The battle of the SUVs is heating up as two popular models go head to head in a fierce competition for dominance. The Toyota Highlander and Honda Passport have long been favorites among consumers looking for a reliable and spacious vehicle that can handle a variety of driving conditions. Both vehicles offer impressive features and capabilities, but which one comes out on top?
The Toyota Highlander, known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior, has been a top seller in the SUV market for years. With seating for up to eight passengers and ample cargo space, the Highlander is a great option for families on the go. The Highlander also offers a smooth and quiet ride, making it ideal for long road trips or daily commutes. With a variety of trim levels and options available, the Highlander can be customized to fit a wide range of needs and preferences.
On the other hand, the Honda Passport is a newer addition to the SUV market but has quickly gained a following for its rugged capabilities and athletic styling. The Passport is a two-row SUV that offers seating for up to five passengers and generous cargo space. With standard all-wheel drive and optional off-road features like skid plates and terrain management systems, the Passport is a great option for outdoor enthusiasts or those who frequently encounter rough terrain. The Passport also offers a comfortable and well-equipped interior with plenty of tech features to keep passengers entertained and connected.
In terms of performance, the Toyota Highlander offers a choice of two powertrains: a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, or a hybrid powertrain that pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a combined output of 243 horsepower. The Highlander delivers smooth and confident acceleration, with a refined ride quality that makes it a pleasure to drive on a daily basis.
On the other hand, the Honda Passport comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Passport offers strong acceleration and responsive handling, making it a fun and engaging SUV to drive. With its off-road capabilities and all-wheel drive system, the Passport is a great option for those who need a vehicle that can handle a variety of driving conditions.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid leads the pack with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class. The non-hybrid Highlander also delivers respectable fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined. The Honda Passport, on the other hand, offers an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined, which is slightly lower than the Highlander’s non-hybrid model.
In terms of safety, both the Toyota Highlander and Honda Passport come equipped with a suite of advanced safety features to help protect passengers in the event of a collision. The Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which includes features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Highlander also received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Similarly, the Honda Passport comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, which includes collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Passport also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, making it a solid choice for those looking for a safe and reliable SUV.
In terms of technology, both the Toyota Highlander and Honda Passport offer a variety of tech features to keep passengers entertained and connected on the go. The Highlander comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Highlander also offers available features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a premium JBL audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system for added convenience and entertainment.
The Honda Passport also comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless phone charging. The Passport offers available features like a premium audio system, satellite-linked navigation, and a multi-angle rearview camera for added convenience and safety.
Overall, both the Toyota Highlander and Honda Passport offer a lot to love in terms of comfort, performance, safety, and technology. The Highlander excels in fuel efficiency and interior space, making it a great option for families or those who need a versatile and reliable SUV. The Passport, on the other hand, shines in its off-road capabilities and rugged styling, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts or those who need a vehicle that can handle rough terrain.
Ultimately, the choice between the Toyota Highlander and Honda Passport comes down to individual preferences and priorities. Whether you prioritize fuel efficiency and interior space, or off-road capabilities and rugged styling, both SUVs offer great options for those in the market for a versatile and capable vehicle.