2020 Honda Passport vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite its age, continued to hold its own with a rugged charm that appealed to those who valued capability over modern aesthetics. Introduced in 2002 and redesigned in 2010, the GX maintained its classic design with some updates, including the hourglass grille that became a signature of the Lexus lineup. While the grille was polarizing on other models, it suited the GX well, giving it a distinctive look. The interior, however, showed its age with a decade-old design featuring a large center console and big buttons, reminiscent of early 2010s styling. Despite this, the GX's cabin was functional, especially for those who appreciated the ability to operate controls while wearing gloves. The GX was available in three trims: 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury, each offering a range of features from leather upholstery to advanced navigation systems.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Passport was a testament to Honda's consistent design philosophy, offering a practical and rugged aesthetic that appealed to a broad audience. Positioned between the CR-V and Pilot, the Passport combined elements of both, resulting in a vehicle that was both athletic and capable. The exterior featured a matte black grille, 20-inch alloy wheels, and increased ground clearance, enhancing its off-road potential. Inside, the Passport's cabin was sophisticated yet utilitarian, with a focus on comfort and functionality. The Elite trim, in particular, offered luxurious features like heated and ventilated seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and a spacious interior that comfortably accommodated five passengers. The Passport's design was not flashy, but it was practical, making it a reliable choice for those who valued functionality over form.

The 2020 Lexus GX was powered by a robust 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission to a standard 4-wheel drive system. While these figures might not have been groundbreaking compared to modern engines, the V8 provided a satisfying swell of power, making the GX a formidable presence on the road. The steering, though initially light, proved to be direct and responsive, offering a composed ride. The self-leveling air suspension added to the smooth driving experience, allowing the GX to handle various terrains with ease. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its 4WD system and various chassis controls, making it ideal for adventurous drivers. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius, making it surprisingly maneuverable for a large SUV. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an average of 16.3 mpg observed during testing.

The 2020 Honda Passport, equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, produced 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While not as powerful as the GX, the Passport's engine was sufficient for most driving situations, providing smooth acceleration and reliable performance. The Passport's fuel economy was better than the GX, with FWD models achieving 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The AWD version offered slightly lower figures but still provided a decent range thanks to its large fuel tank. The Passport's torque-vectoring AWD system enhanced its stability, especially on winding roads, and offered various drive modes for different terrains. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice for those needing towing capability. The Passport's performance was consistent and dependable, making it a practical option for everyday driving and occasional off-road adventures.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered a practical interior layout, with the option for second-row captain's chairs and power-folding third-row seats in the Luxury trim. While the captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row, the overall cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available when all rear seats were folded. The side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window was a convenient feature for quick access to the cargo area.

The 2020 Honda Passport excelled in practicality, offering a spacious interior with ample room for four adults. While it lacked a third row, the Passport made up for it with comfortable seating and generous cargo space. With 41.2 cubic feet of cargo area behind the rear seats and the most under-floor storage in its class, the Passport was ideal for families and travelers. The interior featured thoughtful storage solutions, including a large center console and additional shelf space, making it easy to organize small items. The Passport's design prioritized comfort and convenience, with features like tri-zone climate control and sunshades enhancing the passenger experience.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age, featuring a basic touchscreen setup without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. While the system was simple and user-friendly, it lacked the modern connectivity options found in newer vehicles. The GX's technology was functional but not cutting-edge, appealing to those who preferred straightforward controls over complex interfaces.

The 2020 Honda Passport offered a more modern infotainment experience, with the EX-L, Touring, and Elite trims featuring an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system was intuitive, with pinch, swipe, and tap functionality, and included features like Bluetooth, USB ports, and a seven-speaker audio system. Higher trims added premium audio, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, providing a comprehensive tech package for tech-savvy drivers.

The 2020 Lexus GX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+, offering features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera were also available, enhancing the GX's safety profile. The vehicle's high seating position and large windows provided excellent visibility, contributing to its overall safety.

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 braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic detection. The Passport's safety technology was comprehensive and well-suited for most drivers, providing peace of mind on the road.