2021 INFINITI QX50 vs 2020 Honda Passport

The 2020 Honda Passport was a testament to Honda's consistent design philosophy, offering a familiar yet appealing aesthetic that resonated with loyal Honda buyers. Its exterior design was a blend of ruggedness and athleticism, positioned between the larger Pilot and the smaller CR-V. The Passport's Elite trim, in particular, showcased a robust appearance with features like a scratch-resistant matte black grille, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and increased ground clearance, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Inside, the Passport's cabin was a mix of durability and comfort, with heated and ventilated front seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and a spacious layout that emphasized practicality over flashiness.

In contrast, the 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out in the luxury compact crossover segment with its distinctive design and engineering prowess. The QX50's exterior featured a large honeycomb grille and a sporty, curved hood, while the rear showcased a unique chrome strip. The panoramic moonroof added an airy feel to the cabin, enhancing the spaciousness. However, the QX50's thick B-pillars slightly hindered visibility. Inside, the QX50 boasted a luxurious cabin with soft-touch materials, aluminum accents, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The front seats offered heating and cooling, and the intuitive placement of controls made for a user-friendly experience.

The 2020 Honda Passport was equipped with a reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the engine provided smooth performance across various driving conditions. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with FWD models achieving 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, while AWD models managed 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The Passport excelled in off-road scenarios, thanks to its torque-vectoring AWD system and drive modes like Snow, Sand, and Mud. It also boasted a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, surpassing many of its competitors.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured a unique VC-Turbo engine, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a CVT, offered a balance of power and efficiency by adjusting the compression ratio. While the engine's operation was smooth, the CVT's simulated shift points aimed to mimic a traditional transmission experience. The QX50's AWD system provided reassurance during challenging driving conditions, and its drive mode selector allowed for customization of performance characteristics. Sport mode enhanced responsiveness, while Eco mode prioritized fuel efficiency, albeit at the cost of acceleration.

The 2020 Honda Passport was a practical choice, offering ample space for passengers and cargo. Its size provided good visibility and comfortable seating for four adults, with no third-row option. The Passport excelled in cargo capacity, offering 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and the most under-floor storage in its class. The interior featured thoughtful storage solutions, including a large center console and secondary shelf space. The Passport's climate control and seat functionalities were user-friendly, and its hard plastic surfaces were easy to clean.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50, despite being a compact vehicle, offered a spacious interior with generous hip, shoulder, and headroom. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 38.7 inches of legroom, and the sliding second-row seats allowed for flexibility in legroom or cargo space. The cargo area provided 31.1 cubic feet behind the second-row seats, expanding to 64.4 cubic feet with seats folded. The QX50's interior was well-equipped with cupholders, storage bins, and charging options, making it a practical choice for families and travelers.

The 2020 Honda Passport featured a straightforward infotainment system, with the EX-L, Touring, and Elite trims offering an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system was practical and easy to navigate, though the dashboard design felt slightly outdated. Standard features included Bluetooth, a USB port, and a seven-speaker audio system, with higher trims offering additional audio and connectivity options.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 excelled in technology, with the InTouch infotainment system featuring dual display screens and voice recognition. The system offered seamless smartphone integration and a 16-speaker Bose audio system. The QX50 also included advanced safety features like ProPilot Assist, enhancing the driving experience with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Around View Monitor provided added convenience in tight spaces.

The 2020 Honda Passport prioritized safety, earning high scores from the IIHS and NHTSA, and was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick. It came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, including collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic detection.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot warning, forward-collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The QX50 received a four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS for crash protection. The ProPilot Assist system further enhanced safety by providing advanced driver assistance.