2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Honda Passport

When evaluating the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, one could hardly tell it was a fully-loaded model rather than one from a rental car lot. Despite featuring nearly every option, pushing the MSRP to a considerable $42,083, the vehicle's appearance remained somewhat unassuming. Ideally, the trim deserved larger wheels akin to the non-hybrid RAV4 Limited or an Adventure trim level similar to its non-hybrid sibling, although its electronic AWD system wasn't up for such demands.

Nonetheless, the RAV4 Hybrid exhibited a somewhat rugged demeanor for a compact SUV, yearning only for bolder wheels instead of its bland 18-inch ones. Compared to its siblings, the RAV4 Hybrid resembled a tough, practical vehicle, especially in its adventurous trims. However, if a softer or more sophisticated feel was desired, the 2021 Toyota Venza offered a RAV4 Hybrid variant that had been refined to a higher level.

Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid combined style, functionality, and practicality. Quality ranged from impressive materials to glossy hard plastics typical in compact crossovers. A notable downside was a rattle behind the front seats, traced back to the license plate vibrating on the tailgate. Despite this, the interior presentation remained stylish and coherent.

On the other hand, the 2021 Honda Passport could be regarded as a shortened variant of the Pilot, distinguishable by its two-row seating rather than three. This familial resemblance was apparent at first glance, to the extent that one might consider renaming the Passport as the Pilot Sport. Similarities persisted within the cabin, where the dashboard was virtually identical to the Pilot's layout, including the much-debated “button shifter” for the automatic transmission. Despite these corporate design choices, the Passport boasted a plush interior with ample high-quality materials.

Passport's trim levels included Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. Even the entry-level Sport trim offered features like 20-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, push-button start, tri-zone climate control, a seven-speaker audio system, and a one-touch fold-down rear bench. The EX-L trim added creature comforts like leather upholstery, a power moonroof, and power liftgate. Touring trims offered additional amenities, including front-and-rear parking sensors, hands-free liftgate, and an upgraded 10-speaker stereo system. The Elite trim further supplemented with heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Passport prided itself on a straightforward arrangement of features across its trims, unlike the RAV4's varying mix.

In the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Toyota melded a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors, and a lithium-ion battery pack positioned under the back seat. This hybrid setup awarded the RAV4 Hybrid with standard AWD. Altogether, this powertrain generated 219 horsepower—16 hp more than the non-hybrid RAV4 but 83 hp shy of the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid.

The front electric motor produced 149 pound-feet of torque, while the rear motor added 89 lb-ft. Multiple driving modes were available: Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. In EV mode, the RAV4 signaled its presence with a distinctive whirring noise for pedestrian awareness.

Depending on the trim, the RAV4 Hybrid’s weight ranged from 3,690 to 3,780 pounds, approximately 200 pounds heavier than the standard model. Despite this, the instant torque from the electric motors enabled brisk acceleration. Unfortunately, the four-cylinder engine’s sound when revving detracted from the overall experience. The EPA estimated combined fuel efficiency at 40 mpg, aligning closely with our observed 39.7 mpg.

The RAV4 Hybrid's CVT operated smoothly without the droning typically associated with such transmissions. Its regenerative braking system exhibited commendable pedal modulation, avoiding the common pitfalls of hybrid braking systems. Well-balanced steering contributed to a pleasant driving experience, although the tires did limit grip. It provided an agreeable driving dynamic with a relatively flat cornering stance, although spirited driving wasn't its forte.

Conversely, the 2021 Honda Passport featured a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Passport was available with standard FWD or optional AWD. This configuration allowed for strong acceleration, well-managed by the automatic transmission, though the stop-start system could feel abrupt, albeit with an option to turn it off.

The Passport balanced comfort and refined handling, tailored for daily commuting and weekend adventures rather than rugged off-roading. Nevertheless, it offered 8.1 inches of ground clearance and AWD models included Snow, Sand, and Mud drive modes, enhancing versatility for off-the-beaten-path excursions.

For towing, the FWD Passport could handle up to 3,500 pounds, while the AWD variant increased towing capacity to a respectable 5,000 pounds, surpassing the RAV4 Hybrid’s capabilities.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid aimed to provide convenience and comfort for its occupants. It featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel with a heated rim, and heated and ventilated front seats. Although the passenger’s seat lacked height adjustment, it remained sufficiently comfortable. Rear passengers benefited from ample legroom and air-conditioning vents for added convenience. Despite the rear seat feeling slightly low, the backrest reclined for additional comfort, and our test model even included heated rear seats.

Drivers faced a clearly legible instrument panel, despite an overabundance of colors and graphics that changed with different driving modes. The dashboard was intuitively designed, placing controls within easy reach, although the oversized climate control knobs were noticeable. Practical storage solutions, including shelves and center armrests with cupholders, were thoughtfully incorporated.

The RAV4 Hybrid boasted a spacious cargo area, offering 37.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Although the subwoofer of the premium sound system occupied some space and the optional all-weather mat felt cumbersome, the cargo space was generally versatile and functional.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Passport excelled in cargo capacity, offering an impressive 100.8 cubic feet with the rear seats lowered and 50.5 cubic feet with the rear seats in place. An additional 2.5 cubic feet in an under-floor storage tray enhanced practicality. This abundance of space was complemented by a power liftgate on the EX-L trim and a hands-free power liftgate on the Touring and Elite trims.

The upright seating position in the Passport provided excellent visibility and a commanding road view. The center console incorporated a deep bin and an open cargo tray beneath the shifter and cupholders. Both front and rear seats featured deep pockets for securing smaller items. With generous headroom and legroom, the rear seats reclined and slid to maximize passenger comfort and convenience.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came equipped with several infotainment options, featuring either a 7-inch or an 8-inch touchscreen display. All systems supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with associated trial periods. Additional connected services, such as Safety Connect and WiFi Connect, were standard.

Our test model showcased the premium infotainment system, including an 11-speaker JBL audio setup, dynamic navigation, voice recognition, and subscription services like Service Connect and Remote Connect. The 8-inch display was intuitively placed atop the dashboard, flanked by shortcut buttons and complemented by stereo volume and tuning knobs. The dynamic voice recognition system responded accurately to commands, although it couldn't adjust climate settings. The JBL sound system delivered satisfactory audio performance.

Furthermore, the RAV4 Hybrid offered advanced camera-based technology, including a 360-degree surround-view camera system and a rearview camera mirror, enhancing convenience and safety.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Honda Passport standardized Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which was more beneficial compared to the Pilot’s setup requiring an EX trim. While the inclusion of these features was a positive step, the Passport’s infotainment system had dated graphics, a confusing menu layout, and a volume dial that felt like an afterthought. Despite these weaknesses, the convenience of smartphone integration was a noteworthy advantage.

Safety was a prominent feature in the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, as every model included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0). This suite encompassed adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and lane-centering assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights and a road-sign recognition system. Most trim levels included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning, with rear automatic braking available exclusively on the Hybrid Limited.

TSS 2.0 generally performed effectively, although the lane-centering assistance felt intrusive, and the adaptive cruise control tended to leave excessive gaps in traffic. Despite occasional inconsistencies, these systems were beneficial overall.

The RAV4 Hybrid received commendable safety ratings from the NHTSA, achieving a five-star overall rating. The IIHS also awarded it top marks in most evaluations, except for the headlights, which received mixed reviews depending on the trim level.

In comparison, the 2021 Honda Passport came equipped with essential safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional driver assistance technologies included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors.

The Passport earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it top scores in most crash tests, albeit with "Acceptable" ratings in passenger-side small overlap frontal crashes, headlights, and child-seat anchor ease of use, along with a second-tier “Advanced” rating for its front crash prevention technology.