Telemetry applications that keep track of throttle position, brake pressure, and lap times have primarily been associated with sports cars. Popular among car enthusiasts, apps like Porsche’s Track Precision and Chevrolet’s Performance Data Recorder provide concrete evidence of performance metrics such as lap timings and G-forces, rather than relying solely on experience.
However, Honda is taking this concept off the racetrack and onto rugged terrains with its new initiative.
The Honda Trail Experience (HTX) officially marks the company’s entry into off-road-focused technology. This complimentary app can be downloaded via the Apple App Store, specifically designed for the 2026 TrailSport models of the Pilot, CR-V, and Passport. Development of HTX was informed by feedback from over 1,500 Passport TrailSport owners.
Important Features for Off-Road Enthusiasts
Captivating Highlights Add to the Adventure
The HTX app was designed by Honda’s North American Automotive Development Center, working in collaboration with the Passport development team. It tracks eleven key data points during off-road adventures, which include:
- Elevation, pitch, and roll.
- GPS location (latitude and longitude).
- Brake pressure, throttle position, and speed.
- Engine temperature, outside temperature, and tire angle.
Understanding pitch and roll is crucial when navigating off-road, as it helps drivers detect a vehicle nearing its limits before losing control. Pitch reflects the angle of ascent or descent, while roll indicates tilting side-to-side on uneven surfaces. Monitoring these metrics in real-time can prevent mishaps, especially on challenging terrains like rock gardens.
Drivers can visualize up to six data points on their vehicle’s touchscreen, customizing the display to suit their current adventure. The app also records journeys, allowing users to revisit routes and analyze performance afterward. Whether it’s remembering the best path through a rocky obstacle or gauging the steepness of an incline, this feature extends the utility of each outing.
The app captures video, utilizing the iPhone camera and microphone, to overlay maps and performance data onto recorded clips. Video recording is managed through the vehicle touchscreen, enabling versatile mounting options for the phone during filming. The app can also capture still images, eliminating the need for additional editing software.
Users can smoothly share their scenic recordings on social media, complete with performance data and insights from their excursions. Such captured moments become cherished keepsakes filled with memories, like children experiencing a tough climb or family picnics at scenic spots.
TrailSport Owners Contribute to App Design
Feedback from Users Fuels Improvements
In January, Honda invited a mix of novice and expert off-roaders, including Passport TrailSport owners, to test the app at The Overland Company in North Carolina. The insights gathered from these enthusiasts were instrumental in shaping HTX’s functionality and will inform future versions.
Moreover, Honda encourages all HTX users to provide feedback. The app has a feature that allows users to send comments directly to the development team. This input is critical for refining and enhancing features based on varying off-road conditions across regions.
Currently iPhone Exclusive
HTX is currently available as a free download on the Apple App Store for owners of the 2026 Pilot TrailSport, CR-V TrailSport, and Passport TrailSport models. While it’s presently exclusive to iPhone users, an Android version is in the works, with a release date yet to be announced.
The Pilot TrailSport features a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower and all-wheel drive, starting at $50,595. The CR-V TrailSport takes a different approach with a two-motor hybrid system rated at 204 horsepower, priced starting at $38,800. The Passport TrailSport, priced starting at $48,650, boasts the same V6 engine after significant redesign for the 2026 model year and competes effectively within the midsize SUV segment.
In addition to its off-road capabilities, the Passport TrailSport was also recognized as one of the safest new vehicles for teen drivers, according to reputable safety organizations.
