2024 Honda Passport vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a towering presence, nearly two metres high and stretching up to six metres in length. It was a motorized cargo container with three rows of leather seats and an array of advanced technology. The Escalade ESV extended even further, adding 38 centimetres to its wheelbase. This SUV was designed for show, appealing to a diverse range of drivers from pop musicians to large families. Its athletic appearance was enhanced by thin LED lights and a sleek design, with the Sport Platinum trim offering a darker, more refined look. The interior boasted a luxurious first row with a 38-inch curved screen and exquisite wood trim, though some elements borrowed from cheaper GM models detracted from its overall luxury.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Passport maintained a familiar design, despite Honda's recent updates to other models. It featured a more upright grille and squared-off corners, but largely retained its previous-generation look. The Passport offered three trims in Canada: Sport, TrailSport, and Black Edition, all equipped with AWD and a power moonroof. The TrailSport trim aimed for ruggedness with all-terrain tires and roof rails, though some features like skid plates were more aesthetic than functional. Inside, the Passport had a simple, utilitarian design with physical controls and an 8-inch touchscreen. The TrailSport trim added black leather upholstery with orange stitching, maintaining a straightforward yet practical interior.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, suitable for towing up to 3,629 kilograms. However, its acceleration felt heavy, and the 10-speed automatic transmission was more suited for gentle cruising. The Escalade-V variant addressed this with a supercharged V8 producing 682 hp, though it seemed excessive. An optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 provided smoother torque and better fuel economy at 10.5 L/100 km. The Escalade's 4WD system was basic, requiring manual engagement for low-traction surfaces. Its magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension improved maneuverability, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2024 Honda Passport featured a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission. It delivered adequate acceleration, though peak torque required higher revs. Fuel economy was rated at 11.3 L/100 km combined. The TrailSport trim offered wider tracks and off-road-tuned suspension, enhancing its rugged appeal. All Passports came with Honda's iVTM4 AWD system and a traction-management system with multiple settings. While road and wind noise were elevated at highway speeds, the Passport's steering was precise and well-balanced. Its towing capacity reached 2,268 kilograms, surpassing some competitors but falling short of others.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade excelled in interior space, offering 722 litres behind the third row, 2,064 litres behind the second, and 3,426 litres with both rows down. The Escalade ESV provided even more room, maxing out at 4,044 litres. Its independent rear suspension allowed for generous headroom and legroom in all rows. The controls were intuitive, with a smart touchscreen interface and multiple gauge layouts. Features like a front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience, though the second-row seats lacked power adjustment.

The 2024 Honda Passport was a leader in cargo capacity among two-row midsize crossovers, with 1,430 litres behind the rear seats and 2,854 litres with them folded. The rear seats folded flush with the trunk floor, facilitating easy loading. The Passport comfortably accommodated five adults, with ample cupholders and a redesigned centre console for increased storage. While rear-seat legroom was slightly tighter than some competitors, it remained competitive within the segment.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured cutting-edge technology, including a vast OLED screen array and a high-resolution front camera display. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a head-up display, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability were standard. Super Cruise, an advanced hands-free highway driving system, was a standout feature, offering extensive highway coverage and driver monitoring. Night vision and a 36-speaker AKG audio system further enhanced the Escalade's tech offerings.

The 2024 Honda Passport came with an 8-inch touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. While the screen was responsive, its size felt small for the spacious cabin. Navigation directions were pushed to the driver’s display, which could be intrusive in city driving. The TrailSport trim's seven-speaker audio system was adequate but lacked depth compared to competitors' offerings.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features like reverse emergency braking and Super Cruise added to its safety suite.

The 2024 Honda Passport came standard with a comprehensive set of safety features, including forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Despite this, it received mixed ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with some lower scores in specific crash tests. The Passport's safety features were bundled under the "Honda Sensing" umbrella, providing reassurance to drivers.