2021 Honda Passport vs 2022 Kia Sportage

The 2021 Honda Passport was introduced for the 2019 model year. It carries over to 2021 largely unchanged, but with some additional features. First used by Honda in the early 1990s, the Passport name harkens back to a time when SUVs were more about rugged off-road capability. SUVs are very different beasts these days, and the Passport bridges the gap as an adventurous crossover SUV that is designed with daily life in mind.

The Passport is closely related to the Honda Pilot. The fact that Honda offers multiple midsize SUVs might seem confusing. Automakers always talk about not wanting one model to cannibalize sales of another. Though the Honda Passport and the Honda Pilot are in the same category, the Passport stands out as a more active alternative. It leverages that older more rugged Honda nameplate and backs it up with some features not found on the family-hauling Pilot.

The 2022 Kia Sportage is a stylish, sophisticated, safe, and–with its available turbocharged engine–speedy SUV. Kia hasn't redesigned it since 2017, but that doesn't mean you should cross it off of your shopping list. Even the technology is up-to-date.

Compact in size, the 2022 Sportage comes in LX, Nightfall Edition, EX, and SX Turbo trim levels with front- or all-wheel drive. Nightfall Edition trim is new, replacing the S version for 2022. Additionally, a new LX Value Edition Package installs numerous features from higher trims combined with trendy dark gray 18-inch wheels. The Sportage EX gains a standard panoramic sunroof for 2022.

Pricing ranges from $24,090 to $33,750, plus a destination charge of $1,175. Our test vehicle for this review was an SX Turbo with AWD, a cargo mat, carpeted floor mats, and a tow hitch. The sticker price came to $37,100, including destination.