The Refreshed 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport: What’s New and What to Know
Honda has refreshed the Passport TrailSport for 2027, and the first units are starting to reach dealerships. The headline change is a lifted suspension, but it is not the only one. If you are deciding between a 2026 and a 2027, or just wondering what changed, here is the short version.
- 9.65 inches of ground clearance, up 1.38 inches from the 2026 TrailSport
- TrailWatch™ camera system and heated steering wheel now standard on every TrailSport
- New styling with bolder fender flares, a resculpted lower front fascia, and amber LED hood scoop lights
Table of Contents
- What Changed for 2027
- 2026 vs. 2027 TrailSport
- The Passport Lineup
- Fuel Economy: The Trade-Off
- Is the TrailSport the Right Passport?
- Common Questions
What Changed for 2027
Honda reengineered the TrailSport suspension for 2027 and gave the exterior a tougher look to match. Here is what is new:
- A completely reengineered suspension with 9.65 inches of ground clearance
- Improved approach, departure, and breakover angles, with better articulation
- Pronounced front and rear fender flares
- A darker, resculpted lower front fascia
- A pair of amber LED hood scoop lights
- A Blackout Package with black front and rear fascias and black 18-inch alloy wheels
- A new color, Smoke Blue Pearl, which replaces Obsidian Blue Pearl
- TrailWatch camera system and heated steering wheel on every TrailSport, where both were previously limited to the Elite
Underneath, the 3.5-liter V6 and torque-vectoring i-VTM4® all-wheel drive carry over. The Passport is built at Honda’s Alabama Auto Plant, where the V6 is also made.
2026 vs. 2027 TrailSport
If a 2026 Passport TrailSport is on your shortlist, this is what separates the two model years.
| Feature | 2026 TrailSport | 2027 TrailSport |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | 8.27 in | 9.65 in |
| Approach angle | 23° | 25° |
| Departure angle | 23° | 25° |
| Breakover angle | 20° | 23° |
| TrailWatch camera system | TrailSport Elite | All TrailSport trims |
| Heated steering wheel | TrailSport Elite | All TrailSport trims |
| Blue exterior color | Obsidian Blue Pearl | Smoke Blue Pearl |
Ground clearance and angle figures are Honda-published specifications. Features and availability vary by trim.
The practical takeaway: if you wanted TrailWatch or a heated steering wheel without stepping up to the Elite, the 2027 is where that happens. If you mostly drive pavement and graded dirt, the 2026 remains a capable SUV, and it is worth asking us what is on the lot.
The Passport Lineup
The 2027 Passport comes in RTL and RTL Towing trims, plus four TrailSport versions: TrailSport, TrailSport Blackout, TrailSport Elite, and TrailSport Elite Blackout. Honda reports that TrailSport trims account for more than 80 percent of Passport sales, so the off-road-focused versions are the core of the lineup, not a niche.
Every Passport comes with i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, which matters on loose sand and gravel as much as on wet pavement.
Fuel Economy: The Trade-Off
The TrailSport’s taller, tougher setup costs a little at the pump. Here is how the ratings compare.
| Trim | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport RTL trims | 19 | 25 | 21 |
| Passport TrailSport trims | 18 | 22 | 20 |
EPA-estimated fuel economy in mpg; use for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage will vary with how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.
For most High Desert drivers who actually use the extra clearance and traction, that one-mpg combined difference is an easy trade.
Is the TrailSport the Right Passport?
Choose a TrailSport if your weekends include dirt roads, dry lakebeds, or campsite access and you want more clearance and a rugged look. Choose an RTL if you stay on pavement and want the best fuel economy in the lineup. Either way, the best way to decide is to see them side by side.
Be realistic about the terrain. The Passport TrailSport is a capable, comfortable SUV with real off-road upgrades, not a rock crawler. Graded dirt roads, washes, and light trails are where it fits best.
Common Questions
Q: What is new on the 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport?
A reengineered suspension with 9.65 inches of ground clearance, improved approach, departure, and breakover angles, bolder fender flares, a resculpted lower front fascia, amber LED hood scoop lights, a new Smoke Blue Pearl color, and TrailWatch and a heated steering wheel on every TrailSport.
Q: How much ground clearance does the 2027 Passport TrailSport have?
9.65 inches, which is 1.38 inches more than the 2026 TrailSport.
Q: Does every TrailSport now have the TrailWatch camera system?
Yes. For 2027, TrailWatch is standard on all TrailSport trims. It was previously exclusive to the TrailSport Elite.
Q: What engine does the Passport use?
A 3.5-liter V6 with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel drive.
Q: Is the 2027 Passport TrailSport at Valley Hi Honda yet?
The refreshed 2027 models are starting to arrive at Honda dealerships. Availability changes, so call (760) 962-9600 and our team will tell you what is on the lot and what is on the way, including any 2026 Passport models.
Q: What is the difference between the Passport TrailSport and the Passport RTL?
The TrailSport adds off-road focused suspension, styling, and equipment, and it is rated slightly lower for fuel economy. The RTL is the pavement-focused Passport with the best mileage in the lineup.
Want to see the refreshed Passport TrailSport for yourself? Ask us about 2027 arrivals and compare it with the 2026. Visit Valley Hi Honda at 15710 Valley Park Ln in Victorville or call (760) 962-9600. You can also browse new Honda inventory or value your trade.
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