2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2022 Honda Passport bore a striking resemblance to the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, especially from the doors forward. This similarity was due to the shared vehicle platform with the Ridgeline, Odyssey minivan, and Pilot SUV. The Passport was essentially a shorter version of the Pilot, minus the third-row seat, and featured distinct styling. Honda's design updates aimed to give the Passport a more rugged appearance, particularly with the new TrailSport trim, which was intended to appeal to off-road enthusiasts. However, the TrailSport was more about aesthetics than actual off-road capability, although it did offer some enhancements like increased ground clearance and traction management modes.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler exuded a rugged, no-nonsense design with its boxy shape and iconic features like the seven-slot grille and round headlights. Available in both two-door and four-door configurations, the Wrangler allowed for a customizable open-air experience with removable doors and a fold-down windshield. The Wrangler's design was simple yet functional, with options like the Dual-Door Group for added versatility. The introduction of new paint colours, such as the limited-edition "Reign" purple, added a touch of flair to the otherwise utilitarian design. Inside, the Wrangler maintained its practical approach with easy-to-clean materials and straightforward controls, though it lacked some of the luxury features found in other SUVs.

The 2022 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The V6 engine was praised for its smooth performance, and the Passport's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Intelligent Variable Torque Management Four (i-VTM4) system provided mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing the SUV's handling on twisty roads. However, the Passport's off-road capabilities were limited, with less impressive wheel articulation. On-road, the Passport offered a firm ride, responsive steering, and good visibility, though its brakes were a concern during mountain descents.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of engine options, including the standard Pentastar V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-litre V8 engine with 470 horsepower. The Wrangler's off-road prowess was unmatched, with solid axles, optional differential lockers, and various transfer case options. The 392 model, in particular, excelled in off-road conditions but had shortcomings in on-road performance, with vague steering and inadequate brakes. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were further enhanced by the Xtreme Recon package, which improved its crawl ratio.

The 2022 Honda Passport offered easy access with large doors and a 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 roomy, 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. The SUV's practicality and comfort made it a great choice for road trips.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's front seats were comfortable, but heated seats were only available on select trims or as part of a package. The rear seat was tight, especially in the two-door models, and accessing the rear was challenging due to small doors. Storage space was limited, with small glove boxes and centre consoles. The Wrangler's cargo space measured 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded, slightly less than its competitors. The Wrangler offered various top options for open-air driving, including the Sky One-Touch power soft top, which provided quick access to fresh air. The Wrangler also featured multiple charging points throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The TrailSport trim added satellite radio, while the Touring trim featured a navigation system and a premium audio system. The system was functional but lacked advanced features, and the navigation system was clunky. Wireless smartphone charging was standard on all but the base trim.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect system, with an optional 8.4-inch screen. The system was initially overwhelming but intuitive once familiar. It included off-road pages with detailed information and connectivity options like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Wrangler's tech was practical, with features like a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories.

The 2022 Honda Passport was equipped with the Honda Sensing suite, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. However, some features, like lane-departure warning and lane-centring assist, were less refined and could be intrusive. The Passport received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though it had some areas for improvement.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's standard safety features were limited to a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning were available on higher trims or as part of a package. The Wrangler received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with some trims having poor headlight ratings.