2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 Honda Passport was essentially a shortened version of the Pilot, featuring two rows of seats instead of three. This similarity was evident in its design, both inside and out. The Passport’s dash layout was visually identical to that of the Pilot, including Honda’s awkward “button shifter” design. Despite these corporate design choices, the Passport boasted a spacious interior with high-quality materials throughout. Trim levels included Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, each adding more features such as leather upholstery, power moonroof, and advanced audio systems.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a more upscale feel for its price. The Santa Fe lineup included new gasoline engines and a gas-electric hybrid powertrain, with trims ranging from SE to the luxurious Calligraphy. The exterior featured a redesigned front end with new running lights and grille, while the interior was upgraded with new colors, patterns, and textures. The Calligraphy trim, in particular, exuded quality with premium leather and a panoramic sunroof. The Santa Fe’s interior was both comfortable and sophisticated, making it feel like a higher-end vehicle.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). 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 a blend of comfort and refined handling, with 8.1 inches of ground clearance and Intelligent Traction Management for AWD models. Towing capacity was up to 3,500 pounds for FWD and 5,000 pounds for AWD models.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered three new powertrains. The SE and SEL trims featured a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid models combined a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor, producing a total of 226 horsepower. The Limited and Calligraphy trims had a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Santa Fe also offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with the turbocharged engine providing impressive performance and fuel efficiency, averaging 22.4 mpg in testing.

The 2021 Honda Passport provided ample cargo space, with 100.8 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded and 50.5 cubic feet with the second row in use. An additional 2.5 cubic feet was available in an under-floor storage tray. 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 rear seats provided plenty of headroom and legroom, with the ability to recline and slide.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, while not offering a third-row seat, provided plenty of passenger room. All trims included dual-zone automatic climate control, with leather available on the SEL and standard on the Limited. The Calligraphy trim featured premium Nappa leather and a suede-like headliner. The Santa Fe was comfortable, with power-adjustable seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat was spacious and included air-conditioning vents, USB ports, and a power outlet. Cargo space was 36.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 72.1 cubic feet with them folded.

For 2021, the Honda Passport made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard, included with the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. However, the system had dated graphics, a confusing menu layout, and a volume dial that felt like an afterthought.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was loaded with technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, surround-view camera system, and an 8.5-inch head-up display. The basic 8-inch touchscreen offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 10.25-inch screen provided wired versions, upgraded voice-recognition, and enhanced Blue Link connected services. Blue Link included features like remote engine start and climate control adjustment. The Santa Fe also offered Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist, though it lacked a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Honda Passport came 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 and rear cross-traffic alert. The Passport received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores from the IIHS, with some "Acceptable" ratings for specific tests.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered an impressive array of safety features, especially in the Calligraphy trim. These included forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Safe Exit Assist, and a rear-occupant alert system. The Santa Fe also featured Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist. The IIHS named the Santa Fe a “Top Safety Pick” with the LED projector headlights found on higher trims, earning top ratings for crashworthiness and front crash-prevention technology.