The 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport introduces 9.65 inches of ground clearance—an increase of 1.38 inches over prior model years—along with thick steel skid plates, approach and departure angles of 25 degrees, a 23-degree breakover angle, and 28 redesigned chassis and suspension components. This comprehensive structural update makes the latest TrailSport the most capable off-road SUV ever engineered by Honda, combining extreme trail capability with daily driving refinement.
Drivers interested in rugged weekend excursions around the sandy tracks and coastal trails of Myrtle Beach will find that Honda built this vehicle for real-world impacts rather than cosmetic styling. Unlike crossover models that use lightweight plastic underbody covers, the 2027 Passport TrailSport equips genuine steel skid plates designed to absorb hard hits from rocks, roots, and rutted paths. These heavy-gauge steel plates protect critical mechanical areas, including the engine oil pan, transmission housing, and fuel tank, giving drivers total confidence when navigating deep ruts or uneven terrain.
To support the elevated 9.65-inch ride height, Honda engineers redesigned nearly 70 percent of the vehicle's core suspension architecture. This overhaul includes heavy-duty front driveshafts, reinforced front subframes, custom damper valving, and forged steel control arms. The revised geometry improves suspension articulation over steep obstacles while maintaining strict control over body roll during high-speed highway driving.
If you are ready to explore the enhanced capability of the latest Honda SUV lineup, explore our new Honda inventory online. You can also visit our showroom in person at 8756A Us Highway 17 Byp, South, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588, or give our sales team a quick call to learn more about upcoming vehicle arrivals.
Table of Contents
- How Do the 2027 Passport TrailSport's Ground Clearance and Suspension Upgrades Perform?
- How Does the TrailSport i-VTM4 AWD System and Off-Road Drive Modes Handle Trail Terrain?
- How Does the Passport TrailSport Compare to the Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road and Subaru Outback Wilderness?
- What Technology, Audio System, and Interior Features Come Standard in the TrailSport?
- Frequently Asked Questions About the 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport
- Experience the Redesigned 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport at East Coast Honda
How Do the 2027 Passport TrailSport's Ground Clearance and Suspension Upgrades Perform?
Honda engineers redesigned 28 major suspension and chassis components for the 2027 Passport TrailSport, combining custom damper valve tuning, specialized spring rates, and forged steel control arms to deliver exceptional trail articulation without sacrificing highway composure. The retuned architecture allows the wheels to drop further into deep trail ruts to maintain tire contact with the ground while managing chassis movement over high-speed surface undulations.
Under the hood, every 2027 Passport features a direct-injected 3.5L V6 engine generating 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, mated to a high-efficiency 10-speed automatic transmission. To handle the increased suspension travel and elevated 9.65-inch ground clearance, Honda engineered dedicated front driveshafts with higher operating angles along with a reinforced front subframe. These structural enhancements prevent binding during full suspension compression or extension, allowing the front end to absorb hard trail impacts smoothly.
On paved roads, the extensively reengineered stabilizer bars and retuned spring rates keep the SUV flat through corners. Crossover buyers often worry that lifting a suspension creates floaty or vague handling on the highway, but the TrailSport maintains precise steering feedback and strong straight-line stability. The vehicle delivers an EPA-estimated 19 city / 25 hwy fuel economy rating, striking an optimal balance between off-road muscle and efficient daily commuting.
Planning to upgrade your current vehicle for a trail-ready SUV? You can easily value your trade-in online to see what your vehicle is worth, or check out our selection of certified pre-owned Honda vehicles to view high-quality options across multiple model years.
Engine & Performance
Powertrain specs by trim
| Feature | 3.5 RTL 4WD Auto | 3.5 RTL Towing 4WD Auto | 3.5 TrailSport 4WD Auto | 3.5 TrailSport Blackout 4WD Auto |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- |
| Engine | 3.5L | 3.5L | 3.5L | 3.5L |
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | automatic 10-speed | automatic 10-speed | automatic 10-speed | automatic 10-speed |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
Engine & Performance (continued)
| Feature | 3.5 TrailSport Elite 4WD Auto | 3.5 TrailSport Elite Blackout 4WD Auto |
|---|---|---|
| :-- | :-- | :-- |
| Engine | 3.5L | 3.5L |
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 285 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | automatic 10-speed | automatic 10-speed |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
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How Does the TrailSport i-VTM4 AWD System and Off-Road Drive Modes Handle Trail Terrain?
The i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system actively routes up to 70 percent of engine torque to the rear axle and can send up to 100 percent of that rear torque to either individual rear wheel to conquer low-traction obstacles. Rather than relying solely on brake application to limit wheel spin, the system's twin electro-hydraulically controlled clutch packs physically direct power to the wheel with the most grip.
Drivers can select from seven distinct drive modes to tailor throttle sensitivity, transmission shift points, steering effort, and all-wheel-drive torque distribution to match current conditions:
- Trail Mode: Optimizes i-VTM4 torque distribution to maintain forward momentum over rocky trails, soft dirt, and loose gravel while adjusting brake vectoring for drag-free wheel rotation.
- Sand Mode: Adjusts throttle response and holds lower gears in the 10-speed automatic transmission to keep wheel momentum high through deep, soft sand.
- Snow Mode: Softens initial throttle engagement to prevent wheel slip on icy surface roads or slick morning commutes.
- Mud Mode: Increases wheel-spin tolerances to allow the tire tread to clear thick mud buildup while keeping all four wheels pulling evenly.
- Sport Mode: Sharpens throttle input, enhances steering weight, and holds gears longer for aggressive highway passing.
- Normal Mode: Calibrates power delivery for smooth, balanced performance during everyday driving.
- Towing Mode: Adjusts shift schedules and engages rear torque bias to assist when pulling trailers up to the maximum 5,000 lbs towing capacity.
When driving through slick mud or rutted clay near the banks of the Waccamaw River in Conway, engaging Trail or Mud mode ensures continuous forward progress without bogging down. When families walk through drive modes during a test drive, our team often demonstrates how Trail mode automatically adjusts brake vectoring and throttle mapping before taking the vehicle off paved roads.
To ensure your all-wheel-drive hardware stays operating at peak performance for years to come, buyers can quickly schedule a service appointment with our factory-trained maintenance technicians.
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How Does the Passport TrailSport Compare to the Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road and Subaru Outback Wilderness?
While traditional body-on-frame SUVs sacrifice daily ride comfort for off-road capability, the 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport balances 9.65 inches of ground clearance, a 285 hp 3.5L V6, and a 5,000 lbs towing capacity with refined unibody highway dynamics. This balance makes it far more versatile for drivers who need an off-road vehicle that doubles as a comfortable family cruiser.
Against the Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road, the primary distinction lies in platform architecture. The 4Runner utilizes a traditional body-on-frame construction with a solid rear axle, which excels at extreme rock crawling but delivers a firm, truck-like ride on paved highways. The Passport TrailSport utilizes a fully independent unibody suspension setup, offering smoother bump absorption, lower interior noise levels, and far better rear-seat passenger comfort during extended road trips.
Comparing the Passport TrailSport to the Subaru Outback Wilderness highlights clear advantages in power, clearance, and towing capability. While the Outback Wilderness offers 9.5 inches of ground clearance and a 260-hp turbocharged engine, its maximum towing capacity tops out at 3,500 pounds. The Passport TrailSport provides a higher 9.65-inch ground clearance, 285 hp, and a 5,000 lbs tow rating, allowing owners to pull larger boats, campers, and utility trailers with ease.
Pricing across the 2027 Passport lineup reflects its rich standard feature content. The entry 3.5 RTL carries a base MSRP of $45,195, while the 3.5 RTL Towing starts at $45,895. Moving to the off-road-focused 3.5 TrailSport sets the base MSRP at $49,995, with the TrailSport Blackout edition priced at $51,495. Top-tier luxury and capability meet in the 3.5 TrailSport Elite at $53,695 base MSRP and the TrailSport Elite Blackout at $55,195, all subject to a standard $1,595 destination charge.
Shoppers interested in securing competitive vehicle financing terms can prequalify online to streamline their buying process before visiting our dealership.
Pricing
Pricing by trim
| Feature | 3.5 RTL 4WD Auto | 3.5 RTL Towing 4WD Auto | 3.5 TrailSport 4WD Auto | 3.5 TrailSport Blackout 4WD Auto |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- |
| Base MSRP | $45,195 | $45,895 | $49,995 | $51,495 |
| Destination charge | $1,595 | $1,595 | $1,595 | $1,595 |
Pricing (continued)
| Feature | 3.5 TrailSport Elite 4WD Auto | 3.5 TrailSport Elite Blackout 4WD Auto |
|---|---|---|
| :-- | :-- | :-- |
| Base MSRP | $53,695 | $55,195 |
| Destination charge | $1,595 | $1,595 |
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What Technology, Audio System, and Interior Features Come Standard in the TrailSport?
Standard interior highlights on the 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport include heavy-duty all-weather rubber floor mats, about 44 cubic feet of rear cargo space, the TrailWatch camera system, and an available premium Bose 12-speaker audio system. The cabin is constructed with high-durability synthetic leather upholstery featuring high-visibility orange contrast stitching and embossed TrailSport logos on the headrests.
The TrailWatch camera system utilizes four exterior cameras—front, rear, and under both side mirrors—to display real-time video feeds on the central touchscreen display. When navigating narrow trails or steep crests, the front camera view projects guidelines showing tire path trajectory, helping drivers avoid sharp rocks or deep drop-offs without needing a spotter outside the vehicle.
Cabin acoustics receive a major upgrade on top configurations with a custom Bose 12-speaker audio setup featuring Centerpoint surround-sound technology. This system balances digital audio processing to deliver clean, immersive sound throughout the spacious five-passenger interior. The heavy-duty rubber floor mats feature deep channels designed to trap mud, water, and sand, making interior cleanups simple after outdoor excursions.
To customize your vehicle with official Honda utility bars, roof baskets, or towing receivers, contact our Honda parts department to view our catalog of genuine factory accessories.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport
Q: Are the skid plates on the 2027 Passport TrailSport real steel or decorative plastic?
Heavy-gauge steel skid plates on the 2027 Passport TrailSport shield vital parts like the engine oil pan, transmission housing, and fuel tank from trail hazards. Unlike plastic splash guards found on standard crossovers, these steel plates are structurally engineered to support the weight of the vehicle during accidental impacts on severe terrain.
Q: Is the Passport TrailSport comfortable for long highway road trips?
The Passport TrailSport provides exceptional long-distance ride comfort thanks to its unibody construction, independent rear suspension, and acoustic windshield glass. It absorbs highway pavement seams and minor road imperfections smoothly, avoiding the rigid, bouncy ride characteristics common in traditional body-on-frame off-road trucks.
Q: Are all-weather floor mats included standard on the TrailSport trim?
Heavy-duty all-weather rubber floor mats featuring embossed TrailSport branding come standard on every TrailSport model. These mats feature raised outer edges and deep water channels to protect the interior floor carpeting from mud, sand, snow, and spilled liquids.
Q: What audio system comes installed in the Passport TrailSport?
Upper configurations of the Passport TrailSport come equipped with a premium Bose 12-speaker audio system. This setup incorporates Centerpoint surround-sound processing and a dedicated subwoofer to deliver clear audio quality throughout the entire cabin.
Q: What is the towing capacity of the 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport?
The 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs when properly equipped with the factory-engineered trailer hitch harness and receiver. Its naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 engine and heavy-duty transmission cooling system ensure stable power delivery when hauling boats or campers.
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Experience the Redesigned 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport at East Coast Honda
The 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport redefines what drivers can expect from a midsize SUV, combining a class-leading 9.65 inches of ground clearance, real steel underbody protection, and retuned all-wheel-drive capability with smooth on-road dynamics. Whether you are seeking a reliable daily commuter or a versatile vehicle for outdoor weekend trips, the TrailSport delivers uncompromising utility and safety.
Our dealership team is ready to help you explore every feature of the updated Passport lineup. View our current inventory of new Honda Passport models for sale to browse available colors, options, and packages.
Visit our showroom at 8756A Us Highway 17 Byp, South, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588 to get behind the wheel, or get in touch with our sales representatives by calling (843) 492-5175 to schedule your test drive today.
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