2021 Toyota Highlander vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was a standout in the midsize SUV segment, with a design that was anything but boring. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille gave it a distinctive presence. The character line along the side, reminiscent of the Supra sports car, and the Lexus-like taillights added to its appeal. The Highlander XSE trim introduced a sportier look with a restyled front end, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a unique front fascia. Inside, the Limited trim offered a luxurious experience with near-flawless fit and finish, tan leather seats, and wood details, making it a comfortable choice for families prioritizing comfort and convenience.

The 2022 Honda Passport shared its platform with the Honda Ridgeline, Odyssey, and Pilot, resulting in a familiar design. Its new nose styling aimed to give it a tougher look, and the TrailSport trim added off-road appeal with 20.5 centimetres of ground clearance and traction management driving modes. The Passport's interior was spacious, with quality materials and thoughtful design. The TrailSport trim featured orange contrast stitching and amber ambient lighting, enhancing its rugged appeal. The Passport's large interior and generous cargo space made it a practical choice for those seeking utility and comfort.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered smooth and predictable operation, making it a reliable choice for families. While not a performance powerhouse, it provided adequate power for highway merging and compared well with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, enhancing driving excitement without compromising comfort.

The 2022 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Its AWD system, Honda's Intelligent Variable Torque Management Four (i-VTM4), provided mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing traction. The Passport offered satisfying acceleration, firm handling, and a communicative ride. However, its brakes showed some vibration during mountain descents, which could be concerning for towing. Despite this, the Passport excelled in everyday driving scenarios, offering a comfortable and engaging experience.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior comfort and practicality. It featured large shelves for storage, wireless charging, and ample legroom for second-row passengers. The third row was suitable for adults with some compromise on space. Cargo capacity was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,150 litres with the third row folded, and 2,245 litres with both rows down, providing versatility for various needs.

The 2022 Honda Passport offered easy access with large doors and a low step-in height. Its interior boasted comfortable seats, leather upholstery, and heated features. The triple-zone climate control system ensured comfort for all passengers. The Passport's storage solutions, including a massive centre console and door panel shelving, added convenience. Cargo space was generous, with 1,430 litres behind the rear seat and 2,854 litres with the back seat folded, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on the Platinum trim. While navigation was available from the Limited grade, it struggled with points of interest. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, enhancing connectivity. The JBL audio system provided good sound quality, though the large screen's limited app display raised questions about its value.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The TrailSport trim added satellite radio, while the Touring offered navigation and a premium audio system. The system's navigation was clunky, prompting reliance on Apple CarPlay. Wireless smartphone charging was standard on most trims, though the Passport's technology was not cutting-edge, it met essential needs.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2022 Honda Passport included Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. However, some functions were less refined, leading to driver frustration. The Passport received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for front passenger protection in frontal impacts, and an Acceptable rating from the IIHS for front-passenger protection in small overlap collisions.