2020 Lexus GX vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite some new design tweaks, retained much of its decade-old styling. The updated GX featured the hourglass grille design that had become a hallmark of the Lexus lineup. While this grille was polarizing on some models, it was more palatable on the GX. The vehicle's rugged capability, shared with the Toyota 4Runner, allowed it to remain relevant despite its age. The interior, however, showed its years with a large, chunky center console and big buttons, reminiscent of early 2010s Lexus styling. 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 2021 Honda Passport was essentially a shortened version of the Pilot, with two rows of seats instead of three. The Passport's interior was spacious and featured high-quality materials, though it shared the Pilot's awkward "button shifter" design. The Passport came in four trims: Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. The base Sport trim included features like 20-inch alloy wheels and tri-zone climate control, while higher trims added amenities such as leather upholstery, a power moonroof, and advanced navigation systems. The Passport's design choices aimed to balance comfort and functionality, making it a versatile option for families and adventurers alike.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. This power was sent through a 6-speed automatic transmission to a standard 4-wheel drive system. While these specs might not impress compared to modern V6 or turbocharged engines, the V8 offered a unique swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's steering was light yet responsive, and the self-leveling air suspension provided a smooth ride. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its various 4WD modes and adjustable suspension. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Passport offered front-wheel drive as standard, with optional all-wheel drive. The V6 provided strong acceleration, and the automatic transmission managed power well, though the stop-start system could be abrupt. The Passport's ride was optimized for comfort and handling, with 8.1 inches of ground clearance and Intelligent Traction Management for various terrains. The FWD model could tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the AWD model could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with power-folding third-row seats standard on the Luxury trim. While the captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row, getting adults into the third row was challenging. The GX had 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space with all rear seats folded, which was less than some competitors. The side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window/hatch was a useful feature.

The 2021 Honda Passport provided a generous 100.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 50.5 cubic feet with the second row in use. An additional 2.5 cubic feet of under-floor storage was also available. The EX-L trim featured a power liftgate, while the Touring and Elite trims included a hands-free power liftgate. The upright seating position offered excellent visibility, and the center console had a deep bin and open cargo tray. The rear seats provided ample headroom and legroom, and they could both recline and slide for added comfort.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age with a last-generation Lexus Enform setup. While it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it featured a true touchscreen flanked by large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls. This simpler layout was easier to use compared to more modern Lexus systems, but the absence of smartphone integration was a significant drawback.

For 2021, the Honda Passport made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard across all trims, integrated with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While this was a significant advantage, the Passport's infotainment system had dated graphics, a confusing menu layout, and a volume dial that felt like an afterthought. Despite these issues, the inclusion of smartphone connectivity was a notable benefit.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was also standard, and a surround-view camera was available. The GX's high driving position and large windows provided excellent visibility, enhancing overall safety.

The 2021 Honda Passport was well-equipped with advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. The Passport received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores from the IIHS in most crash tests, though it had "Acceptable" ratings for headlights and child-seat anchor ease of use.