2027 Honda Passport TrailSport Off-Road: Can It Hang With the 4Runner?

 8 min read

2027 Passport TrailSport Overview: A Soft-Roader Aiming Higher

The Honda Passport TrailSport off-road package has always punched above its soft-roader label, and a reported 2027 refresh aims to push it further. According to an Automotive News report, Honda plans a mid-cycle update for later this year. The changes reportedly add about an inch of ground clearance, a more aggressive stance, and suspension tweaks. For a fourth-generation SUV already billed as Honda’s most off-road-capable, the move signals real intent.

This update matters because of who buys the trim. By Gear Patrol’s account, the TrailSport makes up roughly 80 percent of Passport sales, so most Passport owners already chose the rugged version. Therefore, sharpening its trail credentials speaks directly to the core customer.

The buyer here wants one vehicle for two jobs. First, it has to handle the commute, the school run, and the highway road trip in comfort. Second, it needs to reach the trailhead, the dispersed campsite, or the gravel forest road without drama. The 2027 Honda Passport sits squarely in this overlap, and the reported updates lean into the second job. This Honda Passport TrailSport review focuses on how far the off-road side has come.

Key Specs at a Glance

Here are the core numbers for the current TrailSport, plus the reported 2027 changes where Honda or the Automotive News report has signaled them.

Specification	Details
Engine	3.5-liter V6 (carryover for 2027)
Drivetrain	Standard i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel drive
Current ground clearance	8.3 inches
Reported 2027 clearance	About 9.3 inches (roughly 1 inch added)
Towing capacity	5,000 pounds
Low-range transfer case	No
Standard tires	All-terrain tires
Main rival	Toyota 4Runner

What the 2027 Update Reportedly Changes

Start with the suspension, because the off-road story lives there. The Automotive News report, summarized by Gear Patrol, says the 2027 TrailSport gains about an inch of ground clearance over the current 8.3-inch figure. Honda also reportedly retunes the ride for rougher surfaces. The truck should then clear bigger ruts and rocks before the underbody makes contact.

Next comes the look. Insiders told Automotive News Honda wants the Passport to feel more aggressive, with a tougher front and rear stance. While styling alone does not move a vehicle over an obstacle, a flatter front fascia often improves the approach angle. For a soft-roader stepping toward serious trails, this geometry counts.

The powertrain stays familiar. The carryover 3.5-liter V6 and its automatic transmission remain in place for 2027, so do not expect a hybrid or a turbo swap here. Instead, Honda appears focused on chassis and clearance rather than engine output. For trail use, this priority makes sense, because traction and geometry matter more than peak horsepower at low speeds.

None of this is official yet. Honda has not confirmed a debut date for the refreshed truck, and the company has not released 2027 imagery. Still, the report lines up with the direction Honda already telegraphed through its concept work, which we cover below.

Ground Clearance and Off-Road Geometry

Ground clearance is the headline number, so it deserves context. The current Honda Passport ground clearance of 8.3 inches already sits at the practical floor for light overlanding. For reference, a common rule of thumb puts 8 to 10 inches as the overlanding sweet spot, while serious rock crawling wants 10 inches or more. If you want a full primer, our guide on how much ground clearance you need off-road breaks down each threshold.

An extra inch sounds small, yet it changes real-world behavior. With about 9.3 inches under the skid plates, the reported 2027 TrailSport would move from the bottom of the overlanding band toward its middle. As a result, breakover and the risk of bellying out on a rounded crest both improve. The truck also gains a slightly better departure angle when leaving a steep ledge.

Geometry still has limits, though. Even with the added height, the Passport keeps a long wheelbase and a unibody floor, so tight rock gardens remain off the menu. Because of this, the clearance bump helps most on rutted dirt, washboard gravel, and moderate climbs rather than technical ledges.

Off-Road Hardware: AWD, TrailWatch, and Tires

The TrailSport’s traction system is its strongest hidden asset. Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel drive sends torque across the rear axle, shifting power side to side to find grip. On a slick climb or a one-wheel-light situation, this rear torque vectoring mimics part of a locking differential’s job. However, it is not a true locker, and the system lacks a low-range gear.

TrailSport models also add a dedicated Trail drive mode and TrailWatch camera tech. Specifically, TrailWatch shows forward and side views on the screen when you select the off-road setting, so you place tires more precisely. Meanwhile, hill descent control meters your speed down loose grades without constant brake input.

Tires round out the factory kit. The TrailSport ships on all-terrain rubber rather than the highway tires found on lesser Passport trims. For mild trails, those tires handle dirt and gravel well. Still, the sidewalls and tread stop short of what a dedicated mud-terrain delivers, which is why a tire upgrade tops most owner wish lists.

Where the TrailSport Goes and Where It Stops

The hardware sets a clear ceiling, and it tracks with what owners report. On forest service roads, gravel passes, washboard, sand, and snow, the all-terrain tires and rear torque-vectoring AWD give the Passport TrailSport off-road setup steady grip. Owner accounts back this up, with logging roads and remote trailheads handled without drama.

The wall appears when terrain turns technical. Without low range and with a unibody floor, steep rock steps, deep ruts, and slow crawling expose the limits. In those conditions, a body-on-frame rig with a transfer case pulls ahead. So owners who crawl rocks tend to choose a 4Runner or a Wrangler instead.

For most buyers, though, this ceiling sits above where they drive. The honest read is simple: if your adventures end at a campsite reachable by graded dirt, the TrailSport already covers it, and the 2027 clearance bump only widens the margin. If you want the full context on the trim’s roots, see our look at the Honda Passport TrailSport overlanding capability.

Honda Passport TrailSport vs. Toyota 4Runner: Which Wins Off-Road?

Ask the internet about the Passport, and the Honda Passport vs 4Runner debate dominates every thread. Across Reddit, YouTube, and the buff books, the pattern stays remarkably steady. The 4Runner wins raw off-road capability, while the Passport wins ride quality, interior, and daily comfort.

Hardware explains the split. The 4Runner offers a two-speed transfer case with low range, an available locking rear differential, and around 9 to 10 inches of clearance on its off-road trims. It also tows up to 6,000 pounds against the Passport’s 5,000. Therefore, on a technical trail, the Toyota simply brings more tools.

The Honda answers on pavement and value. Reviewers repeatedly call the Passport more refined, quieter, and roomier inside, and owners note a smoother daily ride. The reported 2027 updates narrow the off-road gap without closing it, since clearance rises but low range does not arrive. So the split stays clean: the 4Runner rewards anyone who crawls, while the Passport suits drivers who mostly cruise and explore on the side.

One more rival deserves a mention. Shoppers cross-shopping unibody options often weigh the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands, which brings a twin-clutch rear drive unit and a more off-road tune in a smaller package. Compared to the Bronco Sport, the Passport counters with far more cargo room and a bigger cabin, so the decision often comes down to size versus trail focus.

How to Make the TrailSport More Capable

Factory hardware is only the starting point, and a few smart upgrades stretch the Passport TrailSport off-road envelope. The single biggest gain comes from tires. Swapping the factory all-terrains for a more aggressive set improves bite in mud, sand, and loose rock. Our roundup of the best all-terrain tire upgrades walks through the proven options.

Honda’s own concept points the way too. For the 2025 SEMA show, the brand built a Passport TrailSport HRC Concept with a 2.4-inch lift, a full-size spare carrier, a roof rack, auxiliary lighting, and a custom bumper. Notably, Honda has since announced a partnered accessories program, so several of those parts should reach buyers through official channels.

Recovery gear belongs in the plan as well. Once you leave pavement in any soft-roader, a basic kit turns a stuck afternoon into a quick fix. Before your first trip, review the essentials in our guide to essential off-road recovery gear and pack accordingly.

Final Verdict

The reported 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport is the most encouraging version of a formula Honda already got right. Its biggest strength is breadth. Few vehicles blend a quiet, roomy cabin with genuine soft-road and light-trail ability this well, and the added clearance sharpens the trail side without spoiling the daily side.

The trade-offs stay honest. Buyers who crawl rocks, run technical 4×4 trails, or tow near the limit should still look at a body-on-frame rig, because no clearance bump replaces a low-range transfer case and a locking differential. For this crowd, the 4Runner remains the smarter tool.

On value, the Passport makes a strong case. It delivers standard all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, and TrailWatch tech in a package, and it also serves as a premium family hauler. For one-vehicle households, this versatility is hard to beat.

The recommendation is straightforward. If your off-road life means graded dirt, gravel passes, snow, and the occasional moderate trail, this Honda Passport TrailSport review lands firmly in the buy column once the 2027 model arrives. If your weekends involve actual rock crawling, choose the Toyota 4Runner and spend the savings on recovery gear. For a wider look at where it fits, browse our picks for the best overland vehicles for 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Honda Passport TrailSport good off-road?

Yes, within its class. The Honda Passport TrailSport off-road setup handles gravel roads, forest trails, sand, and snow well thanks to standard all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, and 8.3 inches of clearance. It stops short of technical rock crawling because it lacks a low-range transfer case.

When does the 2027 Honda Passport come out?

Honda has not confirmed a release date. According to the Automotive News report, the updated 2027 Honda Passport is scheduled to arrive later this year, though the company has not announced an official debut or pricing yet.

How much ground clearance does the Passport TrailSport have?

The current Honda Passport ground clearance is 8.3 inches. The reported 2027 refresh adds roughly an inch, which would bring it to about 9.3 inches and move it deeper into the overlanding-friendly range.

Is the Honda Passport TrailSport better off-road than the 4Runner?

No, not in raw capability. In the Honda Passport vs 4Runner matchup, the Toyota wins technical terrain with its low range, available locker, and higher tow rating. The Passport counters with a quieter, more refined ride and a roomier interior for daily use.

Does the 2027 Passport TrailSport get a new engine?

No. The reports indicate the 3.5-liter V6 and its automatic transmission carry over. Honda appears focused on clearance, suspension, and styling for 2027 rather than a powertrain change.

Which Passport trim is the off-road one?

The TrailSport is the off-road-focused trim. It adds all-terrain tires, a dedicated Trail mode, TrailWatch camera views, recovery points, and rugged styling the RTL and lower trims do not include.