2024 Honda Passport vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2024 Lexus GX presented a bold departure from its predecessor, the GX 460. It adopted a geometric design, with a less pronounced spindle grille and standard triple-beam LED headlights. The front end stood more vertically, giving it an aggressive look, while the flat hood featured humps above the front wheels for better off-road visibility. The side profile appeared as if carved from metal, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline enhancing visibility. The GX was available in a single trim with five packages, focusing on luxury and off-road capabilities. Inside, it combined luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Passport retained much of its previous design, despite updates in 2022. It featured a simple design with three trim levels: Sport, TrailSport, and Black Edition, all equipped with AWD. The TrailSport trim aimed for ruggedness with all-terrain tires and roof rails, but lacked true off-road enhancements like metal skid plates. Inside, the Passport had an 8-inch touchscreen and physical controls, with black leather upholstery and orange stitching in the TrailSport. The interior was simple, with durable materials and ample storage, emphasizing utility over luxury.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6, producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Built on the GA-F truck platform, it offered a stiffer chassis for stability. The 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and standard full-time 4WD with a locking centre differential enhanced off-road capability. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and advanced suspension for increased wheel articulation. Despite its weight, the GX handled well on-road, with effective brakes and minimal body roll.

The 2024 Honda Passport retained its naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission offered smooth shifts, though peak torque required higher revs. The TrailSport trim featured wider tracks and off-road-tuned suspension. All Passports included a torque-vectoring AWD system and traction management with various settings. While road noise was noticeable at highway speeds, the Passport's steering was precise. It offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, surpassing some competitors but falling short of others.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was minimalist and sophisticated, with fewer buttons but essential controls retained. It offered comfortable seating for adults in the first two rows, with 1,047 mm of legroom in the front and 933 mm in the second row. The third row was tight, suitable only for children. Cargo space was generous, with 292 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,138 litres with it folded, and 2,178 litres total. Overtrail models offered even more space without a third row.

The 2024 Honda Passport excelled in cargo capacity, offering 1,430 litres behind the rear seats and expanding to 2,854 litres with seats folded. It comfortably seated five adults, with ample cupholders and a redesigned centre console for more storage. The front-seat environment felt less airy due to the new console design, but overall, the Passport provided practical and spacious accommodations.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included USB-C ports and a 120-volt outlet. The Lexus Interface offered voice commands and subscription-based services like Drive Connect and Remote Connect. A 10-speaker audio system was standard, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson system available in higher trims. While the interface was user-friendly, subscription costs for features were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2024 Honda Passport came with an 8-inch touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The infotainment system had sharp resolution but was limited by its size. Navigation directions dominated the driver’s display, which could be annoying. The TrailSport's seven-speaker audio system was underwhelming compared to competitors' offerings, making the Black Edition's 10-speaker system a better choice for audiophiles.

The 2024 Lexus GX improved its safety features with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. While not yet crash-tested by IIHS or NHTSA, its modern architecture and ADAS enhancements suggested improved safety.

The 2024 Honda Passport included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control as standard. Despite these features, it received mixed crash test ratings, with an "Acceptable" from IIHS and five stars overall from NHTSA, though lower in frontal and rollover tests.