2027 Honda Passport TrailSport Is More Capable Than Ever

Honda is giving the 2027 Passport TrailSport a meaningful upgrade, and the biggest change is underneath the sport utility vehicle. Rather than relying on cosmetic changes alone, Honda has extensively reengineered the suspension to provide greater ground clearance, more wheel movement and stronger performance when the pavement ends.

The 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport now offers 9.65 inches of ground clearance, an increase of 1.38 inches. That extra height improves the approach, departure and breakover angles, giving drivers more room to clear rocks, deep ruts, steep trail transitions and other obstacles. Honda says the new figure gives the Passport TrailSport more ground clearance than key rivals including the Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road, Subaru Outback Wilderness and Ford Bronco Sport Badlands Sasquatch.

Honda did much more than simply install taller springs. Nearly 70% of the major suspension components have been redesigned. The changes include new or revised springs, dampers, control arms, stabilizer bars and knuckles. Honda also redesigned the front driveshafts and front subframe to accommodate the additional ride height and suspension travel.

In total, 28 suspension and related chassis components are redesigned, reengineered or new for the 2027 Passport TrailSport. The goal was not only to improve trail capability but also to preserve the comfortable and predictable road manners that owners expect from a Passport. Steering feel and response have also been improved, helping the vehicle feel more natural during everyday driving.

The additional ride height and suspension articulation make the 2027 Passport TrailSport and TrailSport Elite the most capable Honda sport utility vehicles yet for off road driving.

Technology is also playing a larger role. The TrailWatch camera system is now standard across all Passport TrailSport trims instead of being limited to the TrailSport Elite. The system provides front, rear, side and 360 degree camera views. Tire placement graphics can help the driver understand exactly where the wheels are positioned when navigating deep ruts, blind crests, narrow trails or obstacles that cannot easily be seen from the driver’s seat.

Honda has also made sure the tougher hardware is reflected in the exterior design. The 2027 Passport TrailSport receives more pronounced front and rear fender flares, a reshaped lower front fascia and 2 amber light emitting diode lights positioned at the hood scoop. They complement the existing amber daytime running lights and give the front end a more distinctive appearance.

The available Blackout Package has been updated as well. It now includes black front and rear lower skid garnishes that work with the black 18 inch alloy wheels and dark Honda badging. Smoke Blue Pearl joins the exterior color selection for 2027, replacing Obsidian Blue Pearl. The color was previously introduced on the 2026 Honda Pilot.

Inside, another useful feature becomes more widely available. A heated steering wheel is now standard on Passport TrailSport models after previously being reserved for the TrailSport Elite.

Owners who want to document their adventures can also use the Honda Trail Experience application. Developed by Honda engineers with feedback from more than 1,500 Passport TrailSport owners, the application provides real time information including elevation, pitch, roll, brake pressure, throttle position, vehicle speed, engine temperature, outside temperature and tire angle.

It can also capture video using an iPhone camera and microphone while combining footage with trail and vehicle data. Users can export videos with information overlays, making it possible to share an off road trip along with map and performance information.

The latest upgrades build on the strong start of the 4th generation Passport, which arrived in early 2025. TrailSport versions accounted for more than 80% of Passport sales as of June 2026, showing just how important the rugged models have become to the lineup.

Honda is even expanding the Passport’s reach beyond the United States. The Passport TrailSport Elite is scheduled to be exported to Japan early next year.

Production continues at the Honda Alabama Auto Plant in Lincoln, Alabama, using domestic and globally made parts. The 3.5 liter V6 engine powering the 2027 Passport is also produced at the engine facility at the Alabama plant.

For 2027, Honda has taken an already rugged Passport TrailSport and focused its changes where adventure focused buyers are most likely to notice them. With 9.65 inches of ground clearance, substantially revised suspension hardware, improved articulation, TrailWatch cameras and a tougher exterior appearance, the Passport TrailSport is becoming a much more serious option for drivers who want everyday comfort without giving up genuine trail capability.