The 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport Gets More Ground Clearance and Off-Road Cred

Honda takes its TrailSport trims seriously, and the 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport is proof. Roughly two years after the fourth-generation Passport debuted, Honda gives its off-road-oriented SUV substantial suspension changes, increasing ground clearance by nearly 1.4 inches and improving its ability to approach, clear, and depart obstacles.

The updated Passport TrailSport also gets more aggressive styling, including amber lighting integrated into its hood scoop. Despite the Passport’s unibody construction, Honda has pushed the two-row SUV further into off-road territory, positioning it as a more direct alternative to body-on-frame competitors such as the Toyota 4Runner.

Will these changes be enough to give the Passport TrailSport more off-road cred?

Under the Skin

Honda didn’t just raise the Passport TrailSport and call it a day. To make the extra clearance effective, engineers reworked nearly 70 percent of the SUV’s major suspension pieces, including the springs, dampers, control arms, anti-roll bars, and steering knuckles. They also revised the front drive shafts and subframe, bringing the total number of redesigned, reengineered, or entirely new suspension and chassis parts to 28. That’s a significant amount of engineering work for a relatively young model.

The result is 9.65 inches of ground clearance, up 1.38 inches from the 2026 Passport TrailSport. The additional ride height also improves the SUV’s approach angle-from 23 to 25 degrees-meaning it can climb steeper obstacles. Its breakover angle increases from 20 to 23 degrees, helping the Passport clear the crest of a hill, while the departure angle rises from 23 to 25 degrees, giving the rear of the vehicle more clearance room, too.

Honda said the changes should improve wheel articulation and steering response, which is welcome news considering we’ve found the existing model’s steering feels a little dull.

These upgrades apply to both the 2027 Passport TrailSport and TrailSport Elite. Both versions now come standard with Honda’s TrailWatch camera system that was previously exclusive to the Elite. The system includes front, rear, side, and 360-degree views, as well as tire-placement graphics to help drivers navigate blind crests when off-roading.

Fresh Face

Honda used the update to also make a few design changes as well. The Passport TrailSport gets more pronounced front and rear fender flares, a reshaped lower front fascia, and a pair of amber LED lights on the hood scoop. We don’t expect anyone to confuse the TrailSport with a Ram TRX, but the revised styling gives Honda’s SUV a tougher, more purposeful appearance.

The Passport was a finalist for last year’s MotorTrend SUV of the Year, and so far we’ve been pleased with our long-term 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite. We have not had any major complaints about the present model’s ride quality, but we are curious to see whether Honda’s suspension revisions improve its behavior on pavement.

Honda said the 2027 Passport and Passport TrailSport will begin arriving at dealerships later this month. The company has not yet announced pricing.