2024 Honda Passport vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand's past design ethos, which was often likened to utilitarian appliances. The XC90 presented a purposeful yet understated exterior, with a stout front end and a grille that was assertive without being ostentatious. Its "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, distinguishing it from the boxy Volvos of the past. The vehicle's rectilinear dimensions were complemented by 21-inch wheels, adding a touch of drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior design was enhanced by wood deco inlays, creating a serene and sophisticated cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Passport retained much of its previous design language, despite Honda's recent updates across its lineup. The Passport's exterior featured a more upright grille and squared-off corners, but it largely adhered to Honda's previous-generation aesthetics. The TrailSport trim, intended as the rugged option, included all-terrain tires and roof rails, but its off-road capabilities were more cosmetic than functional. Inside, the Passport offered a straightforward design with physical controls and an 8-inch touchscreen. The TrailSport trim featured black leather upholstery with orange stitching, maintaining a simple and utilitarian interior that prioritized functionality over flair.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain that replaced the older T5 and T6 engines. This new setup offered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than its predecessor but with improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The mild-hybrid system used a 13-volt starter generator to handle functions like climate control and ignition, enhancing the vehicle's fuel-saving auto stop-start technology. The XC90 delivered a refined driving experience, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its size, the XC90 handled corners well, and its brakes provided a confident pedal feel. The vehicle's driving dynamics were straightforward, with limited customizable options, appealing to those who preferred simplicity.

The 2024 Honda Passport, on the other hand, stuck with a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Passport offered decent acceleration, though peak torque required higher RPMs. The TrailSport trim featured a slightly wider track and off-road-tuned suspension, but its off-road capabilities were limited. The Passport's iVTM4 AWD system and traction-management settings added value, but they were available across all trims. The vehicle's steering was well-balanced, and its towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms was competitive within its class. However, the Passport's fuel economy was less impressive, with ratings of 12.5 L/100 km in the city and 9.8 on the highway.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a serene front-seat experience, but its Scandinavian minimalism led to some storage challenges. The vehicle lacked dedicated space for small items, and the centre console bin was limited in size. The second row was comfortable but adjusting the seats was cumbersome. The XC90's seven-passenger seating configuration made accessing the third row difficult, and cargo space was limited compared to competitors. With the third row in place, the XC90 provided 356 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,183 litres with the seats folded, and maxing out at 1,856 litres.

The 2024 Honda Passport excelled in cargo capacity, offering 1,430 litres behind the rear seats and expanding to 2,854 litres with the rear seats folded. The Passport's two-row configuration provided ample space for five adults, with rear-seat legroom comparable to its segment. The front-seat environment featured a redesigned centre console bin, offering more storage but reducing the sense of openness. The Passport's interior was practical, with numerous cupholders and a straightforward layout.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertically positioned touchscreen running Google OS, integrating Android Auto and Google Assistant. The system offered natural-language recognition and allowed for commands via Google Home devices. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for key functions could be frustrating, and the lack of physical buttons was a drawback. Keyless entry was standard, with an optional head-up display.

The 2024 Honda Passport's 8-inch touchscreen felt small for its spacious cabin, despite offering sharp resolution and quick response. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The system's navigation pushed turn-by-turn directions to the driver's display, which could be intrusive in urban settings. The TrailSport trim's seven-speaker audio system was underwhelming compared to competitors' offerings.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. These technologies supported Volvo's Pilot Assist, enhancing driver confidence.

The 2024 Honda Passport came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Passport's crash test ratings were less impressive, with the IIHS rating it "Acceptable" and "Marginal" in certain tests. The NHTSA awarded it five stars overall but noted lower scores in frontal and rollover tests.