The Passport and Highlander are two of the top mid-dimensions SUVs on the market, but they are not made equal. The Highlander arrives out on best among the two in nearly all the categories. Nevertheless, the Passport is not without advantage and remains a common choice for a lot of folks.
If you are looking for a mid-size SUV with space for far more than 5 people and some outstanding hybrid possibilities, then the Highlander is a very clear option. Nevertheless, if room is considerably less of an concern, the Passport also has great power and abilities as far as storage and design and style go.
Under, we will go more than the considerable offering factors of each model. Then, we will compare them head-to-head in five major types: efficiency, value, gasoline economy, design and style, and protection.
At a Glance
Let us search at how these two SUVs stack up to every other.
- Starting MSRP: $37,870
- Warranty: 36 months / 36,000 miles
- Horsepower: 280
- Engine: 3.5-liter V-6
- Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (AWD) / Front-wheel drive (FWD)
- Estimated mpg: Up to 20 city / 25 highway
- Seating capacity: 5
- Starting MSRP: $35,405
- Warranty: 36 months / 36,000 miles
- Horsepower: 295
- Engine: 3.5-liter V-6
- Drivetrain: AWD / FWD
- Estimated mpg: Up to 21 city / 29 highway
- Seating capacity: 8
Overview of the Honda Passport:
This calendar year is a very good calendar year for the Passport. Honda resolved one of the major issues that prior generations got its forgettable looks. The front end received a redesign this year. It has a bolder grille with sharp, square traces complemented by a new entrance and rear bumper design and style.
Honda also additional a new bundle selection to the Passport line the TrailSport. This new trim level is geared up with a unique wheel-and-tire combo and enhanced balance to give it an off-road-influenced feel. In addition to the new TrailSport, the rest of the Passport line obtained a few small updates. All round, 2022 was a 12 months of appears and fashion upgrades.
Performance
The Passport shares the same 280 horsepower V-6 motor that the Pilot has, and FWD is the common alternative. Nevertheless, AWD is an accessible manufacturing facility insert-on if you favor far more functionality. But even equipped with AWD, the Passport is not intended for off-highway use. It rides pretty rough when off-street thanks to its larger experience peak.
When it will come to freeway driving, the Passport performs well and feels good to generate. Additionally, it now comes normal with a tow package of up to 5000 pounds. So, towing a boat or several holiday getaway trailers will not be a problem. Despite the fact that, gas mileage leaves a little bit to be desired, particularly if it is equipped with AWD. But it’s not about miles for every gallon it’s the “smiles per gallon.”
Interior
Honda tends to make a number of mid-dimensions SUVs. If you need to have third-row seating, you’ll have to get into the Passport’s cousin, the Pilot. Nevertheless, if seating for 5 grown ups is sufficient, the Passport delivers a relaxed interior with a reasonably-sized cargo area.
Nothing at all stands out as extraordinary about the Passport’s design and style, but overall, the interior is useful without having a lot of problems. In addition to the principal cargo spot, there is lots of cubby storage through for passengers to set their possessions.
Technology and Safety
Like most Honda automobiles, the Passport arrives standard with Apple Carplay and Android Automobile. It also has an 8-inch touchscreen display. Aside from Bluetooth and some USB electrical power points, this is all you get except if you want to up grade to the top trim amounts. If you choose for the up grade, you will be acquiring features these kinds of as an upgraded sound method, wireless device phone charger, or a navigation method.
The Passport gets the maximum ranking for its all round security. There are some further characteristics that you can insert, this sort of as blind-location checking or rear cross-visitors notify, but most other Honda Sensing basic safety characteristics are standard from the foundation trim and up.
The adage, “if it ain’t broke, really do not correct it,” retains correct for the Highlander this year. The Hybrid Bronze Edition is an addition to the line. But other than the new hybrid, the only significant change is an adjustable passenger seat on the XLE trim and up. Even with no any adjustments this yr, the Highlander continues to be at the top of the pack for mid-size SUVs.
Performance
The regular 295 horsepower V-six motor does not disappoint. It has enough electrical power to deal with passing on the freeway whilst retaining respectable gasoline mileage compared to the horsepower it gives. Toyota offers the Highlander in each FWD and AWD choices from the manufacturing unit. Despite the fact that, the AWD will value added.
If you are eco-minded and want the gas economic system, Toyota has proven they are a single of the leaders in hybrid motor engineering. The Highlander Hybrid will not permit you down. In between a 2.five-liter motor and two electric motors, it nevertheless pumps out 243 horsepower. The hybrid is also available in FWD and AWD.
Interior
Most trim ranges of the Highlander offer you eight-individual seating. Nevertheless, on the best trim ranges, it is achievable to get captain’s chairs which drop it to seven-individual but is more comfy for your next-row passengers.
The inside design in the Highlander rivals that of the equivalent Lexus SUV. Even so, it does tumble short in cargo room behind the 3rd row. So, if cargo space is your most substantial marketing position, the Highlander will not blow your brain.
Technology and Safety
Most trim amounts occur common with an 8-inch touchscreen show. Nevertheless, if you go with either of the two best trims, that will update to a 12.3-inch show. The normal audio technique is good, but you can upgrade to an 11-speaker JBL system way too. Toyota also provides common infotainment features this kind of as Apple Carplay, Android Auto, XM Radio, and Amazon Alexa integration.
Toyota has constantly shown its determination to the highest ranges of safety, and the Highlander is no departure from this model. Every single trim amount comes common with most of Toyota’s driver-assistance engineering. Simply because of this, the Highlander gets the highest protection ranking from the NHTSA.
Both these SUVs have some wonderful characteristics. Let us just take a appear at how they evaluate in numerous various classes.
Performance
| Edge: | Highlander |
The Passport is no slouch in the overall performance division. Both SUVs have the very same dimension engine, nonetheless, the Highlander squeezes 15 more horsepower out of its engine. Furthermore, it does it with much better gasoline economic climate in contrast to the Passport.
Price
Edge: Tie
The Highlander does begin a few of thousand dollars less costly than the Passport. But they have very a number of much more trim-stage possibilities. A truthful comparison in between the trim levels of the two SUVs delivers the commencing value point to a degree taking part in area.
Fuel Economy
| Edge: | Highlander |
Even considering a drastically a lot more effective engine and AWD, the Highlander even now normally takes a sensible edge more than the Passport when it comes to gasoline economy. This direct is solidified even more if you opt for the Highlander Hybrid.
Design
| Edge: | Highlander |
The Passport went by way of a considerable overhaul in its design and style this 12 months. Nevertheless, it wasn’t enough to take the direct absent from the Highlander. With a appreciable sum of further room between seating for three added folks and far more storage, the Highlander has a much much better style.
Safety
| Edge: | Tie |
The two manufacturers have an incredible track record when it comes to security. The only slight edge below is that Toyota offers much more regular features. However, both cars acquire the greatest overall security ratings from the NHTSA.
What the Users Say
Two great resources for consumer reviews are Consumer Reviews and Edmunds. We’ve long gone to these resources and other people to locate out what buyers like you are declaring about every model.
- Many Highlander reviews complain that while it does have third-row seating, that row is only suitable for kids.
- Consumers praise the Highlander’s balance of fuel economy and power.
- Cargo space with the third row up in the Highlander is lacking.
- “The ride quality is great. Suspension is tuned in a way that absorbs small bumps nicely while remaining dialed in a responsive.” – 8/10 Highlander Review
- Many people like how great the Passport’s AWD system is; it’s a worthwhile upgrade.
- Drivers love the new rugged-looking TrailSport trim level.
- While it receives maximum safety ratings, many people complain that the Passport’s driver assisting technology could use some work.
- “For what you pay for the Passport, you don’t get a lot of vehicle for the money. Overall, it’s still a decent SUV, though.” – 3/5 Passport Review
Conclusion
For most purchasers in the marketplace for a mid-dimensions SUV with the maximum sum of place and comfort, equally the Passport and Highlander are very easily some of the top picks in the market. In our viewpoint, the Highlander will take the edge, however. It gives several trim amounts to give you flexibility for manufacturing facility possibilities, but it continues to be competitively priced. And like acquiring any Toyota, you’re buying into a model that is renowned for its trustworthiness and durability.
Featured Graphic Credit: Still left: Honda Passport (picture Credit history: Kevauto, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.) | Right: Toyota Highlander (Picture Credit: Kevauto, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.)
Contents