2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2020 Honda Passport

The 2020 Honda Passport was a testament to Honda's consistent design philosophy, offering a familiar yet appealing aesthetic that resonated with loyal Honda buyers. Its exterior design was a blend of ruggedness and athleticism, positioned between the larger Pilot and the smaller CR-V, with features like a matte black grille, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and increased ground clearance enhancing its off-road appeal. Inside, the Passport's cabin was a mix of durable and soft-touch materials, echoing the design of the Honda Pilot, and providing a spacious and comfortable environment with features like heated and ventilated seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and a moonroof in the Elite trim.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 showcased Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a refined luxury brand. The XT5's exterior updates included a more distinct front end and trim differentiation, with standard LED lights and 20-inch wheels contributing to its sophisticated look. Inside, the XT5's cabin was more upscale than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer, featuring cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fiber accents. The Premium Luxury trim exuded elegance, though it fell short of the opulence found in the Escalade. The interior design favored simplicity and thoughtful material placement, offering a more refined experience for Cadillac buyers.

The 2020 Honda Passport was equipped with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the engine provided ample power for various driving conditions, its fuel economy was less impressive, with FWD models achieving 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, and AWD models slightly lower. The Passport excelled in off-road scenarios, thanks to its torque-vectoring AWD system and drive modes like Snow, Sand, and Mud. It also boasted a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, surpassing competitors like the Nissan Murano and Chevrolet Blazer.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 237 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower. Both engines were mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, though the V6's performance was marred by clunky downshifts. The XT5's fuel economy was competitive, with AWD models achieving around 25 mpg during testing, exceeding EPA estimates. The XT5's handling was smooth, and its AWD system provided confidence in various driving conditions. However, the engine start-stop technology could be intrusive, particularly affecting climate control functions.

The 2020 Honda Passport was praised for its practicality, offering ample space for four adults and a generous cargo area with 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The interior featured height-adjustable seatbelts, tri-zone climate control, and abundant small-item storage, making it a family-friendly choice. The Passport's seats were comfortable, akin to those in the Honda Pilot and Odyssey, and the SUV boasted the most under-floor storage in its class.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 provided adequate space for four adults, though the rear seat's headroom was limited. Its cargo area offered 30 cubic feet, less than some competitors, but benefited from a deep design. The XT5's cargo-management system allowed for secure storage, and a hands-free liftgate was available. However, small-item storage was limited, with few convenient places for smartphones or other essentials. The front seats, while heated, were less comfortable on long trips due to a hard bottom cushion.

The 2020 Honda Passport featured a straightforward infotainment system, with higher trims offering an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, though the dashboard design felt dated. Standard features included Bluetooth, a USB port, and a seven-speaker audio system, with higher trims adding a 10-speaker system, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 boasted a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and a rotary controller. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose sound system, with options for a 14-speaker setup and a rear camera mirror. The XT5's climate controls were integrated into a Piano Black panel, offering haptic feedback, though the temperature often ran colder than displayed. A head-up display and digital instrument cluster enhanced the driving experience.

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

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-change alert. Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime driving, and Teen Driver software allowed for monitoring and limiting vehicle features. However, not all safety technologies were available across all trim levels.