Honda Passport vs Lexus NX Hybrid

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, with its blacked-out D-pillar and large rear-quarter window, drew inspiration from a backpack, though it also echoed elements of the Chevrolet Traverse and Land Rover Discovery. Notable features included nearly invisible rock sliders and a scratch-resistant roof panel, enhancing its practicality for outdoor adventures. The rear showcased a two-tone tailgate design, standard roof rails, and 18-inch wheels, emphasizing its rugged appeal.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid exhibited a more stylized and aggressive design. Its front featured a large, intricately patterned spindle grille, flanked by squinting LED headlights and blacked-out air intakes, creating a complex and assertive face. The profile was sporty yet understated, with rounded edges and body-coloured fender flares suggesting a focus on road performance. F Sport elements, including dark trim and 20-inch wheels, added to its sporty character, while the fastback roof shape echoed coupe-like crossovers. Inside, the NX Hybrid combined a sporty look with modern technology, featuring a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen angled toward the driver. The F Sport 3 model boasted dark graphite aluminum trim, metal pedals, and Circuit Red synthetic leather upholstery, enhancing its upscale and sporty feel.

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 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. However, it lacked locking differentials and a low-range 4WD system. The Passport was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It excelled in off-road environments, offering impressive power and steering control. Despite its cleaner engine, fuel economy remained modest, with an estimated 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, while not as sporty as its name suggested, offered a controlled ride with adaptive dampers and a firmer suspension. It featured a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, delivering 240 horsepower. The NX Hybrid's power delivery was adequate for city driving, but it lacked excitement. The drivetrain felt slushy, and the engine droned under heavy acceleration. The NX Hybrid's handling was controlled but not agile, with a weighty steering feel. It offered a 7.2-second 0 to 96 km/h acceleration time. Buyers seeking more power could consider the NX 450h plug-in hybrid, which provided 340 horsepower.

The 2026 Honda Passport prioritized practicality and space. It featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with physical controls, offering a refreshing approach to modern design. The Passport excelled in cargo space, providing 1,246 litres behind the rear seat and expanding to 2,356 litres with the seats folded down, making it a class leader. It also offered best-in-class rear-seat legroom and ample storage options, catering to family road trips. A panoramic moonroof and ventilated front seats added comfort, while post-production option packages enhanced versatility.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid offered comfortable front seats with good bolstering and ample room for tall adults. Power seat and steering wheel adjustments, along with heated and ventilated front seats, contributed to a comfortable driving experience. The rear seat accommodated average-sized adults, though legroom was limited for taller passengers. The NX Hybrid's cargo space was relatively low for its class, with 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with the seats folded down. The coupe-like roof shape limited cargo capacity, but it remained practical for everyday use.

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 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. Touring trims offered a 12-speaker Bose stereo system and the TrailWatch camera system for enhanced convenience.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid came standard with a 9.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with SiriusXM satellite radio compatibility. Optional features included a head-up display, wireless phone charger, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The NX Hybrid offered a three-year Remote Connect subscription, allowing remote starting and vehicle status alerts. The infotainment system was responsive, with a volume dial and embedded temperature controls for ease of use.

The 2026 Honda Passport was equipped with Honda Safety Sense, offering advanced driver assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also included traffic-jam assist, traffic-sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The Passport featured eight standard airbags for added safety. However, previous-generation models had less-than-stellar crash test results, and updated ratings were awaited.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and received favourable crash test ratings. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, including blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included automatic parking and a surround-view camera system. The safety systems performed well during testing, though the adaptive cruise control was slightly complex to operate.