drive system provides good traction on slippery surfaces.
Drawbacks
- The Honda CR-V's low ground clearance limits its off-road capabilities.
- The standard engine may not provide enough power for some drivers.
Who Should Buy
Got daily commutes? Family vacations? Or perhaps light off-roading? Then the Honda CR-V is the ride for you! Just don't expect it to outperform other vehicles specially made for intense off-road adventures.
The Honda CR-V is a good choice for drivers who want a versatile and practical SUV that can handle a variety of driving conditions.
Where to Buy
The Honda CR-V is available at Honda dealerships nationwide. Another viable option is visiting Honda’s official website or perusing online marketplaces like Autotrader.
4. Honda Element
If you want a versatile off-road vehicle with plenty of room, the Honda Element is worth considering. Here's what you need to know:
Specifications
The Honda Element model was produced from 2003-2011 for driving comfort and convenience.
It's powered by a fuel-saving four-cylinder engine that measures just about 2.4 liters, providing off-roaders with an impressive output of up to around 166 horsepower and torque scaling at approximately 161 lb-ft.
Equipped with either front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive trains, along with available options for an automatic or standard transmission unit with five speeds.
Performance
Although the Honda Element may not be the most commanding automobile available, it possesses sufficient capability for traversing uneven terrain.
Its drive system provides good traction, and its ground clearance of 6.9 inches is decent for a vehicle of its size. It's also relatively fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of up to 22 mpg combined.
What Sets It Apart
One of the unique features of the Honda Element is its configurable interior. The rear seats can be removed entirely or folded up against the side walls to create a large, flat cargo area. The plastic flooring and wipeable seats make cleaning easy after a muddy off-road adventure.
Recent Updates
The Honda Element was discontinued in 2011, so no recent updates are reported. However, it's worth noting that the Honda CR-V, which shares many parts with the Element, has become more off-road-oriented in recent years.
Benefits
- Configurable interior for maximum cargo space
- All-wheel drive for better traction off-road
- Relatively fuel-efficient for an SUV
Drawbacks
- Not the most powerful vehicle on the market
- Ground clearance could be higher
- No longer in production, so finding parts may be difficult
Who Should Buy
If you want to tackle challenging paths and travel off-road without compromising ride quality or convenience, this vehicle should be your first pick. In terms of versatility and storage capacity, the Honda Element surpasses almost all other options available.
Where to Buy
When searching for a Honda Element, it's essential to note that this model is no longer manufactured today. To acquire one, your best option is to explore used models around your locality and on online platforms like Craiglist, Autolist, or Autotrader thoroughly.
5. Honda Ridgeline
If you're looking for an off-road vehicle that can handle both the trails and the highway, the Honda Ridgeline might be the perfect choice for you.
This versatile pickup truck offers a comfortable ride, impressive performance, and a range of features that make it a great choice for anyone who loves to explore the great outdoors.
Specifications
The Honda Ridgeline is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
The base version includes a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic; otherwise, shell out extra cash for its upgraded nine-speed auto-fit available as well.
Its immense tow capacity reaching over 5000 pounds and its whopping speed limit are sure signs that it won't back down from any job.
Performance
Those seeking performance and comfort in one package will find satisfaction with the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck.
Capable of handling various terrains due to its advanced all-wheel drive system, driving has never been smoother than when behind the wheel of this vehicle - ideal for regular commutes or marathon journeys on the road.
What Sets It Apart
The Honda Ridgeline is unique in that it offers the comfort and convenience of an SUV with the utility of a pickup truck.
Recent Updates
In an effort to keep up with its competitors in the midsize truck segment, Honda updated their popular Ridgeline for 2021.
Aside from its revised front-end design and upgraded infotainment system, Honda added new safety technologies like collision mitigation braking and adaptive cruise control.
Benefits
- Comfortable ride
- Advanced safety features
- Impressive towing and payload capacity
- Advanced all-wheel drive system
Drawbacks
- Lower ground clearance than some other off-road vehicles
- Not as capable off-road as some other pickup trucks
Who Should Buy
Adding more functionality to your experience by indulging your adult needs with comfort and safety features, the Ridgeline is well suited for family use during regular commuting routines.
Where to Buy
You can buy the Honda Ridgeline from Honda's official site or at any authorized Honda dealership. Make sure you also check with your local dealership to see their available inventory and schedule a test drive.
