2020 Honda Passport vs 2021 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Honda Passport was a quintessential example of Honda's design philosophy. Its exterior, reminiscent of a scaled-down Honda Pilot or a beefed-up CR-V, struck a balance between ruggedness and athleticism. The Passport's design included a scratch-resistant matte black grille, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and black-rimmed LED headlights, all contributing to its robust appearance. The additional ground clearance compared to the Pilot further enhanced its off-road capabilities.

Inside, the Passport's cabin was more sophisticated than rugged, featuring a mix of durable and soft-touch materials. The Elite trim level boasted perforated, heated, and ventilated front seats, a leather-trimmed heated steering wheel, and a moonroof. The interior design emphasized spaciousness, with a button-heavy shifting mechanism that saved space. The Passport's design choices were familiar to Honda enthusiasts, providing comfort and practicality without reinventing the wheel.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender aimed to blend the timeless cool of its predecessors with modern aesthetics. The new Defender featured half-round LED headlights, a structural-looking grille, and flat-topped fenders with diamond-plate cladding. The spare tire mounted on the side-hinged tailgate and short overhangs added to its rugged appeal. The Defender's fit and finish were top-notch, with a bold yet tasteful "DEFENDER" nameplate.

Inside, the Defender's exposed structure theme was prominent, with a dash held between horizontal beams and exposed Allen-head bolts securing the door panels. The leather-upholstered seating was both tough and luxurious, and the digital instrument panel and center touchscreen interface were crisp and clean. The interior exuded authenticity and high quality, with real metal and leather surfaces adding to its premium feel.

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. While the engine provided sufficient power for various driving situations, its fuel economy was less impressive. The FWD model achieved an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, while the AWD model managed 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. The Passport's large fuel tank allowed for over 400 miles of range.

The Passport's performance was tested in diverse conditions, from the flats of Fresno to the peaks of Yosemite National Park, where it performed admirably. The Elite trim's torque-vectoring AWD system provided a planted feel on winding roads, and the Snow, Sand, and Mud drive modes enhanced its off-road capabilities. The Passport could tow up to 5,000 pounds with the available towing package, surpassing rivals like the Nissan Murano and Chevrolet Blazer.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S.: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid setup with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with low range and Terrain Response. The Defender's off-road capabilities were impressive, with a 30.1-degree approach angle, 37.6-degree departure angle, and a maximum wading depth of 35.4 inches.

On the road, the Defender was quick for its size, with the 2.0-liter model reaching 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds and the 3.0-liter model in 5.8 seconds. The Defender's maximum towing capacity was 8,200 pounds, and it had a payload capacity of over 1,700 pounds. The 3.0-liter mild-hybrid powertrain provided a comfortable and stable ride on highways and city streets, while its off-road capabilities were evident on dirt roads and farm trails.

The 2020 Honda Passport was a practical midsize SUV with ample space for passengers and cargo. Its size, slightly larger than the CR-V, provided good visibility and comfortable seating for four adults. The Passport's seats were similar to those in the Pilot and Odyssey, offering ample knee and legroom. Cloth upholstery was standard, with perforated leather available. The tri-zone automatic climate control and second-row sunshades added to passenger comfort.

The Passport excelled in cargo space, with 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and the most under-floor storage in its class. The load floor was high, but a power liftgate made loading easy. The center console and secondary shelf space provided ample small-item storage. Harder plastic surfaces were easy to clean, while piano black trim pieces required occasional dusting.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender, built on a unibody platform, featured independent multi-link air suspension for enhanced on-road and off-road performance. The Defender's interior configuration options included a jump seat between the front seats and a third-row seat in the long-wheelbase 110 model. The second row was roomy, and the 110 model offered 34-34.6 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row and 78.8 cubic feet behind the first row.

The 2020 Honda Passport's base Sport model came with a 5.0-inch display monitor, while higher trims featured an 8.0-inch Display Audio infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The larger screen was responsive and easy to navigate, with a manual power button and volume knob. Standard features included 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 2021 Land Rover Defender used Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing for remote software updates. The Defender featured the new Pivi Pro infotainment system with a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Standard connectivity included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with USB and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin. The Defender's multiple camera views, including a "transparent hood" view, were useful for off-roading. The audio system could be upgraded to a Meridian sound system with up to 14 speakers and 700 watts of amplification. A full-color head-up display and ClearSight rear-view mirror were also available.

The 2020 Honda Passport prioritized safety, earning good scores from the IIHS and NHTSA and being named an IIHS Top Safety Pick. The Passport came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, including collision mitigation braking, forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered dynamic gridlines for the rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic detection.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it came with an extensive list of standard safety features. These included a perimeter alarm, front airbags with a passenger seat occupant monitor, tire pressure monitoring, rear ISOFIX system, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, roll stability control, emergency braking, anti-lock braking, emergency brake assist, cruise control speed limiter, blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, driver condition monitor, traffic sign recognition, rear traffic monitor, clear exit monitor, and a 360-degree parking aid. The Defender underwent extensive durability testing, ensuring its safety and reliability.