The Passport Trailsport is contesting one of North America's premier off-road competitions with meaningful updates in tow.Honda has billed the Passport TrailSport as its most off-road-capable SUV since the model's launch, and that won't be changing next year.If anything, thanks to a suite of targeted changes, the TrailSport stands to be an even better all-terrain performer in 2027.Abby Connolly and Amy Hein will drive the Passport TrailSport in the X-Cross Bone Stock class. - Credit: HondaTo see how it fares in the real world, Honda is once again campaigning the updated Passport TrailSport in the Rebelle Rally. It promises to be an even more crucial demonstration of the SUV's abilities.Honda's Passport renewalThat's because Honda hit the Passport TrailSport with some significant updates for the forthcoming model year.As part of the overhaul, engineers redesigned nearly 70 percent of the major suspension components, tweaking elements like the front driveshafts and subframe such that 28 parts are "redesigned, reengineered or otherwise new."The 9.65-inch ground clearance gives the TrailSport some credible off-road promise. - Credit: HondaIn practice, this not only raised the ground clearance to 9.65 inches but also increased articulation and brought slight improvements to the approach, departure and breakover angles. Accordingly, the TrailSport stands to be a much more confident vehicle off the beaten path.With all these updates making their way onto the race rig competing in the X-Cross Bone Stock class, Honda has plenty of cause to want to do well.Honda claims nearly 28 new or redesigned suspension (and related) parts. - Credit: HondaThose changes are enough for the Passport TrailSport to stand taller than Ford's Bronco Sport Badlands Sasquatch and Toyota's 4Runner TRD Off-Road, so the brand is sidling up to some established competition.Rally to prove somethingOf course, Honda also has itself to blame for any expectations related to this year's Rebelle Rally showing.The more aggressive look and scoop lights are also changes for the 2027 MY. - Credit: HondaAfter all, even before such a comprehensive array of suspension updates, the brand managed more than a few respectable results.Just last year, the Passport TrailSport took sixth place in its class, and the Pilot and the Ridgeline have both previously bettered that result.Furthermore, though the brand is a repeat offender with eight appearances now, its drivers this year (Abby Connolly and Amy Hein) are rally rookies. Both Ohio-based Honda associates, they'll contest the course using nothing but a map and compass.With 1,500 miles of desert driving spread out over lengthy days, the Passport TrailSport has quite a challenge ahead. - Credit: HondaIn any event, with 1,500 miles of strenuous desert driving spread over a series of 10- to 12-hour days, they'll certainly put the Passport through its paces. There's nowhere to hide, and the event is the furthest thing from staged.Regardless of the outcome, then, it'll be a true representation of where the TrailSport formula stands compared to past years — not just how much taller it is.More to comeHonda of America Racing Team (HART) and drivers Abby Connolly and Amy Hein will be competing as team #208 Good TrailSports.The Rebelle Rally runs October 8 through October 17 with seven days of scoring.2027 Honda Passport TrailSport Starts at $49,995 About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he's not chasing the latest industry news, he's probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.