2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, retained a rugged charm that appealed to those seeking a durable and reliable SUV. Its design, unchanged for over a decade, still managed to convey a sense of timeless utility with its two-box body, flared fenders, and trapezoidal wheel arches. While not conventionally attractive, the 4Runner's appearance was functional, akin to a well-crafted tool that didn't require frequent updates. The interior, though dominated by hard plastics, was practical and easy to clean, aligning with the SUV's mission of durability and simplicity. The dashboard featured large knobs and buttons, offering an old-school feel that endeared it to its owners.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Passport adopted a more modern and aggressive styling, closely resembling the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck. Sharing a platform with the Ridgeline, Odyssey, and Pilot, the Passport was essentially a shorter Pilot without a third-row seat. The updated design aimed to give the Passport a tougher look, particularly in the new TrailSport trim, which added off-road appeal. Inside, the Passport boasted one of the largest interiors in its class, with quality materials and thoughtful assembly. The TrailSport trim added unique touches like orange contrast stitching and amber ambient lighting, enhancing the SUV's appeal to those seeking a blend of style and functionality.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Its off-road capabilities were impressive, thanks to features like A-Trac, a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control. However, on paved roads, the 4Runner felt slow and cumbersome, with heavy steering and brakes that required effort. Its fuel consumption was high, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing, with a range of about 620 kilometres on a full tank.

The 2022 Honda Passport, on the other hand, featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Passport's Intelligent Variable Torque Management Four (i-VTM4) AWD system provided excellent traction, distributing up to 70% of the engine's power to a single rear wheel when needed. While not as off-road capable as the 4Runner, the Passport excelled on paved roads, offering a firm, communicative ride and athletic handling. Its fuel efficiency was better, averaging 11.0 L/100 km, making it a more practical choice for everyday driving.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a high seating position, which could be challenging for shorter individuals without running boards. Inside, the 4Runner provided comfortable seating with ample legroom and good visibility. The cargo space was generous, with up to 1,337 litres behind the rear seats and 2,540 litres with them folded down. The interior storage was decent, and the back bumper served as a convenient spot for various activities.

The 2022 Honda Passport, with its large doors and low step-in height, was easy to access. The interior featured comfortable seats with adjustable armrests and standard leather upholstery. The TrailSport trim added heated rear seats, while the Touring trim offered ventilated front seats. The Passport's cargo space was impressive, with 1,430 litres behind the rear seats and 2,854 litres with them folded down. Interior storage was abundant, with a massive centre console and various compartments throughout the cabin.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's technology was basic, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation. However, the Trail grade lacked advanced features, focusing more on practicality than sophistication.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system, while meeting modern standards, was due for an upgrade. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The TrailSport trim added satellite radio, while the Touring trim included a navigation system and a premium audio setup. The system's navigation was clunky, prompting users to rely on Apple CarPlay for a smoother experience. Wireless smartphone charging was standard in all but the base trim, adding convenience for tech-savvy users.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which were notable omissions. The 4Runner's safety ratings reflected its age, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact collision from the IIHS.

The 2022 Honda Passport featured the comprehensive Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. While effective, the system's lane-departure warning and lane-centring assist functions were less refined, prompting some drivers to disable them. The Passport received high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA in most categories and top ratings from the IIHS, except for an Acceptable rating for front-passenger protection in a small overlap collision.