Treated to a few esthetic tweaks for the 2023 model year, the Honda Passport midsize SUV is in many ways better than its direct competitors, in particular, the Toyota 4Runner. The Passport is a true SUV, offering good ergonomics, a generous cabin and reassuring performance on the road. What’s more, it rose triumphantly to the All-Terrain Challenge organized by Car and Driver magazine. With high scores in the categories of traction, ground clearance and features befitting a 4x4, the Honda Passport eclipses its rivals where it counts.
The Honda Passport surpasses the Toyota 4Runner
In the mid-range TrailSport AWD version, the Honda Passport demonstrated that it has no reason to be jealous of other sport utility vehicles. For example, although the Toyota 4Runner is an unquestionably proficient SUV, experts give it lower ratings than they give the Passport.
With regard to powertrains, the 3.5 L V6 in the Honda generates 280 horsepower, while the one in the Toyota only produces 270. When it comes to acceleration under real-world conditions, the advantage also goes to the Passport, which can go from 8 km/h to 96 km/h in 6.1 seconds, compared with 8 seconds for the 4Runner.
The proven mechanics of the Honda Passport are well served by its efficient all-wheel drive system, nine-speed automatic transmission and impeccable undercarriage. This accounts for its perfect five-star rating in the areas of drivability and handling, in which the 4Runner only received one star.
Ergonomic and roomy
The Honda Passport’s cabin is remarkable. In this regard, as well, it scored better than the Toyota, receiving yet another perfect five-star rating. The 4Runner only came away with three stars. Aboard the Passport, the higher seat and large windows offer the driver excellent visibility, while headroom and clearance for the vehicle occupants’ shoulders and hips are unequaled in their class. What’s more, with a maximum interior volume of 1,430 liters (2,854 liters with the rear seats folded down), the Passport once again beats the 4Runner (at 1,336 and 2,540 liters, respectively).
