2024 Honda Passport vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior, characterized by its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV, measuring over 16 feet in length, exuded a stately presence. The Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its elegant appearance. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy shape, contributing to its overall elegance, especially in the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the luxurious interior, which was adorned with metal and matte wood trim. The center console was highlighted by three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch. Despite the 14.5-inch infotainment screen appearing somewhat out of place, the spacious and luxurious interior provided a comfortable environment.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Passport retained much of its previous design, despite Honda's updated design language seen in other models. The Passport, along with the Ridgeline, received minor tweaks in 2022, such as a more upright grille and squared-off corners, but largely maintained its previous-generation look. The Passport offered three trim levels: EX-L, TrailSport, and Black Edition, all featuring leather seats, a power moonroof, identical touchscreens, and all-wheel drive. The TrailSport trim, tested here, was designed for ruggedness, equipped with all-terrain tires, roof rails, and LED fog lights. However, its rugged appearance was more aesthetic than functional, with plastic faux skid plates and no recovery points. The interior featured physical controls and an 8-inch touchscreen, with black leather upholstery accented by orange stitching. The Passport's interior was simple and unassuming, with a focus on utility and storage space.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered all-wheel drive with a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 was not particularly athletic or quick, taking around five and a half seconds to reach sixty, it excelled in highway driving. The power delivery and shifts were smooth, and the electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a quiet and comfortable ride.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Passport featured a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Passport's acceleration was adequate for its size, with the nine-speed transmission providing unobtrusive shifts. However, the lack of turbocharging meant peak torque was reached at higher RPMs, affecting fuel economy, which was rated at 19 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined. The TrailSport trim offered mechanical changes for off-road capability, including wider tracks and tuned suspension. The Passport's steering was well-balanced and accurate, and it had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, surpassing some competitors but falling short of others.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with numerous luxury features. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front and rear seats available. The Ergo Motion driver's seat offered fatigue-reducing features, and the Nappa leather seats were sumptuous. A third row was optional, though legroom was limited. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key. The tri-zone climate control system and optional 21-speaker stereo system added to the luxury experience. The GV80 offered substantial cargo space, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. Towing capacity was 6,000 pounds.

The 2024 Honda Passport excelled in cargo capacity, offering 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, with additional underfloor storage. The cargo space expanded to 77.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which sat flush with the trunk floor. The Passport comfortably accommodated five adults, with ample cupholders and a redesigned center console for increased storage. The front-seat environment was slightly less airy due to the console changes, but overall, the Passport provided a practical and spacious interior.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster and a head-up display. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial control was cumbersome, though it offered handwriting recognition. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, but not wirelessly. The GV80 included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a remote smart parking assist feature, allowing the car to park itself without the driver inside.

The 2024 Honda Passport, in contrast, offered an 8-inch touchscreen, which felt small given the cabin's size. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth connectivity and a wireless charging pad. The screen provided sharp resolution and quick response, but the navigation system's turn-by-turn directions were intrusive. The TrailSport trim's seven-speaker audio system was underwhelming compared to competitors' offerings.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The GV80 featured a video feed of the blind spot in the digital gauge cluster and Highway Drive Assist for hands-on/eyes-up driving aid. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS, though the headlights and LATCH system were rated Acceptable.

The 2024 Honda Passport included standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control under the Honda Sensing umbrella. However, the Passport received an Acceptable rating in the passenger-side small overlap crash test and a Marginal rating in the updated side-impact crash tests from the IIHS. The NHTSA awarded the Passport five stars overall, but four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests.