The 2027 Honda Passport pairs second-generation i-VTM4 AWD with up to 9.65 inches of ground clearance standard on every TrailSport trim. RTL and RTL Towing deliver 8.3 inches of clearance, making the TrailSport the clear choice for genuine off-pavement work. This page breaks down exactly how the system works, which trims get what, and what it means for real driving near Ponca City.
AWD and Ground Clearance: What Makes the Passport Stand Out
The headline story on the 2027 Passport is not just that it has AWD. Every single trim, from the entry RTL to the TrailSport Elite Blackout, ships with the second-generation Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) system as standard equipment. There is no front-wheel-drive base model, no AWD upgrade fee, and no trim-level gamble. You get the full system regardless of which Passport you choose.
Ground clearance is where the lineup splits cleanly in two. RTL and RTL Towing sit at 8.3 inches unladen, which is competitive for a midsize SUV. The four TrailSport variants raise that figure to 9.65 inches through an off-road-tuned suspension specific to those trims. That extra 1.35 inches matters when the terrain gets irregular, and it is paired with a wider track (68.2 inches front / 68.5 inches rear on TrailSport versus 68.0 / 68.2 on RTL) for added stability.
The approach angle on TrailSport trims is 25.4 degrees and the departure angle is 25.3 degrees. RTL trims measure 23.0 degrees approach and 27.1 degrees departure. Those numbers define how steep a ledge or ditch the Passport can enter and exit without scraping body panels, and the TrailSport geometry is optimized for nose-first trail entry.
2027 Honda Passport trim comparison
How the Second-Gen i-VTM4 AWD System Works
i-VTM4 stands for Intelligent Variable Torque Management with four-wheel drive. The second-generation version takes that foundation further by coupling it with Trail Torque Logic, a feature exclusive to TrailSport trims.
Here is the core function: the system monitors wheel slip, steering input, throttle position, and surface conditions continuously. Instead of simply splitting torque 50/50 when slip is detected, i-VTM4 actively vectorizes torque to the individual rear wheel with better traction. If the right rear wheel has grip and the left does not, the system directs torque right. That behavior improves cornering on pavement and dramatically increases traction on loose surfaces.
Trail Torque Logic, found on TrailSport and above, adds a specific calibration for low-speed technical terrain. It holds a lower gear longer through the 10-speed automatic, reduces brake intervention that might otherwise interrupt momentum, and coordinates with the Trail and Sand drive modes to keep the Passport moving through soft or unpredictable surfaces.
The 285 hp, 3.5L V6 sends its 262 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic with Shift-By-Wire and paddle shifters. That combination means the driver can hold gears manually on descents or slot into a lower ratio before a technical section without waiting for the transmission to figure it out automatically.
Hill Descent Control is standard on all trims and works alongside the AWD system to regulate speed on steep downhill surfaces without requiring the driver to modulate the brake pedal. Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist are also standard, relevant for anyone using the full 5,000 lb tow capacity.
EPA fuel economy ratings for 2027 Honda Passport
AWD and Ground Clearance Across the Trims
Understanding which trim delivers which capability helps narrow the choice quickly.
RTL and RTL Towing
Both share the full second-gen i-VTM4 AWD system. Ground clearance is 8.3 inches. Tires are 265/60R18 all-season. The RTL Towing trim adds a Class III trailer hitch with harness and hitch panel from the factory, making it the practical tow-focused entry point. All seven drive modes, including Trail and Sand, are present on both trims, so the AWD logic is fully accessible even without the TrailSport suspension upgrade.
TrailSport and TrailSport Blackout
Ground clearance rises to 9.65 inches. The off-road-tuned suspension is specific to these trims. Tires upgrade to 275/60R18 all-terrain rubber, which contributes meaningfully to real-world traction independent of the AWD system. Trail Torque Logic activates. The TrailWatch multi-angle camera system is standard, giving the driver a view of the terrain directly in front of and around the vehicle at low speed. Underbody skid plate protection is included. The TrailSport Blackout adds black exterior trim elements without changing the mechanical capability.
TrailSport Elite and TrailSport Elite Blackout
Identical AWD hardware and ground clearance to TrailSport. These trims layer in ventilated front seats, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, perforated leather seating, and hands-free power liftgate. The off-road capability ceiling does not change, but the interior comfort does.
2027 Honda Passport safety features
Real-World Benefit for Drivers in and Around Ponca City
Oklahoma terrain gives the Passport's AWD system real work to do. Gravel county roads, creek crossings, muddy fields after rain, and uneven ranch tracks are routine in Kay County and the surrounding region. The i-VTM4 system's torque vectoring handles slick surface transitions, like pavement turning to wet gravel, without requiring driver input. The system simply keeps traction moving to the wheel that can use it.
For drivers who tow, the Trailer Sway Control integrates with the AWD system to detect and correct trailer oscillation automatically. Towing up to 5,000 lbs with a system actively monitoring sway is a meaningful safety difference compared to a setup that relies only on passive stability control.
The 9.65-inch ground clearance on TrailSport trims is not a marketing figure measured under ideal conditions. It is the unladen ride height that protects the undercarriage on terrain where an average crossover with 6 to 7 inches would scrape. Combined with the standard underbody skid plate, the TrailSport Passport absorbs contact with rocks and debris rather than transmitting it to mechanical components.
Inside, the Passport's Tri-Zone Climate Control, heated front seats standard across all trims, and 44 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row mean that capability does not come at the cost of comfort. A vehicle used for trail access on Saturday still needs to be practical on Monday morning.
How the Passport's AWD Compares to Midsize SUV Rivals
The Passport's competitive position on AWD comes down to one key structural advantage: standard AWD on every trim with no additional cost. Several competitors in the midsize SUV segment offer AWD as an upgrade package on lower trims, which raises the effective entry cost for buyers who need the traction.
On ground clearance, 9.65 inches on the TrailSport trims puts the Passport above most unibody midsize SUVs. The Trail Torque Logic calibration is a feature that competitors in this class rarely match with equivalent precision, particularly when it comes to coordinating AWD torque distribution with drive-mode-specific transmission tuning.
The 5,000 lb tow rating is consistent across all six trims, meaning a buyer does not have to step up to a higher trim to get full tow capacity. That is a straightforward advantage when comparing against rivals where tow ratings vary by drivetrain or trim.
2027 Honda Passport towing capability
See the 2027 Honda Passport at Heather Cannon Honda in Ponca City
The 2027 Passport's i-VTM4 AWD system and TrailSport-grade ground clearance are best understood in person, on terrain you actually drive. Heather Cannon Honda in Ponca City carries the full Passport lineup, and the team can walk through which trim fits your specific roads, towing needs, and daily routine. Check current inventory now or schedule a test drive to feel the system work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2027 Honda Passport come standard with AWD?
Yes. AWD is standard on every 2027 Passport trim, from the RTL through the TrailSport Elite Blackout. No trim offers a front-wheel-drive option.
What is the ground clearance on the 2027 Honda Passport?
Ground clearance depends on the trim. RTL and RTL Towing trims measure 8.3 inches. TrailSport, TrailSport Blackout, TrailSport Elite, and TrailSport Elite Blackout all measure 9.65 inches, thanks to an off-road-tuned suspension specific to those trims.
What does Trail Torque Logic do on the 2027 Passport?
Trail Torque Logic is a calibration within the i-VTM4 AWD system that is exclusive to TrailSport trims. It holds lower gears longer for sustained low-speed traction, reduces abrupt brake intervention on technical terrain, and coordinates with the Trail and Sand drive modes to keep momentum through loose or soft surfaces.
What drive modes does the 2027 Honda Passport offer?
The 2027 Passport offers seven drive modes: Normal, ECON, Sport, Snow, Trail, Sand, and Tow. All seven modes are available on every trim.
Does the 2027 Passport have all-terrain tires?
All-terrain tires (275/60R18, rated 113T) are standard on TrailSport, TrailSport Blackout, TrailSport Elite, and TrailSport Elite Blackout. RTL and RTL Towing trims come with 265/60R18 all-season tires.
What is the towing capacity of the 2027 Honda Passport?
The 2027 Passport tows up to 5,000 lbs on all six trims. The RTL Towing trim includes a factory-installed Class III trailer hitch with harness and hitch panel.
How does the TrailWatch camera system help with AWD off-road use?
TrailWatch is a multi-angle camera system standard on all TrailSport trims. It displays the terrain directly in front of and around the vehicle at low speeds, allowing the driver to see obstacles before the tires reach them and to position the Passport precisely on narrow or uneven terrain.
