2020 Honda Passport vs 2019 BMW X5

The 2019 BMW X5 was designed with a focus on delivering a sedan-like driving experience, despite its size and weight. BMW prioritized on-road performance over off-road capabilities, recognizing that most SUV owners preferred a smooth ride on pavement. The X5 offered a five-passenger layout, expandable to seven, though the third row was notably cramped. It came with two turbocharged engine options: a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder for the xDrive40i and a 4.4-liter V8 for the xDrive50i, both paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i started at $60,700, featuring AWD, adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and a comprehensive safety suite. Various packages allowed for customization, adding features like keyless entry, satellite radio, and advanced climate controls.

The 2020 Honda Passport followed Honda's traditional design approach, offering a practical and reliable vehicle. It was positioned between the CR-V and Pilot in terms of size and capability, with a rugged and athletic exterior. The Passport was available in four trims: Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with the Elite trim offering a fully loaded experience. Standard features included a matte black grille, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and increased ground clearance compared to the Pilot. The interior was sophisticated, with a focus on utility, featuring heated and ventilated front seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and ample space for passengers. The Passport's design emphasized comfort and practicality, appealing to those familiar with Honda's consistent and effective design philosophy.

The 2019 BMW X5 was powered by a smooth turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine in the xDrive40i, delivering 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The xDrive50i offered a more powerful 4.4-liter V8 with 456 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The X5's 8-speed ZF automatic transmission was praised for its efficiency and smooth shifts, contributing to an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined for the xDrive40i. The vehicle's performance was enhanced by BMW's Cluster Architecture platform, combining steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber for improved strength and reduced weight. The optional air suspension allowed for adjustable ride height, providing a smooth and sporty ride even on 20-inch run-flat tires. The X5 could tow up to 7,200 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2020 Honda Passport was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Passport's fuel economy was slightly lower, with FWD models achieving 20 mpg city, 25 highway, and 22 combined, while AWD models achieved 19 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined. The Passport excelled in various driving conditions, maintaining performance even at high elevations. The Elite trim featured torque-vectoring AWD, enhancing stability and control on winding roads. The Passport offered Snow, Sand, and Mud drive modes, demonstrating its off-road capabilities. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds with the available towing package, surpassing some of its competitors.

The interior of the 2019 BMW X5 featured a modern design with dual 12.3-inch screens for the iDrive infotainment system. While the design was appealing, some materials felt less premium compared to competitors. The seats were somewhat uncomfortable, lacking adequate bolstering and ventilation, though the Luxury Seating package offered improvements. The X5 provided ample space for passengers and cargo, with 33.9 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 72.3 cubic feet. The split rear tailgate and air suspension facilitated easy loading, and the X5 could tow up to 7,200 pounds.

The 2020 Honda Passport was praised for its practicality, offering a spacious interior with comfortable seating for four adults. The Passport's size provided good visibility and ample cargo space, with 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and the most under-floor storage in its class. The interior featured height-adjustable seatbelts, tri-zone automatic climate control, and second-row sunshades. The Passport excelled in small-item storage, with a large center console and additional shelf space. The materials were easy to clean, though the piano black trim required frequent dusting.

The 2019 BMW X5's technology was a mixed bag. The iDrive interface was well-designed but required time to master, and the gesture control was inconsistent. The Driving Assistance Plus package offered limited hands-off driving, but its performance at high speeds was unreliable. The adaptive cruise control was effective, and the Parking Assistant Plus package provided useful features like a 3D camera. The Harman Kardon stereo delivered excellent sound, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins system for audiophiles.

The 2020 Honda Passport featured a practical infotainment system, with the EX-L, Touring, and Elite trims offering an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with responsive pinch, swipe, and tap functionality. Standard features included Bluetooth, a USB port, and a seven-speaker audio system, with higher trims offering a 10-speaker system, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The dashboard design was slightly dated but functional.

The 2019 BMW X5 featured a new brake-by-wire system, providing a nearly natural feel with some feedback during braking. It received a 4-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top scores in all tests.

The 2020 Honda Passport prioritized safety, earning good scores from the IIHS and NHTSA and being named an IIHS Top Safety Pick. It came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, including collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic detection.