The 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport challenges the idea that a crossover can only be a comfortable daily driver. By focusing on off-road performance, Honda has shifted the design away from a typical unibody SUV toward something closer to a truck. Two days of testing at Overland Experts’ North Carolina facility proved that it’s not just impressive for an all-wheel-drive unibody crossover; it’s a damn decent expedition vehicle in its own right.
Tuning for the Trail
Early reports on the 2026 model highlighted a need for extra ground clearance. A long-term tester with 13,000 miles on the odometer suggested the vehicle would benefit from a single extra inch. Honda addressed this concern for the 2027 model by redesigning the suspension and subframe. The TrailSport now includes a 1.38-inch lift, raising the maximum ground clearance to 9.65 inches.
Read Also: Rimac Admits Tesla Roadster Thrusters Idea Wasn’t Original
The changes go beyond simple geometry. According to Honda, 28 suspension and related chassis parts, including springs, dampers, control arms, stabilizer bars, and knuckles, have been redesigned or reengineered. The 275/60R18 General Grabber AT Sport tires carry over from the previous year. This combination of hardware upgrades improves the Passport’s approach, departure, and breakover angles compared to the 2026 version.
Technology and Control
Drivers can cycle through a range of drive modes, including Trail, Snow, and Sand settings. Trail mode prioritizes low-speed precision, while Sand mode allows for higher speeds on soft surfaces. Snow mode acts as the opposite, damping the gas pedal to reduce wheel spin.
The Passport’s i-VTM4 system serves as the core of its terrain capability. This torque-vectoring technology actively allocates engine power to the tires with the most grip. Sensors monitor traction across the vehicle and prevent power from being wasted on spinning wheels. Power flows from the V6 engine to a front gear set, then to a rear central unit, and finally to a metal box between the rear wheels. Clutch packs within that box progressively send power to the left or right side as needed.
Read Also: Crashed McLaren bursts into flames again
Handling Rough Terrain
At the Overland Experts proving ground, guides led the group through trails snaking through tight trees, up and over steep crests, and through deep gullies with dirt mounds the size of hay bales.
The experience suggests that the Passport TrailSport offers a different kind of utility than traditional trucks. It lacks the heavy-duty strength of a full-frame vehicle, but its adaptability makes it a practical choice for varied driving scenarios. The vehicle’s performance in the field reinforces its position as a serious contender for those who require capability beyond the pavement. The taller shocks and longer control arms also let the tires droop a little more when weight shifts away from them, so they stay in contact with the ground during deeper twists than the ’26.
