2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 Honda Passport was essentially a condensed version of the Pilot, featuring two rows of seats instead of three. Its exterior design closely mirrored that of the Pilot, leading some to consider it a sportier variant of its sibling. Inside, the Passport's dashboard layout was nearly identical to the Pilot's, sharing the same corporate design choices, including the unconventional "button shifter" for the automatic transmission. Despite these similarities, the Passport boasted a spacious interior with high-quality materials throughout, offering a comfortable and refined cabin experience. The trim levels ranged from Sport to Elite, each adding progressively more features, such as leather upholstery, a power moonroof, and advanced audio systems.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a rugged and adventurous aesthetic, with options for both two-door and four-door models. Buyers could choose from a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or a plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler's design was highly customizable, with numerous trim levels and special editions like the High Tide, which featured a raised suspension and off-road enhancements. The Wrangler's interior was basic yet durable, with cloth upholstery and a mix of plastic and rubber materials. Despite its utilitarian nature, the Wrangler provided a unique driving experience, emphasizing open-air freedom and off-road capability.

The 2021 Honda Passport came equipped 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 with optional all-wheel drive, providing strong acceleration and a comfortable ride. The Passport's ground clearance of 8.1 inches and Intelligent Traction Management system with Snow, Sand, and Mud modes made it suitable for light off-road adventures. Towing capacity varied, with front-wheel-drive models capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds and all-wheel-drive models up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, delivering 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The Wrangler's fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 16.8 mpg over a week of testing. Known for its off-road prowess, the Wrangler offered a unique driving experience, characterized by its ruggedness and open-air capabilities. However, it required frequent stops at the gas station and had a reputation for a noisy cabin and less refined handling.

The 2021 Honda Passport provided ample interior space, with 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 added to its practicality. The Passport's upright seating position offered excellent visibility, and the interior featured deep storage bins and door pockets. Rear seats were spacious, with ample headroom and legroom, and could recline and slide for added comfort.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, with its raised suspension, posed challenges for entry and exit, especially for shorter individuals. The interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and a mix of plastic and rubber materials. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views while others were obstructed. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry challenges but found comfortable accommodations once inside. Cargo space was limited, with 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2021 Honda Passport featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, providing a user-friendly experience. However, the system's graphics and menu layout were dated, and the volume dial felt like an afterthought. Despite these shortcomings, the inclusion of smartphone connectivity was a notable advantage.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on the Sport S trim, offered a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While the larger Uconnect 8.4 system was available as an upgrade, the basic setup met most needs. The Wrangler also included options like remote engine starting, satellite radio, and a passive keyless entry system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort during open-air driving.

The 2021 Honda Passport was well-equipped with advanced safety features, including 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 "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, though it had some "Acceptable" ratings for headlights and child-seat anchor ease of use.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were less favorable, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings in IIHS tests. Safety features were optional rather than standard, and the Wrangler's design required extra caution when driving.