2026 Honda Passport or 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe: Which SUV has the more capable AWD for weekend getaways around West Bend, WI?

Russ Darrow Honda – 2026 Honda Passport or 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe: Which SUV has the more capable AWD for weekend getaways around West Bend, WI?

When you are choosing an SUV for Wisconsin’s mix of city streets, county highways, and gravel cut-throughs, the all-wheel-drive system is not just a checkbox feature. It is the difference between taking the fun route with confidence and turning back when surfaces get loose. The central question shoppers ask is simple: which has the more capable AWD for real-world adventures around West Bend, WI, the Passport’s second-generation i-VTM4® or the Santa Fe’s HTRAC? Let’s answer that with a closer look at how each system works and what that means for your drive.

Honda’s i-VTM4® system is built around a rear differential that can actively send torque to either rear wheel. That is torque vectoring, and it influences not only traction off the line, but also stability and steering feel mid-corner. Imagine one rear wheel on wet leaves and the other on dry pavement—i-VTM4® can prioritize the wheel with grip and even overdrive it to help the Passport pivot with composure. It feels calm and predictable, whether you are aiming for a gap during a left turn or easing up a rutted boat ramp. Hyundai’s HTRAC distributes power between the front and rear axles and uses wheel-speed sensors and braking interventions to help manage slip, which is helpful for variable weather and light trails. The tuning is confident for daily life and long-distance cruising. Where the difference shows is on uneven surfaces, deep ruts, or diagonally offset bumps, where a true torque-vectoring rear axle can more decisively pull you through.

Both SUVs offer selectable drive or terrain modes, which adjust throttle sensitivity, shift points, and traction control thresholds. In the Passport, those modes work hand-in-glove with the torque-vectoring rear differential to alter how the vehicle rotates and claws for traction. It is a transparent, confidence-building effect when the shoulder gravel is soft or the two-track angles a bit more than expected. In the Santa Fe, the modes support HTRAC’s front-to-rear torque distribution and braking strategy, encouraging steady, predictable progress that favors stability. If your weekend plans often include exploring rustic roads, reaching trailheads, or heading out to Kettle Moraine with mountain bikes loaded, i-VTM4® simply feels more composed when the surface turns from smooth to scruffy.

The broader hardware picture matters, too. Passport TrailSport models pair that AWD system with available off-road-tuned suspension components that improve wheel articulation and ride control on broken surfaces. The available TrailWatch™ trail camera system projects a low-speed view around the vehicle, so you can see ruts and rock edges before you commit—hugely helpful in tight trailhead parking or when edging up to a crest with poor sightlines. Santa Fe’s XRT package brings additional ground clearance and all-terrain tires for a rugged stance and added capability, which is welcome for mild off-pavement excursions, camping approaches, and snow-packed lots. For towing small campers, jet skis, or a pair of ATVs, Passport’s available 5,000-lb rating builds in extra margin; Santa Fe’s maximum is lower, and that difference shows when the trailer adds weight and tongue load on angled driveways or lakeside ramps.

Inside, capability is also about utility. The Passport’s two-row layout gives you a generous cargo area with fewer compromises. You can slide bins, coolers, and bike gear straight in without removing a wheel or wrestling with a folded seatback if you do not have to. The load floor is wide, flat, and practical for the stuff that weekend miles require. Santa Fe’s three-row configuration adds flexibility for families who occasionally need extra seating, but that third row trims cargo space when raised. For adventures that are mostly five people and gear, the Passport’s packaging works with you, not against you.

If you want to turn the technical differences into a quick mental checklist, use the guide below.

1. Assess your surfaces: If your typical weekend includes ruts, washboard, or diagonally offset bumps, prioritize a true torque-vectoring rear axle.
2. Think towing margin: If your gear might grow—small camper today, heavier equipment tomorrow—look for a higher max tow rating for flexibility.
3. Consider cargo first: Two rows plus a wide, flat load floor are simpler if most trips are people plus gear, not three rows of passengers.

In short, both SUVs have the hardware to handle Midwest weather and daily life. The Passport’s i-VTM4® adds a layer of confidence that is obvious the first time one wheel is light and the other digs in. The Santa Fe’s HTRAC is polished and well-suited to mixed conditions, especially on pavement and well-graded gravel. Your decision comes down to whether you want the precision and composure of torque vectoring for those “just a little farther” moments on the map.

When you are ready to test the difference, a back-to-back drive tells the story best. You will feel how each system puts down power, how the steering reacts when surfaces change, and how the suspension keeps you settled over broken patches. That seat time is worth more than a stack of spec sheets. And if you like to explore state parks, tackle projects from the hardware store, or tow toys to the water, bring your checklist and your questions. We will help you map your use case to the right hardware for the miles ahead.

Russ Darrow Honda, serving Greenfield, Waukesha, and West Bend, is ready with knowledgeable guidance, detailed walkarounds, and routes that let you evaluate traction, ride, and noise in realistic conditions. Bring your weekend gear list, and we will show you cargo solutions and available accessories that make load-in and load-out easier, from roof gear to organized storage and protective add-ons.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What makes torque vectoring feel different on the road?

On a curved on-ramp or a slick corner, a torque-vectoring rear axle can send more power to the outer rear wheel, helping the SUV rotate smoothly and track your intended line with less steering correction.

Do terrain modes replace the need for a more advanced AWD system?

Terrain modes are valuable, but they adjust software behavior. A torque-vectoring rear differential is a hardware advantage that can shift power side to side, which software alone cannot fully replicate.

How should I test AWD systems on a drive?

Ask for a route with low-speed tight turns, a bumpy side street, and a safe gravel stretch. Pay attention to steering corrections, wheelspin, and how quickly the SUV regains calm when surfaces change.

Request more 2026 Honda Passport information