2020 Honda Passport vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Honda Passport was a quintessential Honda, featuring familiar parts and aesthetics that appealed to loyal Honda buyers. Its exterior resembled a scaled-down Honda Pilot but with a more rugged and athletic appearance, positioning it between the Pilot and CR-V in terms of size, capability, and price. The Passport's design included a scratch-resistant matte black grille, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and black-rimmed LED headlights, giving it a robust look. The interior was sophisticated, with a mix of durable and soft-touch materials, and featured amenities like heated and ventilated front seats, a leather-trimmed heated steering wheel, and a moonroof in the Elite trim.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V had a more generic crossover appearance, blending in with many of its competitors. While it had some distinguishing features like a unique grille and chromed plastic accents, it wasn't a vehicle chosen for its exterior looks. The CR-V was available in eight colors, though most were shades of gray, black, or white, with vibrant options limited to higher trims. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and optional wood panels and chrome for a more upscale feel. However, it faced stiff competition from more distinctively styled crossovers like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

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. This setup provided sufficient power for various driving situations, though 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 conditions, thanks to its torque-vectoring AWD system and drive modes for Snow, Sand, and Mud. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds with the available towing package, outperforming rivals like the Nissan Murano and Chevrolet Blazer.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, excluding the hybrid variants. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds, which was competitive within its class. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth but uninspiring acceleration. FWD was standard, with AWD available as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup included a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, offering decent handling and ride quality. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more engaging driving experiences with their conventional automatic transmissions.

The 2020 Honda Passport was all about practicality. Its right-sized dimensions provided ample visibility and spacious seating for four adults, with no third-row option. The Passport's seats were comfortable, similar to those in the Pilot and Odyssey, and offered features like height-adjustable seatbelts and tri-zone automatic climate control. The cargo area was generous, with 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and the most under-floor storage in its class. The Passport also excelled in small-item storage, with a large center console and additional shelf space in the front doors.

The 2021 Honda CR-V focused on fitting five people comfortably and carrying their gear. It offered 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's tailgate options varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a hands-free power tailgate. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim. The CR-V's interior was practical, with charging ports throughout the cabin and a variety of storage solutions, though it lacked some of the Passport's more luxurious touches.

The 2020 Honda Passport's base Sport model came with a 5.0-inch display, while higher trims featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with 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, borrowed from the Pilot, was functional but slightly outdated.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth, while other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with the Touring trim adding a wireless phone charger. The CR-V's infotainment system was modern and functional, though it lacked some of the Passport's higher-end features.

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 braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic detection.

The 2021 Honda CR-V also excelled in safety, earning five-star ratings from the NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system as standard across all trims, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.