2021 Honda Passport vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax, based on the model introduced in 2015, retained its 2017 design updates, including standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. By 2021, the Premier trim was discontinued, leaving the LS and LT trims. The LS featured 16-inch wheels, remote keyless entry, and a 7-inch touchscreen with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system. The LT trim added amenities like heated mirrors, remote start, and upgraded seating. Various styling packages and a Driver Confidence Package were available for the LT.

The 2021 Honda Passport, a two-row version of the Pilot, shared many design elements with its sibling, including the dash layout and button shifter. It offered a spacious interior with high-quality materials. Trim levels included Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, each adding features like leather upholstery, a power moonroof, and advanced audio systems. The Passport's design emphasized comfort and utility, with no optional packages beyond an Urban Package.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. It came with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. While adequate for city driving, the engine struggled at highway speeds and was noisy. The Trax had a firm ride, which could be harsh over rough roads, but its tight turning radius made it maneuverable in urban settings.

The 2021 Honda Passport featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive, with strong acceleration and well-managed power. The ride was comfortable and refined, with 8.1 inches of ground clearance and drive modes for various terrains. The Passport could tow up to 3,500 pounds with FWD and 5,000 pounds with AWD.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax provided decent headroom and legroom, though rear seats lacked comfort for long trips. It offered 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 48.4 cubic feet with rear seats folded. The front passenger seat could fold flat for larger items. Storage options included door trays and low cupholders, but there was no power liftgate option.

The 2021 Honda Passport boasted 100.8 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded, and 50.5 cubic feet with them in use. An under-floor storage tray added 2.5 cubic feet. The EX-L trim included a power liftgate, while higher trims offered a hands-free version. The seating position provided excellent visibility, and both front and rear seats had ample storage pockets.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax came with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. It included two USB ports and an available WiFi hotspot, with user-friendly menus and vivid graphics.

The 2021 Honda Passport made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard with its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Despite this, the system had dated graphics and a confusing menu layout. A volume dial was included, but the audio interface lacked a tuning dial.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star rating from the NHTSA but lacked advanced safety features. It came standard with airbags and a backup camera, with optional blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection in the LT Convenience Package. Rivals offered more comprehensive safety features.

The 2021 Honda Passport was equipped with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. It earned a five-star NHTSA rating and "Good" scores from the IIHS, though some areas received "Acceptable" ratings.