2021 Honda Passport vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This review focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX carried over Lexus's familial design, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added sportier elements like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior color. The material fit and finish were excellent, typical of Lexus. The gauge cluster featured a sculpted metal-faced four-dial setup with a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the design seemed outdated compared to newer models. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also showed its age. Despite these quirks, the NX remained functional, though it lacked open small-item storage between the driver and passenger.

The 2021 Honda Passport was essentially a shortened version of the Pilot, featuring two rows of seats instead of three. The styling similarities extended to the interior, where the dash layout was visually identical to the Pilot's. Both models shared Honda's awkward "button shifter" design. Despite this, the Passport offered a spacious interior with high-quality materials. Trim levels included Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, each adding progressively more features.

The entry-level Sport trim included 20-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, and a seven-speaker audio system. The EX-L added leather upholstery, a power moonroof, and a power rear liftgate. The Touring trim featured front-and-rear parking sensors, a hands-free liftgate, and a 10-speaker stereo system. The top-tier Elite trim added heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless device charging. The Passport's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, a competitive time for its segment. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically, though some purists found this gimmicky.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50 percent of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. AWD models had similar figures, with a slight drop in combined efficiency to 24 mpg. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph. The adaptive-suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a smooth and comfortable ride, though the steering lacked feedback.

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. The Passport offered strong acceleration and smooth power delivery, though the stop-start system could be abrupt. Front-wheel drive was standard, with optional all-wheel drive. The AWD model featured Intelligent Traction Management with Snow, Sand, and Mud drive modes.

The Passport's ride was a blend of comfort and refined handling, suitable for commuting and weekend adventures. It offered 8.1 inches of ground clearance, making it capable of light off-roading. The FWD model could tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the AWD model could tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Passport's performance was well-rounded, providing a balance of power, comfort, and capability.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available. The NX offered a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, but cargo space was limited. With the rear seats up, there were 17.7 cubic feet of space, expanding to 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. These figures were among the smallest in its class. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2021 Honda Passport excelled in cargo space, offering 100.8 cubic feet 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 was available. The EX-L trim included a power liftgate, while the Touring and Elite trims featured a hands-free power liftgate. The upright seating position provided excellent visibility, and the center console offered ample storage. The rear seats were spacious, with plenty of headroom and legroom, and could recline and slide for added comfort.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system included HomeLink, predictive traffic information, and fuel station guidance. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though the Lexus infotainment system was criticized for its user-unfriendly interface. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system was standard, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed users to control various functions remotely, and a 10-year subscription to Lexus Enform Services Connect was included.

The 2021 Honda Passport made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard, integrated with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While these features were a welcome addition, the infotainment system had dated graphics and a confusing menu layout. The volume dial felt like an afterthought, and the audio interface lacked a tuning dial. Despite these shortcomings, the Passport's infotainment system provided essential connectivity and functionality.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional safety features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top "Good" scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2021 Honda Passport was 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 safety rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests. However, it received "Acceptable" ratings for headlights and child-seat anchor ease of use, and an "Advanced" rating for front crash prevention tech.