2021 Honda Passport vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Honda Passport was essentially a more compact version of the Honda Pilot, featuring two rows of seats instead of three. Its exterior design closely mirrored that of the Pilot, leading some to refer to it as a "Pilot Sport." Inside, the Passport's dashboard layout was nearly identical to the Pilot's, sharing the same "button shifter" design, which some found awkward compared to a traditional gear lever. Despite these corporate design choices, the Passport boasted a spacious interior with high-quality materials throughout. The trim levels ranged from Sport to Elite, each adding more features such as leather upholstery, a power moonroof, and advanced audio systems.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 continued to evolve from its origins as a "cute-ute" into a mature crossover SUV. Its exterior design, while fitting in with current crossover trends, featured distinctive angular flourishes and expressive headlights that gave it a unique, playful yet aggressive look. The interior of the RAV4 was characterized by a layered dashboard with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by a straightforward center stack. The design included a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern that tied various cabin elements together, enhancing the overall aesthetic. The Adventure-trim test vehicle showcased 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels, adding to its distinctive appearance.

The 2021 Honda Passport was powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive, providing strong acceleration and refined handling. The Passport's ride was optimized for comfort and everyday driving, with 8.1 inches of ground clearance and Intelligent Traction Management for various terrains. It could tow up to 3,500 pounds with FWD and 5,000 pounds with AWD, making it a versatile choice for those needing towing capabilities.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrain options. The gasoline-only model featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It achieved impressive fuel economy, with FWD models rated at 27-28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor, delivering 217 horsepower and excellent fuel efficiency at 41 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid was the most powerful, with 302 horsepower and the ability to run 42 miles on electricity alone. The RAV4's handling was car-like, with a four-wheel independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring for improved cornering.

The 2021 Honda Passport offered generous 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 of under-floor storage added to its practicality. The upright seating position provided excellent visibility, and the interior featured deep storage bins and door pockets for convenience. The rear seats were spacious, offering ample headroom and legroom, and could recline and slide for added comfort.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, while classified as a small SUV, provided 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. It had a healthy payload capacity and could tow up to 3,500 pounds in certain trims. Inside, the RAV4 was roomy and comfortable for four passengers, with plenty of storage options, including cupholders, bottle holders, and a spacious glove compartment. The front row offered ample space, while the second row could accommodate three passengers, though the middle seat was less desirable.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. While these features were a welcome addition, the system's graphics and menu layout were considered dated, and the volume dial felt like an afterthought. Despite these drawbacks, the inclusion of smartphone connectivity was a distinct advantage over the Honda Pilot.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a comprehensive suite of technology features. Base models included a 7-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, and compatibility with Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system with navigation. The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced technology, including multiple USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, and a wireless charging pad. A bird’s-eye view camera system and a head-up display were available on top trims, enhancing the RAV4's tech appeal.

The 2021 Honda Passport was equipped with advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, though it had "Acceptable" ratings for headlights and child-seat anchor ease of use.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota’s Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. These included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and parking assist. The RAV4 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with the RAV4 Prime earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation. It also received a five-star rating from the NHTSA.