2027 Honda Passport TrailSport Gains Lifted Suspension

The 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport models are scheduled to arrive at dealerships later this month, featuring a significantly reengineered suspension system. This update increases the vehicle's ground clearance to 9.65 inches and enhances its off-road capabilities. Honda has also introduced new styling elements and made additional features standard across the TrailSport lineup.

Enhanced Off-Road Capability

The most notable change for the 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport is its reengineered suspension, which provides an additional 1.38 inches of ground clearance, bringing the total to 9.65 inches. This modification improves the SUV's breakover angle to 23 degrees, and both its approach and departure angles to 25 degrees. Honda states that nearly 70% of the major suspension components, including springs, dampers, control arms, stabilizer bars, and knuckles, have been redesigned.

In total, 28 suspension and related chassis parts are new or reengineered for the 2027 Passport TrailSport. The front driveshafts and front subframe were also redesigned to accommodate the increased ride height and wheel travel. These changes aim to improve both off-road performance and on-road driving dynamics, with engineers focusing on steering feel and response.

Further enhancing off-road utility, the innovative TrailWatch™ camera system is now standard on all Passport TrailSport trims. Previously exclusive to the TrailSport Elite, this system offers four camera views—front, rear, side, and 360-degree—along with tire placement graphics. This assists drivers in navigating obstacles such as blind crests, deep ruts, and trail edges.

Updated Design and Interior Features

The exterior design of the 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport receives several updates to complement its increased ruggedness. These include more pronounced fender flares at the front and rear, a resculpted lower front fascia, and new amber LED hood scoop lights that work with the Passport's existing amber daytime running lights.

The popular Blackout Package, available across all TrailSport trims, now features new black front and rear fascias, matching its black 18-inch alloy wheels and Honda badges for a more aggressive appearance. Additionally, a new exterior color, Smoke Blue Pearl, has been added to the palette, replacing Obsidian Blue Pearl.

Inside the cabin, all Passport TrailSport trims now come standard with a heated steering wheel. This feature was previously only available on the top-tier TrailSport Elite trim, making it more accessible across the lineup.

New Honda Trail Experience App

Honda recently launched the Honda Trail Experience (HTX) app, designed for owners of 2026 and 2027 Passport TrailSport, Pilot TrailSport, and CR-V TrailSport models. This app provides real-time vehicle data and advanced video capabilities to enhance off-road excursions.

The HTX application offers critical vehicle information, including elevation, pitch, roll, brake pressure, throttle position, speed, engine temperature, outside temperature, tire angle, latitude, and longitude. It also allows users to export videos with data overlays, making it possible to create and share content synced with trail data and performance metrics. The app supports video capture with audio using an iPhone camera and microphone, along with still photo capture.

These updates position the 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport as a more capable option for buyers seeking a rugged SUV. The focus on improved off-road performance, coupled with design refinements and new technology, aims to broaden its appeal in the adventure SUV segment.