When it comes to choosing an SUV, many drivers consider factors like comfort, performance, safety, and reliability. Two popular models that often come up in these conversations are the Honda Passport and the Toyota Highlander. Both of these vehicles have earned strong reputations, but which one is better for you? This article will explore the features of both SUVs, comparing them across various categories to help you make an informed decision.
Overview of the Honda Passport and Toyota Highlander
The Honda Passport and the Toyota Highlander are both mid-sized SUVs that provide a balance of space, performance, and versatility. However, they cater to slightly different preferences.
The Honda Passport is known for its rugged design and off-road capability, making it a good choice for those who want more adventure. It offers a roomy interior, powerful engine options, and excellent ground clearance. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander is geared more toward families seeking comfort and refinement. It provides a smooth ride, a well-appointed interior, and a range of tech and safety features.
Performance and Engine Options
Honda Passport Performance
The Honda Passport is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower. This engine gives the Passport plenty of power for both city driving and off-road adventures. The vehicle comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission, and it offers the option of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). With its higher ground clearance, the Passport is well-suited for light off-roading, making it a good choice for those who want to explore more rugged terrains.
In addition, the Honda Passport offers a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, which is ideal for hauling trailers or boats. The engine provides smooth acceleration, and the vehicle’s handling is precise, making it an enjoyable drive on highways and off-road trails.
Toyota Highlander Performance
The Toyota Highlander, in contrast, offers a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower. While this is slightly more powerful than the Passport, the Highlander is designed more for comfort and road performance than rugged adventures. The Highlander also has a hybrid option, which combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors to provide a combined 243 horsepower. This makes the Highlander an excellent choice for drivers seeking better fuel efficiency.
The Highlander’s handling is smooth and comfortable, especially on paved roads, thanks to its well-tuned suspension. It comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission and offers both FWD and AWD options. However, the Highlander is not as capable off-road as the Passport due to its lower ground clearance and more road-oriented design.
Electrical Equipment and Generator
Both vehicles come with modern electrical systems, including advanced infotainment setups and climate controls. However, if you are planning to use your SUV for long trips or off-grid adventures, it is worth noting that both the Honda Passport and Toyota Highlander can be paired with generators and other electrical equipment to power accessories and devices while camping or traveling in remote areas. While neither vehicle is specifically designed as an off-grid powerhouse, both have features that can help make extended trips more comfortable.
Interior Space and Comfort
Honda Passport Interior
The Honda Passport is designed with a spacious interior that can comfortably accommodate up to five passengers. The seats are supportive, and the cabin is spacious enough to provide ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The vehicle’s large cargo space is another advantage, offering up to 77.9 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. This makes it a good choice for drivers who frequently carry gear, luggage, or equipment.
The interior features high-quality materials, with soft-touch surfaces and an overall clean and modern design. Honda also includes a variety of tech and convenience features, such as an 8-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Toyota Highlander Interior
The Toyota Highlander, on the other hand, offers a slightly more upscale feel with a 7-passenger seating capacity. While the third-row seats are a bit cramped for adults, they can be useful for families with children or additional passengers. The second-row seats are spacious, and the overall cabin is quiet and comfortable. The Highlander’s cargo space is also generous, offering 16 cubic feet behind the third row, with up to 84.3 cubic feet when the second and third rows are folded down.
The Highlander features a premium interior with available leather upholstery, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen on higher trims, and advanced technology features such as a 360-degree camera system and wireless charging. Toyota’s focus on comfort and convenience is clear, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a refined driving experience.
Safety Features
Honda Passport Safety
Honda has equipped the Passport with a suite of advanced safety features under the Honda Sensing package. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. The Passport also comes with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert to help ensure a safer driving experience.
In crash tests, the Passport performed well, earning top ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These features make the Passport a solid choice for those who value safety and peace of mind.
Toyota Highlander Safety
The Toyota Highlander also comes with a wide range of safety features, including Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which adds adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The Highlander has earned excellent safety ratings, including top marks from the NHTSA and IIHS. Toyota also offers the option of a panoramic view monitor and parking sensors for added convenience.
Both the Honda Passport and Toyota Highlander offer strong safety features, but the Highlander may have a slight edge for those who want more advanced safety technologies, especially on higher trims.
Technology and Infotainment
Honda Passport Technology
The Honda Passport comes with a well-rounded infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 7-speaker audio system. Higher trims add more features, including a larger display, a 10-speaker audio system, and a navigation system. The Passport also offers a Wi-Fi hotspot, which is a convenient feature for those who want to stay connected on the road.
Toyota Highlander Technology
The Toyota Highlander is equipped with a larger 8- or 12.3-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim level. It also comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Additionally, the Highlander offers a premium JBL audio system, wireless device charging, and available navigation. Higher trims add even more tech, such as a larger digital gauge display and a rear-seat entertainment system, making it a great option for families who need to keep passengers entertained during long trips.
Fuel Economy
Honda Passport Fuel Economy
The Honda Passport delivers respectable fuel economy for its class. The 3.5-liter V6 engine provides an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway for the FWD model. The AWD model drops slightly to 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. While the Passport is not the most fuel-efficient SUV in its category, it strikes a good balance between power and economy.
Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy
The Toyota Highlander offers better fuel efficiency, especially with its hybrid option. The standard V6 model achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The hybrid version is even more efficient, providing an impressive 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. If fuel economy is a top priority, the Highlander Hybrid is an excellent option.
Pricing and Value
Honda Passport Pricing
The Honda Passport starts at around $37,000 for the base model and can go up to about $45,000 for the fully loaded Touring or Elite trims. The Passport offers good value, particularly for those who want a rugged, off-road-capable SUV with strong towing capabilities.
Toyota Highlander Pricing
The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of about $37,000 for the base model, with higher trims reaching up to $50,000 for the Platinum trim or $47,000 for the Hybrid. While the Highlander is more expensive at the top trims, it offers a more refined interior and a greater range of standard features.
Honda Passport vs. Toyota Highlander: Which is Better?
When deciding between the Honda Passport and the Toyota Highlander, it all comes down to your specific needs and preferences. The Honda Passport is a great choice if you need an SUV with off-road capability, higher ground clearance, and ample cargo space. It’s perfect for adventure lovers and those who need a rugged, versatile vehicle for both on-road and off-road driving. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander shines for families looking for comfort, a smooth ride, and better fuel efficiency. It offers a hybrid option for better mpg and a more refined interior. The Highlander is ideal if you prioritize a family-friendly vehicle with advanced safety features and tech. The Honda Passport is built for adventure, offering a more rugged experience, while the Toyota Highlander focuses on smooth handling and a comfortable, family-oriented ride.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Honda Passport and the Toyota Highlander depends largely on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for an SUV with off-road capability, more cargo space, and a rugged build for adventure, the Honda Passport is the better option. On the other hand, if you prioritize comfort, fuel efficiency, and advanced family-friendly features, the Toyota Highlander would be a better fit. Both vehicles excel in their respective areas, so it ultimately comes down to which qualities are most important to you.
Related topics: