Best Honda for Big Cottonwood Canyon: Utah Ski Trip SUV Guide

If you live along the Wasatch Front, winter usually means one thing: ski season.

Whether you’re heading from Sandy, Draper, South Jordan, or Salt Lake City to Brighton or Solitude, getting up Big Cottonwood Canyon (SR-190) can be a completely different driving experience than your normal commute. Both Brighton Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort are located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, where snow, steep mountain roads, changing conditions, and winter traction requirements are all part of the trip.

So, which Honda SUV makes the most sense for a Utah ski trip?

Our top pick is the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport. It gives you standard all-wheel drive, plenty of ground clearance, room for ski and snowboard gear, and a rugged setup that feels especially well suited for Utah canyon driving.

But it isn’t the only good option. Here’s how the Passport, Pilot, and CR-V compare.

What Makes a Good SUV for Big Cottonwood Canyon?

Driving to the grocery store during a light Utah snowstorm is one thing. Driving SR-190 toward Brighton or Solitude during a winter storm is another.

For regular ski trips, we’d prioritize:

• All-wheel drive
• Good winter-rated tires
• Adequate ground clearance
• Snow-friendly drive modes
• Cargo room for skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, and bags
• Comfortable seating for longer traffic days
• Roof rails or available roof-mounted gear storage

And most importantly, the tires on the vehicle matter just as much as the AWD badge.

1. 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport: Best Overall for Big Cottonwood Canyon

If your weekends regularly include skis, snowboards, mountain roads, camping gear, or outdoor adventures, the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is our favorite Honda for the job.

The redesigned Passport comes standard with Honda's i-VTM4® AWD system, a 285-horsepower V6, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and seven available drive modes, including Snow Mode. Every 2026 Passport also offers 8.3 inches of ground clearance.

The TrailSport takes that setup further with:

• 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires
• Off-road-tuned suspension
• Skid plates
• Roof rails
• Heated wiper zone
• High-visibility recovery hooks
• Integrated Class III trailer hitch
• i-VTM4® AWD with Trail Torque Logic

Those features are designed primarily for rugged terrain, but several are also nice to have when your Utah weekend involves snow, slush, uneven parking areas, and mountain roads.

Plenty of Room for Ski Gear

The Passport is also a two-row SUV, so you aren't sacrificing the rear of the vehicle for a third row you may not use.

It provides 44 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, with significantly more space available once those seats are folded.

That gives you flexibility for skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, winter clothes, coolers, emergency gear, and everything else that somehow ends up coming along for a ski day.

Best for: Couples, small families, outdoor enthusiasts, frequent skiers, and Utah drivers who want an adventure-focused SUV without moving into a three-row vehicle.

2. 2026 Honda Pilot TrailSport: Best for Families & Ski Groups

Taking the whole family to Brighton? Carpooling with friends? Bringing enough gear to make the parking lot look like an REI exploded?

Go with the 2026 Honda Pilot TrailSport.

The Pilot TrailSport combines the capability of Honda's i-VTM4® AWD system with three-row seating for seven, giving you significantly more passenger flexibility than the Passport. It also has a 285-horsepower V6, Snow Mode, all-terrain tires, an off-road-tuned suspension, skid plates, and 8.3 inches of ground clearance.

The Pilot can also provide up to 113.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, depending on configuration.

That makes it particularly useful for families who need room for kids during the week and ski gear on the weekend.

Why We Like the Pilot for Ski Trips

The biggest advantage is flexibility.

You can carry more passengers, fold seats when you need additional equipment space, use the roof rails for larger ski accessories, and still have an SUV that's practical for daily life around Sandy and the Salt Lake Valley.

Best for: Families, larger groups, ski carpooling, and drivers who need three rows.

3. 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport Hybrid: Best for Efficiency + Ski Trips

Maybe you're only heading into the canyon a handful of times each season, while most of your driving happens on I-15, around Sandy, or commuting throughout the Salt Lake Valley.

That's where the 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport Hybrid starts to make a lot of sense.

For 2026, Honda offers a CR-V TrailSport Hybrid featuring:

• 204-horsepower two-motor hybrid powertrain
• Standard Real Time AWD™
• Snow Mode
• 18-inch wheels
• All-terrain tires
• Roof rails
• Heated front seats & steering wheel
• Power tailgate
• All-season floor mats

The CR-V also offers up to 76.5 cubic feet of cargo space, making it surprisingly useful for outdoor equipment while remaining smaller and easier to maneuver than the Passport or Pilot.

For someone who wants one SUV for commuting, errands, road trips, and occasional canyon ski days, the CR-V TrailSport Hybrid might actually be the sweet spot.

Best for: Daily commuters, couples, small families, and drivers prioritizing hybrid efficiency.

Passport vs. Pilot vs. CR-V for Utah Ski Trips

What About Utah's Cottonwood Canyon Traction Law?

This part is important.

Having AWD does not automatically mean you're prepared for every winter condition in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

UDOT can activate traction requirements during severe winter weather, and Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons now fall under stricter Class 3 traction requirements. When those requirements are in effect, tires must have at least 5/32 inch tread depth. AWD and 4WD vehicles must have qualifying M+S or 3PMSF tires on all wheels, or approved traction devices.

So even if you're driving a Passport TrailSport, Pilot TrailSport, or CR-V TrailSport Hybrid, check the actual rating and tread depth of the tires installed on your specific vehicle before heading up the canyon. "All-terrain" by itself shouldn't be treated as proof that your tires meet an active UDOT requirement.

UDOT can also put traction requirements in place up to 24 hours before a storm, so checking conditions before leaving home is important.

Don't Forget About Ski Gear

AWD gets most of the attention, but cargo space can become just as important after your first real ski trip.

Skis and snowboards are long. Boots are bulky. Jackets take up more space than they have any business taking up. Then add helmets, gloves, food, water, and everyone's normal bags.

That's one reason we especially like the Passport for this use case. Its two-row layout gives you generous cargo room without requiring the overall size of a three-row Pilot.

Honda roof rails and available cargo accessories can also make it easier to move skis and snowboards outside the cabin and keep wet gear away from your interior.

Which Honda Should You Choose?

Choose the Honda Passport TrailSport if:
You ski frequently, want standard AWD and extra capability, carry a lot of outdoor gear, and don't need a third row.

Choose the Honda Pilot TrailSport if:
You're taking kids, friends, or larger groups into the canyon and need three-row versatility.

Choose the Honda CR-V TrailSport Hybrid if:
You want a smaller SUV that works especially well as an everyday commuter while still giving you AWD and useful winter-oriented features for weekend trips.

For most dedicated Utah skiers, though, the Passport TrailSport gets our vote. It strikes the best balance between size, cargo room, ground clearance, AWD capability, rugged features, and everyday comfort.

Before Driving Up Big Cottonwood Canyon

Conditions in the Cottonwoods can change quickly, so preparation matters regardless of what you drive.

Before heading toward Brighton or Solitude, check current UDOT road and traction restrictions, verify your tire rating and tread depth, check the resort's current parking requirements, and bring basic winter supplies. UDOT specifically recommends keeping fuel, snacks, water, and a phone charger in the vehicle and notes that there are no gas stations inside the Cottonwood Canyons.

And remember: AWD can help you get moving, but it doesn't make an SUV immune to ice, snow, or stopping-distance problems. Slow down and drive for the conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best Honda SUV for Big Cottonwood Canyon?

For frequent ski trips, we recommend the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport because of its standard i-VTM4® AWD, 8.3 inches of ground clearance, Snow Mode, all-terrain tires, spacious two-row interior, and outdoor-focused features.

Q: Is the Honda CR-V good for Big Cottonwood Canyon?

Yes. A CR-V equipped with AWD can be a practical Utah ski vehicle, especially for drivers who also prioritize fuel economy and everyday usability. The 2026 CR-V TrailSport Hybrid includes standard Real Time AWD™, Snow Mode, and all-terrain tires. Tire compliance with current UDOT restrictions should still be verified before entering the canyon.

Q: Is the Honda Passport good in Utah snow?

The Passport's standard i-VTM4® AWD system and Snow Mode are designed to help provide additional control in slippery conditions. The TrailSport adds all-terrain tires and an off-road-tuned suspension. Proper winter tires and cautious driving remain extremely important.

Q: Is the Honda Pilot or Passport better for skiing?

For two to five people, we'd lean toward the Passport because of its large two-row cargo area and rugged design. If you regularly take larger groups or need three rows, the Pilot is the better choice.

Q: Do I still need winter tires if my Honda has AWD?

AWD does not replace appropriate tires. Big Cottonwood Canyon can have specific tire and traction-device requirements when UDOT's traction law is active. Always verify current restrictions before heading up SR-190.

Q: Which ski resorts are in Big Cottonwood Canyon?

Brighton Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort are located in Big Cottonwood Canyon along SR-190. Alta and Snowbird are located in Little Cottonwood Canyon along SR-210.

Find Your Utah-Ready Honda at Stockton 12 Honda

Whether you're heading up Big Cottonwood Canyon for a powder day, driving I-15 to work, exploring Park City, or simply preparing for another Utah winter, the right Honda SUV can make a big difference.

At Stockton 12 Honda in Sandy, Utah, you can compare the Honda CR-V, Passport, and Pilot side by side and find the SUV that makes the most sense for your lifestyle.

Vehicle specifications, features, availability, tire equipment, and pricing may vary by trim and vehicle. Winter road and traction requirements can change based on conditions. Always check current UDOT restrictions and verify that your specific vehicle and tires meet applicable requirements before traveling into Utah's mountain canyons.