Honda Passport vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, with the Limited trim reaching $61,800 in Canada. It featured minimal appearance changes, with a new Cypress Green paint colour being the most notable update. The Highlander Hybrid's design was described as over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior was criticized for its mismatched textures, reflections, and a lack of quality in primary controls. Despite these drawbacks, the vehicle was noted for its quietness on the road.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Passport retained much of its previous design, with only minor tweaks since 2022. It offered three trim levels in Canada: Sport, TrailSport, and Black Edition, all equipped with AWD. The TrailSport trim was designed to be rugged, featuring all-terrain tires and standard roof rails and LED fog lights. However, its rugged appearance was more for show, with plastic skid plates and no lift kit. Inside, the Passport maintained a simple and unassuming design, with physical controls and an 8-inch touchscreen. The interior was noted for its utilitarian design, with a mix of resilient plastics and softer materials.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. It featured standard AWD and regenerative brakes, but its high-speed passing power was limited. The Highlander Hybrid was designed for fuel economy, with a Predictive Efficient Drive system, though it returned 8.2 L/100 km on the evaluation loop, higher than the expected 6.7 L/100 km. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a CVT that lacked engagement.

The 2024 Honda Passport, on the other hand, was equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission, it offered smooth acceleration and well-balanced steering. The TrailSport trim featured mechanical changes for off-road driving, including wider tracks and tuned suspension. The Passport's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, surpassing some competitors but falling short of others. While road and wind noise were noticeable at highway speeds, the Passport's steering was praised for its accuracy.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid could accommodate seven or eight passengers, though the third-row seat was best for occasional use. It featured three-zone automatic climate control and heated seats, with power-adjustable front seats. The interior had a useful dashboard shelf and storage areas, though some were unlined, leading to potential noise. Cargo space was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,387 litres with the second-row seats folded.

The 2024 Honda Passport excelled in cargo capacity, offering 1,430 litres behind the rear seats and 2,854 litres with the rear seats folded. It comfortably seated five adults, with ample cupholders and a redesigned centre console for more storage. The Passport's interior was noted for its practicality, with a focus on utility and comfort.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Drive Connect service plan offered additional features, such as a cloud-based navigation system. The JBL sound system provided decent sound quality, though the graphics on the infotainment system could be improved.

The 2024 Honda Passport, however, was limited to an 8-inch touchscreen, which felt small in its spacious cabin. It included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth connectivity and a wireless charging pad. The infotainment system had sharp resolution and quick response, but the navigation display was criticized for its persistent turn-by-turn directions. The TrailSport trim's audio system was found lacking compared to competitors.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Honda Passport came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it received lower ratings from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating in the passenger-side small overlap crash test and a "Marginal" rating in the updated side-impact crash tests. The NHTSA awarded it five stars overall but four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests.