For 2027, Honda is putting a finer point on its adventure-ready SUV with an even more capable edge. The new Passport TrailSport will be found at dealerships in the coming weeks, and it comes with a host of changes: a reworked suspension, more ground clearance, some added standard tech and more aggressive styling.
But the story is really what you find under the vehicle. In a major undertaking, Honda engineers have put the TrailSport’s suspension through an extensive redesign. Some 28 chassis and suspension components have been replaced or reengineered to put an extra 1.38 inches of height between the road and the undercarriage. That puts ground clearance at 9.65 inches (an increase over the old 8.27), a figure Honda claims now puts it ahead of the likes of the Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road, the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands Sasquatch and the Subaru Outback Wilderness.
The new geometry does more than just lift the SUV; it is said to give better articulation and ride quality along with improved approach, departure and breakover angles. To that end, the setup has been fitted with new springs, dampers, control arms, stabilizer bars, knuckles, front driveshafts and a revised front subframe, all to keep the handling sound on the street while making a dramatic difference off it.
Those mechanical tweaks are evident in the numbers:
- 9.65 inches of ground clearance
- 25 degrees for both approach and departure (up from 23)
- A 23-degree breakover angle, up from 20
Technology has been made more accessible as well. The TrailWatch camera system, which was once the province of the Elite model, is now standard on the entire TrailSport range. It provides 360-degree views and tire placement graphics to assist with navigation around obstacles. A heated steering wheel is also part of the standard package.
The 2027 Passport also looks more the part with more aggressive styling. There are reshaped fender flares front and back, a new lower fascia and amber LED lights in the hood scoop to go with the daytime running lights.
Obsidian Blue Pearl has been dropped in favor of a new Smoke Blue Pearl. For those wanting to make a statement, the optional Blackout Package has been beefed up with black 18-inch wheels and blacked out badges and fascias.
Lastly Honda is furthering its off-road ecosystem with the Honda Trail Experience app for 2026 and 2027 owners. The free iPhone application will log live data such as elevation, GPS coordinates, engine temp and throttle position during an outing. Owners can then put that information over top of video they have shot with their phone for an easy way to record and put their trail exploits on display.
