2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2022 Honda Passport bore a striking resemblance to the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, especially from the front. 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 seating, and featured a more rugged nose design. This updated styling was applied across all three trim levels: Sport, TrailSport, and Touring, each with new wheel designs. The TrailSport trim, in particular, aimed to appeal to off-road enthusiasts, offering a more adventurous look with features like unique 18-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, and simulated skid plates. Inside, the Passport boasted a spacious interior with quality materials, and the TrailSport trim added orange contrast stitching and amber ambient lighting.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Defender was a nod to the classic boxy design of the old LR4, which resonated with customers. Its design was characterized by square-jawed features, a rectangular hood, and steeply angled fittings, reminiscent of the original 1980s Defender. The Defender offered a variety of accessory packages and body styles, including the 90, 110, and 130, each with unique features. The interior was functional and durable, with a mix of rubbers and plastics, exposed screws, and a metal dash piece. Despite its high price, the Defender maintained a rugged character, with excellent build quality. However, it lacked the opulence of a Range Rover, which was reflected in its pricing.

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 and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The V6 engine was smooth and responsive, and the Passport achieved a fuel economy of 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, off-road performance was limited, with wheel articulation being a concern. The Passport excelled in everyday driving, offering a firm ride, good steering, and excellent visibility. However, the brakes could become problematic on mountain descents, and a surround-view camera system was missed during tight parking situations.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its Terrain Response 2 system adapted the powertrain and chassis to various surfaces, while the permanent four-wheel drive ensured stability. On-road, the Defender's performance was less refined, with noticeable body roll, slow steering, and wind noise. The V8 engine, with 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, provided exhilarating acceleration, while the six-cylinder engine offered a balance of power and efficiency. The Defender's fuel economy varied, with the V8 being the least efficient. Despite its off-road prowess, the Defender's on-road performance was less polished compared to the Range Rover.

The 2022 Honda Passport offered easy access with large doors and a low step-in height. The interior featured comfortable seats with leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The TrailSport trim added heated rear seats, while the Touring trim included ventilated front seats. The Passport's spacious interior provided ample room for passengers and generous cargo space, with 1,430 litres behind the rear seat and 2,854 litres with the seats folded. The SUV's utility and comfort made it a practical choice for everyday use.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender stood out with its versatile seating configurations, accommodating up to eight passengers in the 130 model. The Defender 90 offered a unique jump seat, while the 110 and 130 models provided optional third-row seating. The interior featured large windows, panoramic moonroofs, and ample cargo space, with the 130 offering 2,180 litres with the seats folded. The Defender's off-road capabilities were complemented by features like a metal roof rack, console refrigerator, and power-deployable side steps, making it a versatile choice for adventure seekers.

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 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, providing convenience for tech-savvy users.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered two touchscreen infotainment systems with Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen and optional 11.4-inch screen were user-friendly and integrated with the dashboard. The Defender included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, and connected apps. Additional features included heated front seats, keyless entry, and a Meridian sound system. Higher trims offered advanced features like air suspension, a head-up display, and a rearview mirror with a camera display.

The 2022 Honda Passport came equipped with the Honda Sensing suite, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. 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, with some areas for improvement in front-passenger protection.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. agencies but received five stars in Euro NCAP testing. It featured six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional safety features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system, enhancing the Defender's safety credentials.