2026 Honda Passport vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation, but with a more robust and industrial exterior. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases that seamlessly blended with the flared wheel arches, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. Paying homage to its predecessors, the 4Runner included design elements like the slanted rearmost window, while the sliding rear window facilitated easier cargo access. Inside, the 4Runner mirrored the Tacoma pickup truck, with a beveled styling motif throughout the cabin. It was designed to endure rugged use, with hard plastics and light cushioning for comfort. The materials were of higher quality than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not as refined as the Land Rover Defender.

The 2026 Honda Passport was notable for its extra-large proportions and blocky dimensions, embodying a modern rugged SUV. It featured a flat hood and a blunt nose, with bracket-shaped amber running lights framing the upper grille. The design was visually stronger and wider, resembling competitors like the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee, while maintaining a distinct Honda identity. The profile view, with a blacked-out D-pillar and large tinted rear-quarter window, drew inspiration from a backpack, though it also echoed designs from the Chevrolet Traverse and Land Rover Discovery. The Passport included practical features like nearly invisible rock sliders and a scratch-resistant panel for leaning equipment. The rear showcased a blocky tailgate with a two-tone design and standard roof rails. Inside, the Passport offered four trim levels, with the TrailSport models featuring visually appealing cloth and vegan interiors.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The base model came with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup promised better acceleration and fuel economy compared to the previous five-speed unit. In Canada, part-time 4WD was standard, with full-time 4WD available in the Limited and Platinum packages. Toyota introduced a Hybrid i-Force Max powertrain, combining the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and an electric motor, delivering a combined 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid variant offered stronger power at lower speeds, beneficial for off-roading. The 4Runner was quieter inside, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys, and it handled more confidently on winding roads. It retained its off-road prowess, with eight distinct packages offering varying levels of off-road capabilities. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were the most capable, with approach angles ranging from 18 to 33 degrees and ground clearance between 20.5 and 25.6 centimetres.

The 2026 Honda Passport aimed to excel both on and off-road. It featured redesigned front and rear bumpers for improved approach and departure angles, along with skid plates. The Passport came with 18-inch wheels across all trims, enhancing ride comfort and off-road traction. The TrailSport Touring trims included a multi-view mode with four camera angles for trail navigation. The i-VTM4 AWD system was standard, offering seven drive modes, including new Sport, Trail, and Tow modes. The Passport retained a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 285 hp and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It excelled in off-road environments, with the V6 providing ample power and the steering offering a satisfying weight. The Passport's cabin was well-insulated from engine and wind noise, though the all-terrain tires generated some noise on highways. Despite sticking with a V6 engine, the Passport focused on reducing emissions rather than increasing power. It offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and a fuel economy of 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.9 on the highway, and 11.4 combined.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was nearly 13 centimetres longer than its predecessor, with a 6-centimetre increase between the axles. However, the additional length resulted in minimal passenger space gains. The front seats accommodated taller passengers comfortably, but the middle row offered only adequate legroom. A third row was available on non-hybrid models, though it was cramped and lacked thigh support. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and tactile off-road controls. The 4Runner featured several terrain programs and off-road controls, including a locking rear differential and a disconnectable stabilizer bar. Storage options included door pockets, a dashboard tray, cupholders, and a centre armrest bin. Cargo capacity was 1,371 litres behind the second row, reduced to 1,206 litres in the Hybrid due to the battery placement. A sturdy roof rack supported a static load of 360 kilograms.

The 2026 Honda Passport featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a straightforward interface with physical buttons and knobs. It excelled in cargo space, offering 1,246 litres behind the rear seat and 2,356 litres with the seats folded down, making it the most spacious in its class. The Passport also provided best-in-class rear-seat legroom and ample storage cubbies. A panoramic moonroof was standard in Canada, and the Touring trims added ventilated front seats. Honda planned to offer post-production option packages, including a rear cargo shelf that could double as a table.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a larger 14-inch option available. Both screens featured logical menus and quick responses, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A digital instrument panel was standard on Hybrid variants and available on gas models. Off-road models included external camera views and automatic camera activation for trail navigation. A 14-speaker JBL audio system and a portable Bluetooth speaker were available. Remote monitoring and control were possible through a smartphone app, and a digital key function allowed phone-based access.

The 2026 Honda Passport featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and other apps. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were also standard, along with a wireless phone charger. The Passport's touchscreen was user-friendly, with bright colours and easy navigation. Additional tech features included a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, four USB-C charging ports, and a 10.2-inch digital driver information display. The Touring trim offered a 12-speaker Bose stereo system and the TrailWatch camera system for a bird’s-eye view.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the Tacoma pickup on which it was based was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. All 4Runner models came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. The Proactive Driving Assist feature could be disabled if intrusive. In Canada, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard.

The 2026 Honda Passport included Honda Safety Sense, with features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features included traffic-jam assist, traffic-sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The Passport had eight standard airbags. The previous-generation Passport had less-than-stellar crash test results, so updated ratings were awaited for the 2026 model.