Honda of Oakland - How Does the Second-Generation i-VTM4® AWD in the 2026 Honda Passport Build Confidence for Drivers around Emeryville, CA?
The 2026 Passport’s second-generation i-VTM4® AWD system is engineered to help you stay composed when weather, road surfaces, and trail conditions change without notice. Around the Bay, that might mean slick morning commutes, gravel-strewn construction zones, and weekend trailheads with loose, uneven approaches. i-VTM4® works to distribute torque proactively to support traction and control, helping the Passport feel planted when a curve tightens or a climb gets choppy. On dry pavement, it contributes to a surefooted, connected feel; off the beaten path, it enhances confidence as you pick your line over ruts or around embedded rocks.
What stands out is how naturally the system integrates. There’s no drama—just calm progress. When you combine i-VTM4® with the Passport’s off-road tuned suspension, the chassis maintains reassuring body control, and the tires remain engaged with the surface. Add the available TrailWatch™ camera system, and you can visualize obstacles at low speeds, improving tire placement while protecting the underbody. For drivers who want genuine capability without sacrificing a quiet, refined ride for everyday errands, this blend of traction intelligence and chassis tuning is the sweet spot.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How does i-VTM4® AWD actually help on everyday streets?
Even on clean pavement, i-VTM4® can enhance stability and cornering confidence by managing torque to support the vehicle’s line through a turn. In real life, that translates to a planted feel on freeway ramps and a steady, predictable response when traffic patterns shift and you need to change lanes quickly.
What about slippery or uneven surfaces—how will I notice the difference?
On wet, sandy, or patched-up roads, you’ll primarily notice a lack of drama. The Passport accelerates and tracks with composure, and steering inputs remain consistent. On uneven pathways—like a pitted access road—the system helps maintain grip so forward progress feels smoother and more controllable.
How do TrailWatch™ and i-VTM4® work together on the trail?
TrailWatch™ gives you low-speed camera views to see obstacles and guide your tire placement. i-VTM4® supports that precision by distributing power to help the tires maintain purchase as you steer around rocks, ledges, and ruts. The result is more control with fewer surprises when the route narrows.
Is there anything I should focus on during a test drive?
Bring your typical routes into the drive: a freeway on-ramp, a few tighter turns, and a rougher stretch of road or a safe gravel segment. Pay attention to steering feel, how the body settles after bumps, and how calmly the Passport gathers itself when surfaces change. If available, sample TrailWatch™ in a low-speed maneuver to experience the added visibility.
- Pair traction with visibility: Consider TrailWatch™ alongside i-VTM4® if you frequently encounter narrow paths or tight garages.
- Match suspension to your routes: The off-road tuned suspension is an asset if your weekends include unpaved stretches.
- Plan accessory support: HPD™ Front Scuff Plate, HPD Rock Sliders, MOLLE panels, Cargo Utility Light, and a Tailgate Table Shelf add function for gear-heavy trips.
Shoppers weighing midsize SUVs will find the 2026 Passport’s traction story compelling precisely because it’s effortless. It helps behind the scenes—no complicated management, no trade-off in daily comfort. For a closer look, schedule a road-and-trail-focused drive with Honda of Oakland, and ask to explore camera views, driver-assist settings with Honda Sensing®, and cargo solutions that fit your lifestyle. Our team is serving Emeryville, Piedmont, and Albany with tailored guidance, trim comparisons, and accessory planning so your Passport feels dialed in from day one.