2027 Honda Passport TrailSport Enters Rebelle Rally

The 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport is set to make its competitive debut at the 2026 Rebelle Rally, an all-women off-road navigation event. A team of Honda associates will pilot the SUV, highlighting its significantly enhanced off-road capabilities in one of America's most demanding competitions.

Passport TrailSport's Rally Debut

A team from the Honda of America Racing Team (HART) will compete in the 2026 Rebelle Rally from October 8-17. The team, designated #208 and known as the “Good TrailSports,” consists of Honda associates Abby Connolly, a senior design engineer, and Amy Hein, a senior test engineer. They will enter the X-Cross Bone Stock class, meaning the vehicle will compete without modifications to its chassis, off-road tuned suspension, 3.5-liter V6 engine, 10-speed automatic transmission, or i-VTM4® all-wheel drive system.

Honda engineers have historically used the Rebelle Rally to test the rugged performance of off-road components in extreme environments. This marks the eighth year Honda has participated in the event, providing a proving ground for the 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport's design and engineering.

Enhanced Off-Road Capabilities

The 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport features substantial upgrades designed to improve its off-road performance. Ground clearance has been increased by 1.38 inches, now standing at 9.65 inches. This improvement is coupled with increased suspension articulation and optimized approach, departure, and breakover angles.

The vehicle's suspension system has been extensively reengineered, with nearly 70% of major components redesigned or replaced. These include new springs, dampers, control arms, stabilizer bars, and knuckles. Additionally, the front and rear driveshafts, along with the front subframe, have been redesigned to accommodate the taller ride height and greater wheel travel. These modifications aim to make the 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport the most off-road-capable SUV Honda has produced.

The Rebelle Rally Challenge

The Rebelle Rally is America's longest off-road rally, covering over 1,500 miles across the Nevada and California deserts. Unlike traditional races, the event focuses on strategic navigation using only paper maps, compasses, and headings, without the aid of GPS or cell phones. Teams must locate hidden checkpoints to accumulate points over seven days of scored competition.

Participants face 10-12 hours of extreme off-road driving daily, encountering diverse terrains, altitudes, and temperatures. The event, which begins near Las Vegas, NV, and concludes near the Imperial Sand Dunes, CA, serves as a rigorous test for both the vehicle and its drivers.

The 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport's entry into the Rebelle Rally highlights the vehicle's enhanced off-road capabilities in a real-world, challenging environment. This competition provides valuable data for future vehicle development while showcasing the SUV's design and engineering to potential buyers.