Winter Escapes from Orangeville: Top 2026 Honda SUVs for a Ski Trip to Blue Mountain

Planning a winter getaway to Blue Mountain Resort from Orangeville means preparing for snowy highways, icy parking lots, and the need to haul skis, boots, and winter gear. The 2026 Honda lineup delivers three SUVs engineered to handle Ontario's winter conditions with confidence: the all-new Pilot, the rugged Passport TrailSport, and the first-ever CR-V TrailSport Hybrid. Each offers distinct advantages for families and adventurers heading north for a weekend on the slopes.

From advanced all-wheel-drive systems to clever cargo solutions, these Honda SUVs turn winter road trips into stress-free journeys. Here's how the 2026 Pilot, Passport TrailSport, and CR-V TrailSport Hybrid stack up for your next ski trip.

At a Glance: 2026 Honda SUVs for Winter Trips

2026 Honda Pilot: Three-Row Comfort with Standard Roof Rails

The refreshed 2026 Pilot arrives as Honda's largest SUV, offering three rows of seating and standard roof rails across all trims—a new addition for 2026. For families heading to Blue Mountain with multiple passengers and bulky gear, the Pilot delivers the space and capability to handle it all.

Winter-Ready Features:

• i-VTM4 All-Wheel Drive (Standard): Distributes up to 70% of torque to the rear axle and 100% to either rear wheel for confident handling on slick Highway 26 approaches
• Snow Mode: Pre-set drive mode optimizes throttle response and traction for winter conditions
• Standard Roof Rails: Now included on all trims, making it easy to mount ski racks or cargo boxes
• Flexible Cargo Space: Three-row configuration accommodates boots, helmets, and après-ski essentials

The Pilot's 3.5-litre V6 engine produces 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, providing strong acceleration for highway merges and hill climbs. The 10-speed automatic transmission delivers smooth, responsive shifts, while Hill Descent Control maintains steady speed on steep descents.

Inside, the Pilot's quieter cabin—thanks to new semi-tempered door glass and improved insulation—reduces road noise on long drives. The 12.3-inch touchscreen (37% larger for 2026) and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto keep navigation and entertainment accessible without fumbling with cables.

Who It's For: Families needing three rows, ample cargo space, and the versatility to haul gear on the roof.

2026 Passport TrailSport: Rugged Design Meets Ski-Trip Functionality

The all-new 2026 Passport TrailSport redefines adventure-ready design with its bold "backpack" aesthetic. The matte black rear roof section isn't just for looks—it allows you to lean skis, poles, and other equipment against the vehicle without worrying about scratches or damage. For ski trips, this practical design detail makes loading and unloading gear faster and easier.

Winter-Ready Features:

• i-VTM4 All-Wheel Drive (Standard): Second-generation system with 40% more torque capacity and 30% faster response
• General Grabber All-Terrain Tires: Co-developed for Passport TrailSport, these 275/60R18 tires improve traction in snow, mud, and rocky terrain
• Trail and Snow Modes: Seven drive modes optimize performance for winter roads and off-road trails
• 1,246 Litres of Cargo Space: Seats-up capacity with wide, flat loading floor

The Passport's 3.5-litre V6 engine delivers 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Off-road tuned suspension and 210 mm of ground clearance handle snow-covered parking lots and unplowed access roads with ease.

The "backpack" design extends to the interior, with durable synthetic leather upholstery that resists moisture from wet gear. Orange contrast stitching and TrailSport-embroidered headrests add visual appeal, while the 12.3-inch touchscreen and Google built-in provide seamless navigation and connectivity.

Who It's For: Adventurers who prioritize rugged capability, ski-friendly design, and off-road versatility.

2026 CR-V TrailSport Hybrid: Efficiency Meets All-Terrain Capability

The first-ever CR-V TrailSport Hybrid combines Honda's award-winning two-motor hybrid system with trail-ready all-terrain tires. For drivers seeking fuel efficiency without compromising winter capability, the CR-V TrailSport Hybrid delivers 204 horsepower, 247 lb-ft of torque, and a combined fuel economy rating of 6.7 L/100 km.

Winter-Ready Features:

• Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control: Standard all-wheel drive optimizes traction on snow and ice
• Continental CrossContact ATR All-Terrain Tires: 235/60R18 tires improve grip in snow, mud, and rocky terrain while remaining quiet on highways
• Enhanced Traction Management: Below 14 km/h, the system increases driving force to the most tractive tires and applies braking to slipping wheels
• 1,028 Litres of Cargo Space: Seats-up capacity accommodates gear for two to three passengers

The CR-V TrailSport Hybrid's fourth-generation two-motor hybrid system eliminates the need for a traditional transmission, delivering smooth, predictable acceleration. Snow mode adjusts throttle response for slippery conditions, while Hill Descent Control maintains steady speed on steep descents.

Inside, the CR-V TrailSport Hybrid features amber ambient lighting, TrailSport-embroidered headrests, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument display. The 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and wireless phone charger keep technology accessible without clutter.

Who It's For: Efficiency-focused drivers who want hybrid fuel economy with rugged all-terrain capability.

i-VTM4 vs. Real Time AWD: Understanding Honda's Winter Traction Systems

Honda equips its SUVs with two distinct all-wheel-drive systems, each engineered for specific driving scenarios.

i-VTM4 All-Wheel Drive (Pilot, Passport TrailSport):

• Torque-vectoring system distributes power between front and rear axles, and between left and right rear wheels
• Sends up to 70% of torque to the rear axle and 100% to either rear wheel
• Optimizes cornering by directing torque to the outside rear wheel, reducing understeer
• Standard on all Pilot and Passport TrailSport trims

Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control (CR-V TrailSport Hybrid):

• Monitors wheel slip and transfers power to wheels with the most traction
• Enhanced traction management below 14 km/h increases driving force and applies braking to slipping wheels
• Standard on CR-V TrailSport Hybrid, Sport Hybrid, EX-L Hybrid, and Touring Hybrid

Both systems provide confident handling on snowy highways and icy parking lots, with drive mode selections (Snow, Trail, Sand) optimizing performance for specific conditions.

Cargo Solutions: Roof Rails, Backpack Design, and Interior Space

Hauling skis, boots, helmets, and winter gear requires smart cargo solutions. The 2026 Honda lineup offers three distinct approaches:

2026 Pilot:

• Standard Roof Rails (All Trims): New for 2026, roof rails accommodate ski racks, cargo boxes, and bike mounts
• Three-Row Flexibility: Configurable seating with 60/40 split-folding rear seats

2026 Passport TrailSport:

• "Backpack" Design: Matte black rear roof section allows you to lean skis and poles against the vehicle without scratching
• 1,246 L Seats-Up Capacity: Wide, flat loading floor with 60/40 split-folding rear seats
• Standard Roof Rails: Black roof rails support ski racks and cargo boxes

2026 CR-V TrailSport Hybrid:

• 1,028 L Seats-Up Capacity: Compact footprint with efficient interior packaging
• 60/40 Split-Folding Rear Seats: Flat load floor accommodates longer items

All three SUVs include power tailgates for easy access when your hands are full of gear.

Honda Sensing: Safety Technology for Winter Driving

Winter road trips demand heightened attention to changing conditions. Honda Sensing comes standard on all 2026 Pilot, Passport TrailSport, and CR-V TrailSport Hybrid models, providing active safety features engineered to assist drivers in challenging weather.

Key Honda Sensing Features:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS): Detects potential collisions and applies braking if needed
• Road Departure Mitigation (RDM): Alerts drivers to unintended lane drift and applies steering torque to assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains set speed and following distance, adjusting for traffic flow
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS): Provides mild steering torque to help maintain lane position
• Blind Spot Information (BSI): Monitors blind spots and alerts drivers to vehicles in adjacent lanes

The Pilot adds a 360-degree surround view camera on TrailSport, Touring, and Black Edition trims, while the Passport TrailSport Touring includes the new TrailWatch camera system with front, rear, side, and 360-degree views.

Comparing Fuel Economy and Range

Winter driving often means longer trips and less predictable conditions. Here's how the 2026 Honda SUVs compare for fuel economy:

The CR-V TrailSport Hybrid delivers the lowest fuel consumption, making it ideal for frequent trips between Orangeville and Blue Mountain. The Pilot and Passport TrailSport offer V6 power for confident highway passing and hill climbs.

Which Honda SUV Is Right for Your Ski Trip?

Choose the 2026 Pilot if you need:

• Three rows of seating for larger groups
• Maximum cargo flexibility with standard roof rails
• V6 power for confident highway passing and hill climbs

Choose the 2026 Passport TrailSport if you want:

• Rugged off-road capability with all-terrain tires
• "Backpack" design for easy ski loading
• Bold, adventure-ready styling

Choose the 2026 CR-V TrailSport Hybrid if you prioritize:

• Hybrid fuel efficiency with all-terrain capability
• Compact size for easier parking and manoeuvrability
• Lower operating costs for frequent trips

Plan Your Winter Escape at Orangeville Honda

From the snowy drive along Highway 10 to the icy parking lots at Blue Mountain Resort, the 2026 Honda Pilot, Passport TrailSport, and CR-V TrailSport Hybrid deliver the winter capability, cargo versatility, and advanced safety technology to turn your ski trip into a confident, stress-free adventure. No matter if you need three-row seating, rugged off-road performance, or hybrid efficiency, there's a Honda SUV engineered for your winter escape.

Visit Orangeville Honda to explore the 2026 Pilot, Passport TrailSport, and CR-V TrailSport Hybrid. Our team can walk you through winter-ready features, demonstrate cargo solutions, and help you find the right SUV for your next trip to Blue Mountain. Book your test drive today and experience how Honda's all-wheel-drive systems handle Ontario winter conditions.