2026 Honda Passport vs 2026 Lexus TX

The 2026 Honda Passport presented a bold and rugged appearance, characterized by its extra-large proportions and blocky dimensions. Its nearly flat hood and abrupt lower bumper provided a robust approach angle, while bracket-shaped amber running lights and a thin hood scoop added distinctive touches. The Passport's design was reminiscent of popular competitors like the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee, yet it maintained a unique Honda identity. The profile view, with its blacked-out D-pillar and large tinted rear-quarter window, drew inspiration from a backpack, though it also echoed elements of the Chevrolet Traverse and Land Rover Discovery. Fun features like nearly invisible rock sliders and a scratch-resistant roof panel for leaning equipment added practicality to its rugged design.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX offered a more refined and luxurious aesthetic. The large grille retained a hint of the older spindle shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights. The rear featured LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width, topped with a small roof spoiler. The TX's interior provided three colour options, ambient lighting, and suede trim, though the overall material quality fell short of luxury standards. Redesigned door handles, which reacted to pressure rather than pulling out, were a unique touch, though some might have preferred more attention to cabin detail. The TX's design was elegant, with a focus on comfort and sophistication, appealing to those seeking a more upscale SUV experience.

The 2026 Honda Passport was engineered for both on-road and off-road prowess. It featured improved approach and departure angles, skid plates, and 18-inch wheels for enhanced ride comfort and off-road traction. The i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system and seven distinct drive modes, including new Sport, Trail, and Tow modes, provided versatility. The naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine delivered 285 horsepower, a slight increase from the previous model, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Passport excelled in off-road environments, offering impressive power and steering for its size. Despite its cleaner engine, fuel economy improvements were modest, with an estimated 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a choice between a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the TX 350 and a 366-horsepower hybrid powertrain in the TX 500h. The gas model featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid used a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 came with full-time AWD, and the TX 500h utilized Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. Drive modes included Normal, Eco, and Sport, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The TX 500h also featured adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling. While not a sports car, the TX provided a comfortable and responsive driving experience, with the hybrid model offering a balance of power and efficiency.

Inside the 2026 Honda Passport, a 12.3-inch touchscreen brought modernity to the otherwise straightforward interior, where physical buttons and knobs dominated. The Passport excelled in cargo space, offering 1,246 litres behind the rear seat and expanding to 2,356 litres with seats folded, making it a leader in its class. Rear-seat legroom was best-in-class, and the vehicle featured numerous storage options, including a panoramic moonroof and ventilated front seats in Touring trims. The Passport catered to families and adventurers alike, with practicality and comfort at the forefront.

The 2026 Lexus TX boasted three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and a spacious third row with a recline function. The second row offered captain's chairs with a removable centre console, though folding the seats flat required a specific sequence of lever flips. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX provided excellent cargo space, with 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,747 litres with all seats folded. The vehicle's design prioritized passenger comfort and convenience, with thoughtful features like a one-touch button for third-row access and versatile storage solutions.

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 standard, along with a wireless phone charger. The Passport's tech suite included a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, four USB-C ports, and a 10.2-inch digital driver display. Touring trims added a 12-speaker Bose stereo and the TrailWatch camera system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with bright colours and easy navigation, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2026 Lexus TX's tech offerings were a mixed bag. The 14-inch touchscreen was responsive, but some features lacked polish, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were not labelled, requiring reliance on digital displays. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occasionally arose. Subscription services were necessary for in-dash navigation and other features. The TX included a clear back-up camera, Advanced Park system, and a rear-camera mirror. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, the TX ensured devices stayed powered on the go.

The 2026 Honda Passport came equipped with Honda Safety Sense, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features included traffic-jam assist, traffic-sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. Despite these safety measures, the previous-generation Passport had mixed crash test results, and updated ratings for the 2026 model were pending.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0, offering forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane tracing assist, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and Proactive Driving Assist. Adaptive cruise control worked well, though setup was initially confusing. The TX received five out of five stars from the NHTSA for crash safety, while the IIHS rated it "Acceptable" for the small overlap front crash test on the driver's side and "Good" for the passenger's side.