2020 Honda Passport vs 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

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, reminiscent of a scaled-down Pilot or an enhanced CR-V, exuded a rugged and athletic vibe. The Passport's design was practical, with a scratch-resistant matte black grille, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and increased ground clearance, making it suitable for off-road adventures. Inside, the Passport Elite trim boasted a sophisticated cabin with a mix of durable and soft materials, heated and ventilated front seats, and a spacious layout that emphasized comfort and utility.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a more upscale and modern look, with significant updates to its exterior and interior. The redesigned front end, new wheel designs, and unique trim-specific styling elements gave each model a distinct character. Inside, the Santa Fe moved upmarket with new colors, patterns, and a bridge-style center console. The Calligraphy trim, in particular, offered a luxurious experience with premium leather and a high-tech digital instrument panel. The Santa Fe's interior was praised for its quality and comfort, making it feel like a bargain for its price.

The 2020 Honda Passport was equipped with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth performance across various driving conditions. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with FWD models achieving 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, while AWD models slightly underperformed. The Passport excelled in off-road capabilities, 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 many of its competitors.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a range of powertrains, including a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter engine for the SE and SEL trims, and a 281-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter engine for the Limited and Calligraphy trims. The hybrid variant combined a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor, producing 226 horsepower. The Santa Fe's turbocharged engine provided impressive performance, with quick acceleration and refined handling. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with both powertrains achieving 24 mpg combined. The Santa Fe's driving modes and improved structural rigidity contributed to a more engaging driving experience.

The 2020 Honda Passport was lauded for its practicality, offering ample space for passengers and cargo. Its right-sized dimensions provided good visibility and comfortable seating for four adults, with no third-row option. The Passport featured height-adjustable seatbelts, tri-zone climate control, and generous cargo space, including 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The interior was designed for convenience, with plenty of small-item storage and easy-to-clean surfaces.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, while lacking a third-row seat, offered a spacious and comfortable interior. The Calligraphy trim elevated the experience with premium materials and features like heated and ventilated seats. The rear seat was particularly roomy, with sliding functionality for added cargo space. The Santa Fe's cargo capacity was slightly less than some competitors, with 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, but it was still sufficient for family trips. The smart hands-free power liftgate added convenience, though it could be inadvertently activated.

The 2020 Honda Passport featured a straightforward infotainment system, with higher trims offering an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for volume and power. Additional features included Bluetooth, a USB port, and a seven-speaker audio system, with options for a 10-speaker system and Wi-Fi hotspot on higher trims.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was packed with advanced technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, surround-view camera, and head-up display. The infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the 8-inch screen, while the 10.25-inch screen provided enhanced voice recognition and Blue Link services. Blue Link offered a range of connected features, though a WiFi hotspot was absent. The Santa Fe also included innovative features like Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

The 2020 Honda Passport prioritized safety, earning high marks from the IIHS and NHTSA. It came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, which included 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 Hyundai Santa Fe impressed with its comprehensive safety features, particularly in the Calligraphy trim. It included forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Safe Exit Assist, and a rear-occupant alert system. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist added to its safety credentials. The Santa Fe was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick with LED projector headlights.