Honda of Oakland - What Does the Second-Generation i-VTM4® AWD System Add for 2026 Honda Passport Shoppers around San Francisco, CA?
For Bay Area drivers comparing midsize SUVs, the Second-Generation i-VTM4® AWD System in the 2026 Passport is a standout technology because it helps the vehicle feel composed on pavement while delivering the traction you want when roads get wet, rutted, or unpaved. Rather than simply reacting to wheel slip, i-VTM4® can proactively apportion torque not just from front to rear, but also side to side across the rear axle. That means improved cornering stability in the city and on winding highways, as well as added confidence when one side of the vehicle encounters mud, gravel, or a slick paint stripe.
Owners appreciate that i-VTM4® benefits daily driving just as much as weekend exploring. In stop-and-go traffic, you notice a stable, planted feel as the system enhances the Passport’s sure-footed character. On a rain-soaked ramp or a sharp uphill turn, i-VTM4® helps send power where it is most effective so momentum stays on your side. Pair it with the available Off-Road Tuned Suspension and available TrailWatch™ camera system, and the Passport delivers a confidence trifecta—traction, composure, and visibility that work seamlessly together.
- Cornering confidence: Torque vectoring across the rear axle helps the Passport rotate through turns with reassuring stability.
- Mixed-surface traction: When one rear wheel finds loose gravel and the other finds firm pavement, i-VTM4® can help direct drive to the tire with grip.
- All-weather assurance: From the first fall rain to winter cold snaps, the system helps maintain control when conditions change.
For those weighing trim levels, TrailSport and TrailSport Elite bring rugged styling and functional upgrades that complement i-VTM4®. You can add Honda Genuine Accessories like HPD™ Rock Sliders and HPD™ Front Scuff Plate for extra protection and expressive design, plus practical cabin and cargo enhancements including a MOLLE Panel Set, Cargo Utility Light, and Tailgate Table Shelf for better organization. Color choices such as Sunset Orange, Ash Green Metallic, Radiant Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, and Sonic Gray Pearl let you match the exterior to your personality.
Equally important, Honda Sensing® is standard across the lineup, adding driver-assistive and safety technologies that support your awareness in dense traffic and on open roads alike. When you combine the stable chassis, Second-Generation i-VTM4® AWD System, available TrailWatch™, and the attentive layer of Honda Sensing®, the Passport becomes a versatile, confidence-building SUV for families and solo adventurers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does i-VTM4® help on dry pavement, or only on slippery roads?
It helps in both scenarios. On dry pavement, the side-to-side torque distribution across the rear axle enhances cornering stability and responsiveness. When conditions turn wet or surfaces vary, the system’s ability to send power to the wheel with better traction helps maintain momentum and control.
Which trims offer the best pairing with i-VTM4® for light trail use?
TrailSport and TrailSport Elite are popular among drivers who want visual distinction with functional upgrades. Add-ons such as HPD™ Rock Sliders, HPD™ Front Scuff Plate, and interior cargo solutions complement the control you get from i-VTM4® when your weekend plans include trailheads or campsite access.
If you are evaluating how this AWD system fits your daily life, Honda of Oakland can walk you through a route that highlights tight urban maneuvers, freeway merges, and a short stretch of rougher pavement to demonstrate the difference. Our team is proudly serving San Francisco, Richmond, and Alameda and will tailor recommendations, accessories, and a test drive plan to your needs.