A new report has confirmed the automaker is preparing to update its Passport with design tweaks and a taller TrailSport.Orange off-road vehicle front side with large mud tires and black fender flares in a wooded area.From its added body protection and chunkier tires to its all-wheel-drive setup and trick TrailWatch tech, the Passport TrailSport brings a lot to the table (even a literal option for one) if you're looking to make your first tracks beyond the pavement.It's proven to be an incredibly popular formula. Even though Honda proudly asserts the TrailSport as its most off-road-capable SUV, the trim accounts for 80 percent of Passport sales.The Passport TrailSport already represents the most off-road-capable Honda SUV to date. - Credit: HondaNow, word has it that Honda is preparing to renew its Passport with changes that will give the TrailsSport even greater travel freedom.A more aggressive PassportThe confirmation comes in the form of a report from Automotive News. Alongside talk of an Accord update, insiders told the outlet a little about the Passport refresh scheduled for later this year. Honda's changes will give the Passport "more testosterone" along with a more "aggressive stance." - Credit: HondaAccording to the sources, Honda will be giving the SUV "more testosterone" in the pursuit of making it a "little more masculine" for the 2027 model year.AdvertisementAdvertisementHow exactly that will affect the look of the boxy fourth-generation Passport has yet to be seen, but it shouldn't be too jarring. The fourth-generation already brought a dramatic change compared to its predecessor. The report also states that the updates will give the front and rear of the SUV a more "aggressive stance," so the design could be headed for a harder, more Toyota-like edge.The boxy neo-retro design ranks as one of the Passport's better qualities. Hopefully, Honda doesn't change it too much. - Credit: HondaOn a more concrete note, the report confirmed the TrailSport will benefit from some choice suspension updates. Along with an extra inch of ground clearance over the current 8.3-inch figure, it's set to get some other tweaks to the ride.Embracing the off-road vibes As such, even though the current 3.5-liter V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission setup will remain in place, the forthcoming Passport TrailSport update is something to be excited about.AdvertisementAdvertisementThat's because, if Honda's previous concepts are anything to go by, the nameplate has still more adventurous aspirations to realize. Put another way, this update is likely just the start, a sign of where the Trail(Sport) is headed. The HRC Concept demonstrated that Honda's Passport TrailSport SUV can don a convincing overlanding getup. - Credit: HondaFor instance, in preparation for SEMA last year, Honda put together an awesome Passport HRC Concept outfitted with all sorts of off-road-ready accouterments. Along with an even more pronounced 2.4-inch lift, it brought a full-size spare carrier, a roof rack, some auxiliary lighting and a custom bumper, among other upgrades.In looks and spirit, then, it was a transformation that turned the TrailSport into even more of an alternative for would-be 4Runner owners. After all, even if most aren't actually in regular need of the off-road capability, the impression of utility has its draw.Beyond improving the Passport from the factory, Honda plans to add upgrades to a growing accessories catalog. - Credit: HondaTowards that end, let's not forget that Honda has since announced it will offer Passport upgrades through a new partnered accessories program. In addition to making the SUV more capable from the factory, it's also ensuring it's easy for buyers to dress it up. More to comeAs of this writing, Honda hasn't confirmed a debut for the 2027 Passport TrailSport. However, according to the report, the updates are scheduled to arrive later this year.AdvertisementAdvertisementAbout 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.Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.add as a preferred source on google
