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2027 Honda Passport TrailSport reaches new heights

[Credit: All images courtesy of Honda]

 

 

Honda has advanced the rugged capability and bold styling of the 2027 Passport TrailSport models that will begin arriving at dealerships later this month. An extensively reengineered suspension, along with styling and feature enhancements, reinforce the position of Passport TrailSport as the ultimate Honda adventure SUV with a class-leading combination of authentic off-road capability and exceptional on-road performance.

Designed in California and developed in Ohio at the Honda Automotive Development Center, the fourth-generation Passport debuted last year and has posted record sales, with TrailSport models accounting for over 80% of model sales as of June 2026. Moreover, Honda will export the Honda Passport TrailSport Elite to Japan early next year, enhancing its product lineup to meet the diverse needs of customers in Japan.

The 2027 Honda Passport and Passport TrailSport are built exclusively at the Honda Alabama Auto Plant, using domestic and globally made parts. Passport boasts standard V6 power and the second-generation i-VTM4 AWD system. The 3.5-liter V6 engine is also made at the engine production facility within the Honda auto plant in Lincoln, AL.

The 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport takes the Honda brand's rugged direction to new heights, with extensively reengineered suspension providing 1.38 in. of additional ground clearance for improved breakover, approach, and departure angles. Passport TrailSport now offers 9.65 in. of ground clearance -- more than key competitors, including the Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road, Subaru Outback Wilderness, and Ford Bronco Sport Badlands Sasquatch.

More ground clearance, increased suspension articulation, increased approach, departure, and breakover angles make 2027 Passport TrailSport and Passport TrailSport Elite the most off-road-capable SUVs Honda has ever built.

Rather than simply adding taller springs, Honda engineers comprehensively re-designed the 2027 Passport TrailSport suspension system to ensure proper geometry for desirable handling and ride characteristics, while substantially improving capability. Nearly 70% of the major suspension components were redesigned, including springs, dampers, control arms, stabilizer bars, and knuckles. The front driveshafts and front subframe were also redesigned to help facilitate the increased ride height and wheel travel. A total of 28 suspension and related chassis parts have been redesigned, reengineered, or are otherwise new for the 2027 Passport TrailSport.

In addition to improvements in offroad capability, Honda engineers have enhanced the driving experience of the 2027 Passport TrailSport with improved steering feel and response, so it's now even more enjoyable to drive every day.

Further improving the off-road driving experience, all Passport TrailSport trims now come standard with the innovative TrailWatch camera system that assists the driver in challenging off-road situations. Previously exclusive to the top TrailSport Elite trim, the TrailWatch camera system offers four views (front, rear, side, and 360-degree) along with clever tire placement graphics to help drivers navigate obstacles outside their natural line of sight by slope or proximity, such as blind crests, deep ruts, and the trail's edge.

More rugged design
The Honda Design Studio in Los Angeles has enhanced the rugged styling of the adventure-ready SUVs to highlight the increased ride height and improved off-road capability of the 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport and TrailSport Elite. The models get an even tougher new look with more pronounced fender flares front and rear, resculpted lower front fascia, and a pair of amber LED hood scoop lights to complement Passport's distinctive amber daytime running lights (DRLs).

In addition, the popular Blackout Package, available on all TrailSport trims, now lends an even more aggressive look with new black front and rear fascias, which match its black 18-in. alloy wheels and Honda badges. All trims also are now available in striking Smoke Blue Pearl (replacing Obsidian Blue Pearl), an exciting new color that debuted on the 2026 Honda Pilot.

Inside, Passport TrailSport gains a standard heated steering wheel, previously exclusive to the TrailSport Elite trim.

New Honda Trail Experience (HTX) App
This summer, Honda launched the Honda Trail Experience (HTX), an innovative new off-road app created exclusively for Honda TrailSport SUV owners looking to enhance their off-roading adventures in the 2026 and 2027 Passport TrailSport, Pilot TrailSport, and CR-V TrailSport. Developed by Honda U.S. engineers in collaboration with input from more than 1,500 owners of the 2026 Passport TrailSport, the HTX application provides essential real-time vehicle data and advanced video capabilities to enhance the off-road experience. HTX helps the driver better navigate the terrain and provide a complete record of the adventure. It is the only app to enable users to easily export videos with data overlays.

Learn more at automobiles.honda.com/future-vehicles/passport. New pricing has not been released. We expect the 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport to start at $50,000 with several trim levels available (TrailSport, TrailSport Blackout, and TrailSport Elite).

Source: Honda

Published September 2026

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