2020 Honda Passport vs 2021 Honda HR-V

The 2020 Honda Passport was a quintessential example of Honda's design philosophy, offering a familiar yet appealing aesthetic that resonated with loyal Honda customers. Its exterior design was a blend of ruggedness and athleticism, positioning it between the larger Pilot and the smaller CR-V. The Passport's elevated ground clearance and robust styling cues, such as the matte black grille and 20-inch black alloy wheels, contributed to its off-road capability and visual appeal. Inside, the Passport's cabin was a mix of durable and soft-touch materials, echoing the design of the Honda Pilot. The Elite trim level boasted luxurious features like heated and ventilated front seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and a spacious interior that emphasized comfort and practicality.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda HR-V presented a softer, more approachable design compared to Honda's larger SUVs. Its unique styling included converging window lines and rear door handles integrated into the triangular taillight design, giving it a distinctive look. The HR-V's interior was straightforward and functional, with good material quality and fit and finish. Higher trims like the EX and EX-L offered features such as push-button start, automatic climate control, and leather upholstery, enhancing the overall driving experience. Despite its plain design, the HR-V's interior was solid and practical, catering to those seeking a reliable and comfortable subcompact SUV.

The 2020 Honda Passport was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain provided sufficient performance for various driving conditions, although its fuel economy was less impressive, with FWD models achieving 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The Passport's AWD system, standard on the Elite trim, offered enhanced traction and stability, especially on challenging terrains. With a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, the Passport outperformed rivals like the Nissan Murano and Chevrolet Blazer, making it a versatile choice for those needing extra capability.

The 2021 Honda HR-V, on the other hand, featured a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque, mated to a CVT. While the HR-V's powertrain was underwhelming for highway driving, its chassis provided a rewarding driving experience on twisty roads. The HR-V's AWD system was suitable for slippery conditions but not designed for off-road adventures. Unlike the Passport, the HR-V was not rated for towing, limiting its utility for those requiring more versatility.

The 2020 Honda Passport excelled in practicality, offering ample interior space and comfort for four adults. Its seats, similar to those in the Pilot and Odyssey, provided generous knee and legroom, while the tri-zone automatic climate control and second-row sunshades enhanced passenger comfort. The Passport's cargo area boasted 41.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, with the most under-floor storage in its class. Its thoughtful storage solutions, like the large center console and secondary shelf space, made it ideal for road trips and daily use.

The 2021 Honda HR-V impressed with its cargo space, thanks to the "Magic Seat" rear bench, offering up to 58.8 cubic feet of space with the seats folded. It led the segment in rear-seat legroom, although front-seat legroom and headroom were average. The HR-V's interior lacked clever storage solutions but featured sensibly-designed controls, making it user-friendly. Despite its compact size, the HR-V provided ample space for passengers and cargo, appealing to those seeking a practical subcompact SUV.

The 2020 Honda Passport offered a range of infotainment options, with higher trims featuring an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system was practical and easy to navigate, although the dashboard design appeared slightly outdated. Additional features like a 10-speaker audio system, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot were available on higher trims, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Honda HR-V's base LX trim came with a 5-inch display and a four-speaker audio system, while higher trims offered a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was straightforward and functional, with USB ports conveniently located for easy access. However, the small screen size and lack of standard connectivity features on the base trim were drawbacks compared to competitors.

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

The 2021 Honda HR-V also received high safety ratings, with top scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, its headlight ratings were less favorable. Honda Sensing safety features were available only on the EX and EX-L trims, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The HR-V's LaneWatch system provided an enhanced view of the vehicle's blind spot, adding an extra layer of safety.