2022 Lexus GX 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 externally and internally. The Passport’s dashboard 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 for the 2021 Passport included Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, each offering a range of features from 20-inch alloy wheels and LED fog lights to leather upholstery and a hands-free liftgate.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition aimed to appeal to those who loved black-on-black vehicles. The Black Line treatment eradicated almost all chrome from the GX’s exterior, transforming it into a rolling black hole. However, the GX’s design looked dated, reminiscent of the first-generation 2002 GX 470. Inside, the cabin quality was impeccable, featuring smooth, silky refinement. The GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the GX 460 Premium, started at $60,535.

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. 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. FWD Passports could tow up to 3,500 pounds, while AWD models could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds. The GX’s drag coefficient was 0.35, contributing to its EPA fuel economy estimate of 16 mpg in combined driving. The GX’s Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) enhanced its ride and handling, making it more stable and secure. However, the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal were less appealing aspects of its driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Passport offered a generous 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 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 provided excellent visibility, and the rear seats offered ample headroom and legroom, with the ability to recline and slide.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position from a 10-way power-adjustable seat with clear outward visibility. The GX’s tall height, narrow width, and short length made it easy to maneuver. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the back seats were heated. However, entering the rear seat was tricky due to narrow door openings. The third-row seat was cramped and eliminated cargo space when in use. The GX’s tailgate swung open to the side, making loading difficult in tight spaces. Cargo capacity was limited to 64.7 cubic feet with the second-row seat folded down.

For 2021, the Honda Passport made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard, included with the newly-standard 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 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The GX also had a CD player, a smartwatch-compatible Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was excellent. For 2022, Lexus made Intuitive Parking Assist standard and offered surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

The 2021 Honda Passport came 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, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. The Passport received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores from the IIHS, with "Acceptable" ratings for headlights and child-seat anchor ease of use.

The 2022 Lexus GX, being structurally older, lacked crash-test ratings. It featured Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The GX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some modern safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and active blind-spot intervention.