2022 Honda Passport vs 2023 Lexus GX

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 with distinct styling. Honda's design updates gave the Passport a more assertive and rugged appearance, particularly in the TrailSport trim, which was aimed at appealing to off-road enthusiasts. Despite its off-road-inspired looks, the TrailSport was more about aesthetics than actual capability, although it did offer decent ground clearance and traction management for various conditions.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX exuded a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille and substantial ground clearance. The GX's design was both imposing and sleek, with flared fenders and a shorter wheelbase that suggested off-road prowess. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's interior was marred by an abundance of plastic materials, a consequence of its low sales volume and the need for cost-effective manufacturing. However, it still offered luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats and premium leather upholstery. The GX's design was a blend of rugged capability and understated elegance, making it a unique offering in the luxury SUV segment.

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 was smooth and responsive, providing a satisfying driving experience. The Passport's Intelligent Variable Torque Management Four (i-VTM4) system offered mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing its handling on twisty roads. However, off-road performance was limited by wheel articulation. The Passport excelled on paved roads, offering a firm ride and agile handling, though its brakes could become less reassuring on steep descents.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery and a distinctive sound. The GX's towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms was respectable, but its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city. The GX's weight contributed to noticeable body roll, but its handling remained predictable. The Torsen limited-slip differential and 4WD system enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it a capable choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2022 Honda Passport offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with large doors and a low step-in height for easy access. The front seats were supportive, and the TrailSport trim added heated rear seats. The Passport's interior was well-appointed, with ample storage options and a generous cargo capacity of 1,430 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,854 litres with the seats folded. The Passport's practicality and comfort made it a versatile choice for families and road trips.

The 2023 Lexus GX provided ample storage space, with a deep centre console bin and convenient cupholders. The interior featured hard buttons for controls, which some drivers preferred over touchscreens. The second row offered comfortable seating, while the third row was cramped and best suited for occasional use. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 328 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,832 litres with both rows folded. The side-hinged rear door posed challenges in tight spaces, but the GX's interior was otherwise functional and well-suited for luxury SUV buyers.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system 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 premium audio. 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, offering convenience for tech-savvy drivers.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was an improvement but felt dated compared to other Lexus models. The GX included a CD player and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. While the infotainment technology was not the GX's strong suit, its off-road capabilities were impressive, with features like a two-speed transfer case, crawl control, and a multi-terrain select system.

The 2022 Honda Passport came equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. While comprehensive, some features were less refined, such as the lane-departure warning and lane-centring assist. The Passport received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though it fell short in some areas, such as front passenger protection in a frontal-impact collision.

The 2023 Lexus GX, despite its older design, included the Lexus Safety System+ with features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. While lacking some advanced features, the GX's safety technology was commendable. However, it had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, leaving some uncertainty about its safety performance.