Honda has been developing its off-road capabilities for decades, long before the rise of the UTV industry. The company’s early ventures included single-seat dune buggies and the three-wheeled All-Terrain Cycle. These early projects laid the foundation for Honda’s off-road expertise, with names like “Odyssey” and “Pilot” originating from these experimental vehicles, long before they became household minivan and SUV names.
At the recent 2027 Passport TrailSport launch, a journalist experienced Honda’s internal off-road driver training program, which focuses on teaching efficient, accurate, and safe driving techniques. This program is not just about rugged aesthetics but about instilling a deep understanding of off-road mechanics among Honda’s workforce, ensuring that the design and engineering of their vehicles are grounded in practical, real-world off-road expertise.
Honda’s Off-Road Training Program
The program is led by Pete Langseth, a Honda engineer and I4WDTA-certified trainer. The International 4-Wheel Drive Trainers Association sets high standards for off-road driving, including vehicle recovery and setup. Langseth’s certification shows Honda’s commitment to adhering to the highest industry standards, ensuring that their training programs are both full and scientifically grounded. His expertise is evident in the way he approaches off-roading, treating it as a repeatable science rather than a reckless adventure.
Langseth teaches Honda employees to drive on various terrains, from dirt roads to challenging mogul courses. The training emphasizes progressive aggression and methodical movement to minimize impact on vehicles, bodies, land, and animals. This approach is exemplified by Langseth’s attention to detail, such as his preference for winching off deciduous trees due to their deeper roots, showcasing a level of environmental awareness that is rare in off-road training programs.
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Partnership with Overland Experts
Honda collaborates with Overland Experts (OEX), a leading off-road training organization. OEX provides trail networks in North Carolina, Utah, and Michigan for Honda’s training programs. This partnership allows Honda to leverage OEX’s extensive experience and resources, ensuring that their training programs are tested against a wide variety of terrains and obstacles.
During the Passport demo, Tony Cerruto, OEX’s director of military training, showcased a technical, tactical approach to off-roading. His presence highlights the depth of expertise that Honda brings to its training programs, combining military-grade tactics with practical off-road skills. This collaboration not only enhances Honda’s training capabilities but also ensures that their vehicles are tested in the most demanding conditions.
Honda’s commitment to off-road performance extends beyond its SUVs. The company also produces the Talon UTV and a range of off-road motorcycles. Furthermore, Honda is developing a new trophy truck design for desert racing, demonstrating its dedication to off-road innovation. This initiative, though not directly related to consumer vehicles, highlights Honda’s broader focus on off-road technology and its application across various platforms. Notably, Honda has been competing in desert racing’s premier Trophy Truck class since 2023, initially with a Ridgeline-badged truck and more recently with a Passport-badged truck that started the 2025 Baja 1000 on pole, showing their commitment to pushing the boundaries of off-road performance.
Impact on Honda’s SUV Development
Honda’s investment in off-road training is evident in its TrailSport program, which has received significant financial and personnel support. The company aims to train all its associates in off-road driving, ensuring a deep understanding of off-road mechanics among its workforce. This wide-ranging approach to training is a key factor in the success of Honda’s off-road vehicles, as it supports a culture of innovation and practical expertise within the company.
