2022 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 comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added a sportier touch with 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 options for a Circuit Red interior color scheme. The material quality and fit and finish were excellent, typical of Lexus. The gauge cluster featured a familiar four-dial setup with a 4.2-inch multi-information display, though it appeared dated compared to competitors. The F Sport also included a G-Force meter, which, while interesting, felt more gimmicky. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, looked outdated but remained functional, albeit with limited small-item storage space.

The 2022 Honda Passport shared its platform with the Ridgeline pickup, Odyssey minivan, and Pilot SUV, making it essentially a shorter, two-row version of the Pilot. The Passport's new styling closely resembled the Ridgeline, giving it a tougher look. Available in three trims—EX-L, TrailSport, and Elite—the Passport featured new wheel designs for 2022. The TrailSport trim aimed to appeal to off-road enthusiasts, offering standard all-wheel drive, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and traction management driving modes.

Inside, the Passport provided one of the largest interiors in the two-row midsize SUV segment. The TrailSport trim added orange contrast stitching, amber ambient lighting, and rubber all-season floor mats. The seats were large and comfortable, with leather upholstery and heated front seats standard. The Elite trim added ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The Passport also offered generous cargo space, with 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but less smooth than the eight-, nine-, and ten-speed transmissions found in competitors. The NX accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in around seven seconds, a standard performance for its segment. The F Sport model included Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically, though some found this feature unnecessary.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% 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, while the AWD model had similar figures but a combined rating of 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 2022 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 was smooth and felt stronger than its ratings suggested. The FWD model had an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined, while the AWD model dropped to 21 mpg. The TrailSport trim, tested here, averaged 21.3 mpg. The i-VTM4 AWD system, standard on TrailSport and Elite trims, featured mechanical torque vectoring and could deliver up to 70% of power to a single rear wheel.

The Passport offered satisfying acceleration, a firm and communicative ride, and surprisingly athletic handling. The steering felt good, and the expansive glass provided excellent visibility. However, the brakes could heat up and vibrate during mountain descents, which was concerning given the Passport's 5,000-pound towing capacity. Despite this, the Passport excelled in everyday driving conditions, making it a reliable companion for road trips.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate rear legroom for two adults. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. The NX's cabin was quiet, with minimal road and wind noise. However, cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2022 Honda Passport provided easy entry and exit, thanks to its large doors and low step-in height. The front seats were large and comfortable, with inboard adjustable armrests and good thigh support. Leather upholstery and heated front seats were standard, with the Elite trim adding ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The rear seats offered ample room and a slightly elevated seating position, with large side windows enhancing the sense of space. The Passport also featured generous storage options, including a massive center console storage bin and various door panel shelves.

Cargo space in the Passport was impressive, with 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Passport's simple utility and undeniable comfort made it easy to live with and a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HomeLink. The Navigation package added Lexus Enform Destination Assist, a personal concierge service. The system, however, was not user-friendly, with functions buried deep in menus and reliance on a touchpad. 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 2022 Honda Passport featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio as standard. The TrailSport trim added a navigation system, while the Elite trim included a 10-speaker premium sound system and HondaLink connected services with a WiFi hotspot. The infotainment system had shortcut buttons for easy navigation, but the lack of a stereo tuning knob was a minor inconvenience. Apple CarPlay was preferred over the clunky navigation system, which required specific voice command pathways. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, but the Passport's technology was not particularly advanced.

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 features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided emergency assistance, roadside assistance, collision notification, and stolen-vehicle notification.

The 2022 Honda Passport included the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beam headlights, a rear-seat reminder system, and a seatbelt reminder system. However, the lane-departure warning and lane-centering assist functions were intrusive, and the adaptive cruise control was not smooth in heavy traffic. The Passport received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for front passenger protection in a frontal-impact collision and rollover resistance, which earned four stars. The IIHS gave the Passport top ratings in most respects, with an Acceptable rating for front-passenger protection in a small overlap collision.