Honda Passport 2026 or 2027: what changed for Hilton Head Island drivers?
The 2027 Honda Passport differs from the 2026 in the published figures for ground clearance and price. Hilton Head Honda, the only Honda store serving Hilton Head Island, sells the Passport new at 161 Fording Island Road in Bluffton.
For a driver on Hilton Head Island, the changes that matter most are the TrailSport’s higher ground clearance and a higher starting price on every trim.
Keep reading below, then schedule a test drive in Bluffton. Bringing your own numbers to the lot settles this faster than any spec sheet.
Which 2027 Honda Passport changes matter to Hilton Head Island drivers?
For Hilton Head Island drivers, the 2027 changes that count most are the TrailSport’s higher ground clearance and a higher starting price on every trim (Honda, 2027; Honda Newsroom, 2026).
How much higher does the 2027 Passport TrailSport sit than the 2026?
The 2027 specification sheet lists 9.6 inches unladen, against 8.3 inches for the 2026 TrailSport (Honda, 2027; Honda, 2026).
The RTL and RTL Towing sit at 8.3 inches unladen (Honda, 2027), so the higher stance belongs to the TrailSport.
What engine, towing and fuel economy does Honda publish for each Passport year?
The 2026 Passport is rated at 285 horsepower (Honda Newsroom, 2025), and the 2027 Passport at 280 across its trims (Honda, 2027). Maximum towing is 5,000 pounds in both years (Honda Newsroom, 2025; Honda, 2027).
EPA rates the 2027 Passport AWD at 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined (fueleconomy.gov, 2027). The 2027 TrailSport is rated at 18 mpg city, 22 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined (Honda, 2027), against 18, 23 and 20 for the 2026 AWD TrailSport (fueleconomy.gov, 2026). Both model years use a 10-speed automatic transmission (Honda, 2027; Honda Newsroom, 2025).
How much does the 2027 Honda Passport cost compared with the 2026?
The 2027 Passport RTL starts at $45,195, against $44,950 for the 2026 RTL (Honda Newsroom, 2026). The 2027 TrailSport starts at $49,995, against $48,650 for the 2026 TrailSport (Honda Newsroom, 2026).
Honda’s total suggested retail price for the 2027 RTL is $46,790. That figure adds a $1,595 destination charge and excludes tax, license, registration and dealer-installed accessories (Honda Newsroom, 2026).
How do the 2026 and 2027 Honda Passport trims compare side by side?
Every 2027 trim starts higher than its 2026 counterpart (Honda Newsroom, 2026). Each trim in the table keeps its name across both years, so the comparison is direct.
| Trim | 2026 starting MSRP (Honda Newsroom, 2026) | 2027 starting MSRP (Honda Newsroom, 2026) | 2027 ground clearance, unladen (Honda, 2027) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTL | $44,950 | $45,195 | 8.3 in |
| RTL Towing | $45,650 | $45,895 | 8.3 in |
| TrailSport | $48,650 | $49,995 | 9.6 in |
| TrailSport Blackout | $49,850 | $51,495 | 9.6 in |
| TrailSport Elite | $52,650 | $53,695 | 9.6 in |
| TrailSport Elite Blackout | $53,850 | $55,195 | 9.6 in |
The question for most buyers is whether the TrailSport’s extra clearance and equipment justify its higher starting price, and that comparison is fair within the same trim name.
When is the 2026 or 2027 Honda Passport the wrong fit for your household?
A household that needs more seats or more cargo room than the Passport gives should look at a larger Honda such as the Pilot or Odyssey. The Passport seats five (Honda, 2026).
FAQ
How far is Hilton Head Honda from Hilton Head Island?
We are at 161 Fording Island Road in Bluffton, about 12.6 miles from Hilton Head Island. The drive is short enough that a test drive fits into one trip to the island and back.
Can I trade in my current vehicle toward a new Passport at Hilton Head Honda?
Yes. You can bring your trade-in to our store with or without an appointment. Our payment calculator accepts a trade-in offer amount, so you can enter the offer and work out the payment on a new Passport.
How do I schedule a Passport test drive at Hilton Head Honda?
Contact us to schedule a test drive at 161 Fording Island Rd, Bluffton, SC 29909. Our sales hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Saturday, from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM. We are closed Sunday.
Does Hilton Head Honda finance or lease the Passport?
Yes. We offer leasing and financing through our finance center. Ask about either option when you come in for your test drive.
What does Honda’s new-vehicle warranty cover on the Passport?
For the 2026 Passport, Honda’s basic warranty runs 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first (Honda, 2026). The powertrain warranty runs 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, and corrosion coverage lasts 5 years with no mileage limit (Honda, 2026).
What sales tax and fees apply when buying a new vehicle in South Carolina?
South Carolina charges an Infrastructure Maintenance Fee in place of a vehicle sales tax, at 5% of the purchase price and no more than $500 (SCDMV, 2026). Registration for most passenger cars is $40, paid once every two years (SCDMV, 2026). A certificate of title costs $15 (SCDMV, 2026).
How does the Honda Passport compare with the Pilot on seating and towing?
The Passport seats five and is rated to tow 5,000 pounds in every trim (Honda, 2026). The Pilot seats up to eight in most of its trims, and its 2WD versions are rated to tow 3,500 pounds while its AWD versions tow 5,000 (Honda, 2026). For a household that needs a third row, the Odyssey EX-L seats eight and offers 155.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo (Honda, 2026).
Why buy a Honda Passport at Hilton Head Honda, the Lowcountry’s only Honda store?
At Hilton Head Honda, we sell new Honda vehicles from 161 Fording Island Rd in Bluffton, including the Accord, Civic, CR-V, HR-V, Passport, Pilot, Prelude, Prologue, Odyssey and Ridgeline. We are part of Group 1 Automotive. You can schedule a test drive by contacting us.
Our Google record as of October 2026 is 4.8 stars across 2,799 reviews, and 92 in 100 of those reviews are five-star. In an August 2026 Google review, Donna A. wrote: “I can tell you that I purchased a car from Cris Smith. He is not just an honest salesman but a special person with a big heart! He is like family too me now. No pressure straight up guy. Hes your salesman if you ever purchase a car there. I give him a 10 star rating. Thank you Cris” Their account describes a sale with no pressure.
In a July 2026 Google review, Kelly T. wrote: “Sebastian was amazing and made purchasing a new car painless. Pleasure to work with him!” Start by contacting Hilton Head Honda at 161 Fording Island Road in Bluffton and ask for a test drive on the 2026 or 2027 Passport.
Hilton Head Honda answers this question against the specific vehicle in front of you rather than the model in general. Value your trade and get pre-approved online, then see us at our Bluffton showroom, or call (843) 815-2880.
Disclaimer: Vehicle features, specifications, pricing, options, and availability may vary based on production timelines and dealership inventory; images are for illustrative purposes only. Starting MSRP figures are national and exclude destination freight charges, tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Standard and available equipment varies by trim, configuration, and model year; confirm the specification of the individual vehicle before purchase. Maximum towing and payload ratings depend on cab, bed, drivetrain, and equipment configuration; see the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual and trailering guide for limits. Electric range and charging times vary with battery, configuration, temperature, terrain, load, and driving habits. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Financing and pre-approval are subject to credit approval. Contact Hilton Head Honda for complete details regarding current vehicle inventory, pricing, and equipment.
