Future Honda TrailSport Models to Receive Upgraded Suspension and V-6 Hybrid Power

Earlier Honda TrailSport vehicles mostly relied on visual cues, and even the current CR-V Hybrid TrailSport offers little beyond aggressive-looking tires and rugged paint options. However, the TrailSport team indicates that the era of purely cosmetic off-road packages is coming to an end. Starting with the Passport TrailSport introduced for 2026 and already upgraded for the 2027 model year, future TrailSport vehicles will feature genuine hardware upgrades aimed at serious trail capability.

Just one year after its initial debut, the 2027 Passport TrailSport receives revised suspension and chassis components that raise ground clearance by 1.38 inches to a total of 9.85 inches. Driven by customer feedback, these changes create a clear mechanical distinction from the base RTL trim, which previously shared the same ground clearance as well as approach, departure, and breakover angles. Tested on the rocky and muddy trails of North Carolina’s Uwharrie Mountains, the updated unibody crossover demonstrated strong capability with its independent suspension and all-wheel-drive system.

This shift is led by a dedicated internal group of Honda engineers and planners who are avid off-road enthusiasts, own modified classic four-wheel-drive vehicles, and hold certifications from the International Four Wheel Drive Training Association. With extensive experience on major trail networks in North America and Japan, the team is advocating within the company to optimize mechanical hardware and software for off-road use, convincing executives in Japan that genuine capability will strengthen Honda's standing in the United States.

Looking ahead, the next-generation CR-V TrailSport, expected for 2028, will move away from cosmetic upgrades in favor of real mechanical improvements. Because Honda shares platforms and components across segments, the confirmed 2028 Ridgeline pickup is also a prime candidate to receive a TrailSport variant adopting suspension hardware from the Passport. Furthermore, a new V-6 hybrid powertrain currently in development for Honda's larger vehicles is expected to improve low-speed throttle response and precise control on technical terrain compared to the current naturally aspirated V-6.

Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) is also expanding into the segment, debuting its first off-road performance parts at the 2026 SEMA Show. Initial offerings include a stronger 18-inch forged-aluminum wheel and a stainless-steel cat-back exhaust developed with Borla that improves flow and ground clearance. These individual upgrades could eventually grow into a broader HRC catalog featuring auxiliary lighting, racks, and external tire carriers, or even form a dedicated HRC package positioned above TrailSport. Finally, Acura is preparing its first off-road-oriented luxury SUV, an unnamed model expected to share hardware with the Passport while adopting a milder soft-roader setup with larger wheels and lower-profile tires.