2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2026 Honda Passport

The 2026 Honda Passport presented a bold and rugged appearance, characterized by its large proportions and blocky dimensions. Its design was a modern take on a rugged SUV, with a flat hood and a blunt nose that improved its approach angle. The Passport's front end was framed by bracket-shaped amber running lights and a thin hood scoop, maintaining a distinctive Honda look while drawing comparisons to competitors like the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee. The profile view, with its blacked-out D-pillar and large rear-quarter window, was said to be inspired by a backpack, though it also bore resemblance to the Chevrolet Traverse and Land Rover Discovery. The Passport included practical features like nearly invisible rock sliders and a scratch-resistant roof panel, catering to outdoor enthusiasts. The rear design featured a two-tone tailgate and standard roof rails, emphasizing its adventurous spirit. Inside, the Passport offered a straightforward and functional interior with four trim levels, focusing on practicality over flashy gimmicks.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a $90,000 SUV that aimed to impress with its features rather than its looks. The RX's design included an exclusive Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers, but its overall appearance was considered unremarkable. The RX Hybrid lineup offered three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each with varying power outputs and fuel efficiency. The RX 500h stood out with its turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension, delivering a more dynamic driving experience. Inside, the RX Hybrid boasted a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting. However, some ergonomic issues, like the loud climate system fan and uncomfortable front seats, detracted from the overall experience. The RX Hybrid prioritized occupant comfort and practical cargo space, with features like power-reclining rear seats and ample interior storage.

The 2026 Honda Passport was engineered to excel both on and off-road. It featured improved approach and departure angles, skid plates, and 18-inch wheels for enhanced off-road traction. The Passport's i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system and seven drive modes, including new Sport, Trail, and Tow modes, provided versatility. Its naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine delivered 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. While the engine was not the most fuel-efficient, it offered a satisfying driving experience with excellent power delivery and steering. The Passport's off-road capabilities were impressive, though its fuel economy remained moderate at 12.6 L/100 km in the city and 9.9 on the highway.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a range of powertrains, with the RX 350h being the most efficient at 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. The RX 450h+ PHEV provided 304 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds, while the RX 500h delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The RX 500h featured a turbocharged engine, adaptive damping suspension, and Direct4 AWD system for improved performance. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 13.5 L/100 km during testing. The RX 500h's drivetrain offered quick acceleration and a pleasant sound, but its handling lacked communication and dynamic capability, making it more suited for straight-line performance.

The 2026 Honda Passport excelled in interior space and practicality. It featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with physical controls, emphasizing simplicity. The Passport offered best-in-class cargo space, with 1,246 litres behind the rear seats and 2,356 litres with the seats folded. It also provided ample rear-seat legroom and numerous storage options, making it ideal for family road trips. The standard panoramic moonroof and available ventilated front seats added to the comfort.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats were snug but lacked long-term comfort, while the rear seats offered power-reclining, heating, and ventilation. The RX provided 838 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,308 litres with the rear seats folded. Interior storage was practical, though some compartments lacked lining. The RX Hybrid prioritized comfort and convenience, with features like a panoramic sunroof and hands-free power liftgate.

The 2026 Honda Passport featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and more. It also supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot and a 10.2-inch digital driver display. The Touring trim added a 12-speaker Bose stereo and TrailWatch camera system.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid boasted advanced technology, including digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The RX 500h featured a 14-inch touchscreen with Lexus Interface, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and cloud-based navigation. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting, and the infotainment system experienced occasional glitches. The optional Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2026 Honda Passport came equipped with Honda Safety Sense, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured traffic-jam assist, traffic-sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The Passport had eight standard airbags, but its crash test results were pending.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 provided forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist monitored forward progress, while the available surround-view camera enhanced safety. The RX received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA but a Poor rating from IIHS in frontal-impact tests.