2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Honda Passport

The 2024 Honda Passport retained much of its previous-generation design, despite Honda's recent updates to other models. It featured a more upright grille and squared-off corners from its 2022 tweaks, but overall, it maintained a familiar look. The Passport offered three trims in Canada: Sport, TrailSport, and Black Edition, all equipped with a power moonroof, identical touchscreens, and AWD. The TrailSport trim, tested for its rugged appeal, included all-terrain tires and standard roof rails, but lacked true off-road enhancements like metal skid plates or recovery points.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, presented a more luxurious yet understated design. Despite its high price tag, the RX's appearance was unremarkable, with a large grille and subtle orange accents. The RX lineup included three models: RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering different powertrains and efficiency levels. The RX 500h stood out with its turbocharged engine and sport-tuned features, but its design heavily depended on the chosen version and colour combination.

The 2024 Honda Passport was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth acceleration and unobtrusive gear shifts. The Passport's fuel economy was rated at 12.5 L/100 km in the city and 9.8 on the highway. The TrailSport trim featured wider tracks and off-road-tuned suspension, enhancing its rugged appeal. Despite some road noise at highway speeds, the Passport offered precise steering and a towing capacity of 2,268 kg.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered varied performance across its models. The RX 350h, with 246 hp, prioritized efficiency, while the RX 450h+ PHEV provided 304 hp and a 60 km electric range. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive at 13.5 L/100 km. The RX 500h featured adaptive damping suspension and advanced AWD, but its driving experience was somewhat disconnected, with limited feedback and occasional drivetrain hesitation.

The 2024 Honda Passport excelled in cargo space, offering 1,430 litres behind the rear seats and expanding to 2,854 litres with seats folded. It comfortably accommodated five adults, with ample storage and a redesigned centre console for added convenience. The Passport's interior was practical, with plenty of cupholders and a straightforward layout.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on comfort and practicality. The RX 500h's front seats, though snug, offered heating and ventilation, while the rear seats provided ample space and comfort. The RX offered 838 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,308 litres. Interior storage was well-placed, though some compartments lacked lining, potentially causing noise. The RX's hands-free power liftgate and panoramic sunroof added to its luxury appeal.

The 2024 Honda Passport featured an 8-inch touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. While the screen's resolution and response were commendable, its size felt inadequate. The TrailSport's audio system was underwhelming compared to competitors, and navigation features could be improved for user convenience.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid boasted advanced technology, including a 14-inch touchscreen, digital key functionality, and a camera-based rearview mirror. The Lexus Interface system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a cloud-based navigation system. Despite some glitches, the Mark Levinson audio system impressed, though steering wheel controls were frustratingly complex.

The 2024 Honda Passport came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, it received mixed crash test ratings, with an "Acceptable" rating from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driver assistance features like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The RX also featured Proactive Driving Assist and a surround-view camera. It earned five stars from the NHTSA but received a "Poor" rating from the IIHS in certain tests.