2020 Honda Passport vs 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle that revealed its charm over time. Its design was not ostentatious but rather focused on functionality, with subtle styling choices that enhanced its off-road capabilities. The dished hood improved forward visibility, while the bulging fenders accommodated wheel travel and hinted at the vehicle's width. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze wheels. Inside, the Land Cruiser approached luxury with its leather-trimmed seating and functional dashboard, though it leaned towards a more subdued aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Passport adhered to Honda's familiar design language, offering a practical and rugged appearance. Positioned between the CR-V and Pilot, the Passport's exterior suggested a more athletic and capable vehicle. The Elite trim, as tested, came well-equipped with features like a matte black grille, 20-inch alloy wheels, and increased ground clearance. Inside, the Passport's cabin was sophisticated yet utilitarian, with comfortable seating and a focus on practicality. The interior design was consistent with Honda's approach, providing comfort and functionality without unnecessary embellishments.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, provided the Land Cruiser with impressive off-road capabilities. Its suspension system and chassis geometry allowed it to tackle various terrains with ease, boasting an approach angle of 32 degrees and a departure angle of 24 degrees. Despite its size, the Land Cruiser offered a serene driving experience, with controlled body roll and a commanding driving position.

The 2020 Honda Passport featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offered smooth performance across different driving conditions. The Passport's fuel economy was reasonable, with FWD models achieving 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The AWD system, available on higher trims, provided enhanced traction and stability, making it suitable for light off-roading. The Passport's towing capacity of 5,000 pounds was notable, surpassing many of its competitors.

The Land Cruiser's interior was designed for both comfort and utility, with a three-row configuration in the standard model and a two-row setup in the Heritage Edition. It featured a range of amenities, including a four-zone climate control system and a cooling box in the center console. The split tailgate design added a touch of nostalgia and practicality, making loading and unloading cargo a breeze. With a towing capacity of 8,100 pounds, the Land Cruiser was well-suited for hauling heavy loads.

The Honda Passport prioritized practicality, offering ample interior space and comfortable seating for four adults. While it lacked a third row, the Passport provided generous cargo space, with 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The interior featured thoughtful storage solutions, including a large center console and additional shelf space. The Passport's tri-zone climate control and sunshades enhanced passenger comfort, while the power liftgate facilitated easy access to the cargo area.

The 2020 Land Cruiser was equipped with a range of tech features, including a 9-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 14-speaker JBL audio system. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were becoming standard in many vehicles. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system was a standout feature, providing useful views for off-roading and tight parking situations.

The Honda Passport offered a more modern infotainment experience, with an 8.0-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with responsive controls and easy navigation. Higher trims added features like a 10-speaker audio system, wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, enhancing the overall tech offering.

The Land Cruiser came with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included features like pre-collision warning, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. It also had 10 airbags and a range of safety systems, though it lacked crash test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The Honda Passport excelled in safety, earning high marks from both NHTSA and IIHS. It came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, offering advanced safety features like collision mitigation braking and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, providing comprehensive safety coverage.