2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2024 Honda Passport

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered a range of trim levels in Canada, from the RAV4 LE priced just over $35,000 to the more luxurious RAV4 Limited exceeding $45,000. The design remained consistent with the 2019 model, particularly in the Trail trim, which featured a distinctive two-part face. The Trail trim, tested in its US equivalent, showcased a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and additional rugged styling elements like a faux skid plate and black cladding. However, these features were more aesthetic than functional. Inside, the Trail trim added orange accents, including contrast stitching and a stripe on the seats, enhancing the otherwise basic interior. The RAV4's interior included a frameless rearview mirror, adding a touch of premium feel, while the LE and XLE trims offered fabric upholstery and standard heated front seats. The Limited trim provided more luxurious features, such as heated and ventilated power-adjustable seats with memory settings.

The 2024 Honda Passport retained much of its previous design, despite Honda's recent updates to other models. It featured three trim levels in Canada: Sport, TrailSport, and Black Edition, all equipped with AWD and a power moonroof. The TrailSport trim, tested for its rugged appeal, included genuine all-terrain tires and standard roof rails and LED fog lights in Canada. However, its rugged appearance was more for show, with plastic skid plates and no recovery points. The Passport's interior maintained a simple design with physical controls and an 8-inch touchscreen. The TrailSport trim featured black leather upholstery with orange stitching and a "TrailSport" emblem. Despite the use of inexpensive plastics, the interior was well-integrated with softer materials, offering a utilitarian design with ample storage space.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with AWD across all trims, powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which, while preferable to a CVT, did not enhance acceleration. The RAV4's performance was more "unobjectionable" than "exciting," with noticeable engine noise. The Trail trim featured 19-inch wheels with all-season tires and shared the same suspension setup as other RAV4 models.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Passport was equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Passport offered smooth acceleration, although peak torque required higher RPMs. The TrailSport trim included mechanical changes for off-roading, such as wider tracks and tuned suspension. All Passports featured Honda's iVTM4 AWD system and a traction-management system with multiple settings. The Passport's towing capacity reached 2,268 kg, surpassing some competitors but falling short of others like the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 accommodated five passengers, offering 958 mm of front headroom and 1,001 mm in the rear with a moonroof. While front legroom was competitive, rear legroom and seat width were less generous compared to rivals. The RAV4 provided practical storage options, including a shelf above the glove compartment and spacious door pockets. Cargo space measured 1,059 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,977 litres with seats folded.

The 2024 Honda Passport excelled in cargo capacity, offering 1,430 litres behind the rear seats and 2,854 litres with seats folded. The rear seats folded flush with the trunk floor, facilitating easy loading. The Passport comfortably seated five adults, with ample cupholders and a redesigned centre console for increased storage. Despite a slightly less airy front-seat environment, the Passport provided practical storage solutions.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen in the Limited trim. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice command, and connected services. The Trail trim lacked the upgraded multimedia system, which was exclusive to the Limited trim, along with an 11-speaker JBL audio system.

The 2024 Honda Passport featured an 8-inch touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. However, the screen size felt small for the spacious cabin. The system displayed turn-by-turn directions on the driver's information display, which could be intrusive in city driving. The TrailSport trim's seven-speaker audio system was less impressive compared to upgraded systems in competitors.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with standard safety features, including lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The TSS 2.5 suite offered advanced driver-assistance systems, and the RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.

The 2024 Honda Passport included standard safety features like forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Despite these features, the Passport received lower ratings in IIHS crash tests, missing out on Top Safety Pick status. The NHTSA awarded it five stars overall, with four stars in frontal and rollover tests.