2020 Honda Passport vs 2019 Subaru Forester

The 2019 Subaru Forester was slightly larger and wider than its predecessor, resembling a scaled-down version of the Subaru Ascent. The exterior design was practical, prioritizing function over luxury. Inside, the cabin maintained a modern look without sacrificing utility, featuring numerous compartments and bottle holders. The Forester was available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims, each offering a range of features from LED headlights and symmetrical all-wheel drive to leather upholstery and advanced driver-assistance systems.

The 2020 Honda Passport, on the other hand, was a blend of the Honda Pilot and CR-V, offering a rugged and athletic exterior. The five-passenger SUV came in Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite trims, with the Elite trim being fully loaded. Standard features included a scratch-resistant matte black grille, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and black-rimmed LED headlights. The Passport also had more ground clearance than the Pilot, making it suitable for off-road adventures. Inside, the cabin was sophisticated, featuring a mix of durable and soft-touch materials, with the Elite trim offering heated and ventilated front seats, a leather-trimmed heated steering wheel, and a moonroof.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a smooth ride with a low center of gravity but lacked the torque needed for quick acceleration. The Forester came standard with symmetrical all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which prioritized efficiency over performance. The SI-Drive system allowed drivers to switch between Intelligent and Sport modes, while the X-Mode terrain-management system optimized power delivery for various driving conditions. Fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined.

The 2020 Honda Passport was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the engine provided smooth and reliable performance. However, fuel economy was less impressive, with front-wheel-drive models achieving 20 mpg city, 25 highway, and 22 combined, and all-wheel-drive models slightly lower. The Passport excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its torque-vectoring all-wheel drive and drive modes for Snow, Sand, and Mud. It also had a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, outperforming many of its rivals.

The 2019 Subaru Forester offered a spacious interior with a class-leading 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space in the base trim and 70.9 cubic feet in other trims. The larger wheelbase provided more backseat space, and the 8.7 inches of ground clearance made it easy to navigate dirt and snow. The cabin was designed with functionality in mind, featuring numerous cubbies, compartments, and bottle holders. The tall greenhouse provided excellent visibility and a commanding driving position, making it a practical choice for families and older buyers.

The 2020 Honda Passport was also highly practical, with a spacious interior that comfortably seated four adults. It offered 41.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and the most under-floor storage in its class. The cabin featured height-adjustable seatbelts, three full LATCH connections, and available tri-zone automatic climate control. The Passport excelled in small-item storage, with a large center console and secondary shelf space in the front doors. The power liftgate and easy-to-clean surfaces added to its practicality, making it a great choice for families and road trips.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured the Starlink infotainment system, available with either a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. The system was responsive, intuitive, and included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assistance systems was standard across all trims, featuring forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Lead Vehicle Alert was a standout feature, providing an audible and visual alert if the vehicle ahead moved and the driver did not.

The 2020 Honda Passport came with a 5.0-inch display in the base Sport model, while higher trims featured an 8.0-inch Display Audio infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was practical and easy to navigate, with additional features like Bluetooth, a USB port, and a seven-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a 10-speaker audio system, satellite radio, additional USB ports, a wireless phone charger, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The dashboard design was borrowed from the Pilot, which looked slightly outdated but remained functional.

The 2019 Subaru Forester came standard with Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The vehicle also featured a full array of front- and side-impact airbags and a reversing camera, making it a very safe option for families.

The 2020 Honda Passport was designed with safety in mind, achieving good scores from the IIHS and NHTSA. It came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, which included forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like dynamic gridlines for the rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic detection.