2022 Ford Bronco vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2022 Honda Passport shared a striking resemblance with the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, especially from the doors forward. This similarity was due to both vehicles sharing a platform with the Odyssey minivan and the Pilot SUV. The Passport was essentially a shorter version of the Pilot, minus the third-row seating, and featured distinct styling. Honda aimed to give the Passport a more rugged appearance, particularly with the new TrailSport trim, which was designed to appeal to off-road enthusiasts. Despite its off-road-inspired looks, the TrailSport was more about aesthetics than actual off-road capability, although it did offer 20.5 centimetres of ground clearance and traction management modes for various terrains.

The Passport was available in three trims: Sport, TrailSport, and Touring, each with updated wheel designs. The TrailSport trim, new for 2022, featured unique 18-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, and simulated skid plates, enhancing its SUV-like appearance. Inside, the Passport boasted a spacious interior with quality materials and thoughtful assembly. The TrailSport added orange contrast stitching and amber ambient lighting, contributing to a more adventurous feel. Prices ranged from $45,570 to $52,170, with the TrailSport model priced at $49,270 in Canada, excluding fees.

The 2022 Ford Bronco, with its retro styling and off-road prowess, was a highly sought-after vehicle. It returned with two new top-tier models: the Everglades and Bronco Raptor, both designed for extreme off-road conditions. The Everglades featured an intake snorkel, a Warn winch, and 35-inch mud-terrain tires, making it ideal for swampy terrains. The Bronco lineup expanded to eight trims, each offering varying degrees of off-road capability. Despite its rugged nature, the Bronco was sold out for 2022, reflecting its popularity. Buyers could choose between two- or four-door models, with engine options including a four-cylinder or a six-cylinder, and a choice of removable roofs.

The Bronco's design was heavily influenced by its off-road mission, featuring short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height. Its utilitarian appearance was complemented by large recovery hooks, removable fender flares, and a modular construction for easy customization. Inside, the Bronco continued its rugged theme with features like sealed switches, marine-grade vinyl upholstery, and drain plugs for easy cleaning. The G.O.A.T. mode dial allowed drivers to select specific terrain settings, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Despite its ruggedness, the Bronco offered modern technology, including a digital instrument panel and a large infotainment touchscreen, making it a versatile choice for both off-road adventures and daily driving.

The 2022 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, it came standard with all-wheel drive, featuring Honda's Intelligent Variable Torque Management Four (i-VTM4) system. This system could deliver up to 70% of the engine's power to a single rear wheel when needed. The Passport offered a smooth and responsive driving experience, with a firm ride and agile handling. It was rated to return 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the TrailSport model averaging 11.0 L/100 km during testing. While the Passport excelled on paved roads, its off-road capabilities were limited compared to more rugged SUVs like the Ford Bronco.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 2.7-litre V6 with 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed manual transmission was available for the two-door model with the four-cylinder engine, while a 10-speed automatic was standard for the V6 and all four-door models. The Bronco's off-road prowess was evident across its lineup, with even the base model capable of tackling challenging terrains. The Everglades model, tested on Michigan's Drummond Island, showcased its ability to handle deep mud, water crossings, and steep rock climbs with ease. On-road, the Bronco offered a smoother ride and more precise steering than its direct rival, the Jeep Wrangler, making it a versatile choice for both off-road and highway driving.

The 2022 Honda Passport offered easy access with its large doors and low step-in height. Inside, it featured spacious and comfortable seating, with leather upholstery and heated front seats as standard. The TrailSport trim added heated rear seats, while the Touring trim included ventilated front seats. The Passport's interior was designed for practicality, with ample storage options and a generous cargo space of 1,430 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,854 litres with the seats folded down. Its simple utility and comfort made it a practical choice for everyday use.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, offering ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. Accessing the rear seats in the two-door model required some effort, but the four-door model provided easier access. Cargo capacity varied depending on the model and roof type, with the two-door hard top offering up to 634 litres behind the rear seats and 1,481 litres with the seats folded. The four-door hard top increased capacity to 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The Bronco also featured clever storage solutions, including netted door pockets and accessory rails, enhancing its practicality for both everyday use and off-road adventures.

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 trim featured a navigation system and a 10-speaker premium audio system. Despite its functionality, the system was considered outdated, with a clunky navigation interface. Wireless smartphone charging was standard on all but the base Sport trim, providing some modern convenience.

The 2022 Ford Bronco embraced technology to enhance its off-road capabilities. The G.O.A.T. modes allowed drivers to select terrain-specific settings, while the forward-looking trail camera provided a clear view of obstacles ahead. The Bronco's Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and sharp graphics, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system also included helpful off-road apps, making it a tech-savvy choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2022 Honda Passport came equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. While comprehensive, some features were less refined, with the lane-departure warning and lane-centring assist drawing negative attention. The Passport received five-star ratings from the NHTSA in most categories, with a four-star rating for front passenger protection in a frontal collision and rollover resistance. The IIHS awarded it top ratings, except for an Acceptable rating for front-passenger protection in a small overlap collision.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered standard safety features like hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Additional features, including frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist, were available in optional packages. The Bronco received a four-star rating for frontal crash protection from the NHTSA, with a three-star rating for rollover protection. The IIHS awarded it top scores in most categories, with an Acceptable rating for head restraints and seats. The Bronco's safety systems functioned reliably, with no false alarms or glitches.