2027 Honda Passport TrailSport Gets More Capable with a Lift and Redesigned BumpersCar and DriverEzra DyerWed, September 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM UTCAdd us on Google2027 Honda Passport TrailSport Gets a LiftHondaHonda is committed to turning the Passport into a 4Runner rival, reengineering the suspension for 2027.The new setup raises ground clearance by a little more than an inch to 9.7 inches, and approach and departure angles improve by two degrees each.A front-end refresh TRX-izes the hood with amber lights in its hood scoop.Honda is all-in on its TrailSport models, to the point that we wouldn't be surprised by the announcement of a Prelude TrailSport. In the case of the Passport, the TrailSport versions now account for more than 80 percent of sales. So, even though this generation of Passport was new for 2025, Honda's already set about tinkering to improve its off-road cred. Thus, the 2027 Passport TrailSport gets an upgrade familiar to anyone who's ever tried to fit 32-inch tires on their Jeep XJ: a lift kit.HondaOK, it's unfair to call Honda's thorough suspension reengineering a lift kit, because a lot of work went into raising the ground clearance by 1.38 inches—yes, Honda quantifies its work to the hundredth decimal place. In practical terms, the Passport looks a smidge taller and enjoys modest improvements in approach and departure angles (two degrees) and breakover angle (three degrees).AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 2027 model now clears off-road obstacles and your taller roadkill with 9.7 inches of ground clearance, which Honda points out is more than you get with the Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road. Which is true, but the 4Runner also has a solid rear axle, and the low point at its differential isn't really representative of its overall ground clearance. But a win's a win, although Honda's other ground clearance brag targets (the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands Sasquatch and Subaru Outback Wilderness) aren't exactly Rubicon-ready machines.HondaWhile your cousin Randy might lift his truck by simply installing taller springs or bolting stacks of hockey pucks between the frame and body, Honda went to great lengths to ensure the 2027 TrailSport's lift didn't excessively impact its on-road responses. Honda says about 70 percent of the suspension was redesigned, including new springs, dampers, and stabilizer bars. The front subframe and driveshafts were also changed to maintain proper geometry.Befitting its more off-road-oriented suspension, the 2027 Passport TrailSport gets a subtly more aggressive exterior, with more prominent fender flares and twin amber LEDs in its low-profile hood scoop. Nonetheless, you probably won't confuse it with a Ram TRX, even though that also has LEDs in its hood scoop.HondaOther minor changes: the TrailWatch camera system and heated steering wheel are now standard on all Passport TrailSports, not just the Elite, and Smoke Blue Pearl replaces Obsidian Blue Pearl on the color palette. Your neighbors are surely going to be blue pearl with envy when they see you've got the new Smoke and they're rocking last season's Obsidian.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 2026 Passport TrailSport made our 10Best Trucks and SUVs list, and this fourth-generation Passport is still a relatively fresh design. So even though a 1.38-inch lift isn't news to melt our servers, it shows that Honda understands the Passport's core appeal: People want to look like they're driving a truck, but feel like they're driving a car.➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.Shop New Cars Shop Used CarsYou Might Also LikeGift Guide: Best Ride-On Electric Cars for KidsFuture Cars Worth Waiting For: 2025–2029
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