Historically known for its sensible and efficient sedans and SUVs, Japanese brand Honda is focusing its efforts on off-road capable models with the debut of its new Passport TrailSport and the introduction of the Pilot TrailSport. Its Honda Racing Company (HRC) brand sells performance parts for off-road enthusiasts and their Hondas.

A rugged trim level available on the Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, these new TrailSport vehicles are no competition to the Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator and Ford Bronco. The Hondas are being followed by the Subaru Forester and Outback Wilderness, GMC Acadia AT4, Ford Bronco Sport and Nissan Rogue Rock Creek, which are perfect for lighter off-road adventures.

Honda is just one of many that are profiting from this trend. Its Pilot and Passport TrailSport SUVs ride on big wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, retuned suspension parts, skid plates and shorter front overhangs for a better approach angle. They also have a camera system that shows the tire path and the vehicle’s body guide rails to help drivers navigate obstacles on a slope, a blind ridge or the edge of a trail.

For buyers looking to hit the open air, Honda sells the Pioneer and Talon side-by-side, which can easily be towed onto trails with their trucks and SUVs.

Honda has more than half a century of experience in the production of off-road vehicles, first motorcycles, then all-terrain vehicles, side-by-sides and light trucks.

The automaker currently competes off-road with a racing version of its Ridgeline pickup in the Baja 1000 and others. His racing contract with General Tire has expanded to include new off-road tires developed specifically for the Passport TrailSport. Participation in races and events such as the Rebelle Rally helps demonstrate the performance of its road vehicle parts, the company said.

Modern all-wheel-drive systems are nearly as capable as traditional four-wheel-drive systems, the latter of which typically connects the rear or front axle together for more hill-climbing power. Honda’s setup, and similar setups in Subaru and Nissan vehicles, can sense each wheel’s grip and send power to the ones with the most. It can send up to 70 percent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels and then send 100 percent of that torque to each rear wheel. Honda has tuned and tested its system in off-road environments from California to Dubai.

“It can be challenging to catch up with the Ford Bronco (let alone longtime stalwarts like the Toyota Land Cruiser and 4Runner or Jeep Wrangler), but one thing is clear: the all-terrain vehicle market is still booming. from Honda, it would be foolish not to go for at least a piece of the pie.”