Honda Passport vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

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 long wheelbase of 2,885 millimetres and a nearly flat hood. The front end featured bracket-shaped amber running lights and a thin hood scoop above the Honda emblem, giving it a distinctive look. The Passport's profile, with a blacked-out D-pillar and large rear-quarter window, drew inspiration from a backpack, though it also bore resemblance to other SUVs like the Chevrolet Traverse and Land Rover Discovery. The rear of the Passport showcased a blocky tailgate with a two-tone design and standard roof rails, emphasizing its adventurous spirit. Inside, the Passport offered a straightforward and practical interior with four trim levels, focusing on comfort and functionality rather than flashy features.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, available in Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, integrated seamlessly into the Palisade lineup. It boasted a massive grille with horizontal slats, LED projector headlights, and distinctive LED daytime running lights. The Palisade's profile featured body-colour, heated side mirrors with power-folding capabilities in the Luxury Hybrid trim. The rear design was equally striking, with wide-spaced letters spelling the vehicle's name and LED taillights wrapping around the corners. Inside, the Palisade Hybrid impressed with its thoughtful interior design, featuring H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a range of comfort features. The Palisade's interior exuded a sense of craftsmanship, with organic shapes and well-considered storage solutions, making it a standout in the non-luxury crossover segment.

The 2026 Honda Passport was engineered for both on-road and off-road performance. 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 came standard, offering seven distinct drive modes, including Sport, Trail, and Tow. While it lacked locking differentials and a low-range 4WD system, it had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The Passport retained a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Despite its cleaner engine, the Passport's fuel economy remained modest, with an estimated 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered a dynamic driving experience with its 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a 1.65-kWh battery. This hybrid powertrain delivered a combined 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, ensuring responsive performance in various driving conditions. The Palisade Hybrid featured an advanced eight-speed automatic transmission and a next-generation hybrid system that optimized power distribution. It excelled in providing a quiet and comfortable ride, with noise-absorbing materials and acoustic glass minimizing cabin noise. The Palisade's steering was sharp and responsive, while the pedals offered a softer feel, contributing to a balanced driving experience.

The 2026 Honda Passport prioritized practicality with its 12.3-inch touchscreen and physical controls, offering a user-friendly interface. It excelled in cargo space, providing 1,246 litres behind the rear seat and expanding to 2,356 litres with the seats folded down. The Passport also boasted best-in-class rear-seat legroom and a range of storage solutions, making it ideal for family road trips. A panoramic moonroof and ventilated front seats added to the comfort, while post-production options like a rear cargo shelf enhanced versatility.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered a spacious interior with 2,455 litres of total cargo capacity, though it trailed some competitors. While second-row legroom was slightly compromised by the battery's placement, the Palisade still provided ample space for passengers. The third row offered decent legroom and headroom, though it fell short compared to some rivals. The Palisade's cabin featured dual-zone climate control, multiple USB-C power outlets, and comfortable seating options, including captain's chairs. Thoughtful storage solutions, such as a rubberized cargo space and hidden shelves, added to its practicality.

The 2026 Honda Passport featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and other apps. It also supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing flexibility for users. The Passport's tech upgrades included a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, four USB-C charging ports, and a 10.2-inch digital driver information display. Touring trims added a 12-speaker Bose stereo system and the TrailWatch camera system for enhanced convenience.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. It supported HD and Sirius XM satellite radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The Palisade's tech features included a Driver Talk intercom system, a 14-speaker Bose stereo on higher trims, and a 15-watt wireless charging pad. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim offered a built-in dashcam, providing front and rear views, and the innovative "Stay Mode" allowed for climate control and infotainment use while the engine was off.

The 2026 Honda Passport was equipped with Honda Safety Sense, offering a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured traffic-jam assist, traffic-sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. While the previous-generation Passport had mixed crash test results, the 2026 model awaited testing by safety organizations.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. The blind-view monitor was standard on higher trims, and the rear doors featured a safe-exit alert indicator. While crash test results for the 2026 model were pending, the 2025 Palisade received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.