2024 Honda Passport vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its massive spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance, certainly had a commanding presence. Its front end, featuring large headlights, looked ready to dominate the road. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, returned with three paint colors: Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl, and Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's short wheelbase and minimal overhangs suggested it was built for off-road adventures. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and disappointment, with heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery, but also a surprising amount of plastic material.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Passport retained much of its previous design, despite Honda's recent updates to other models. The Passport's three trim levels—EX-L, TrailSport, and Black Edition—all came with leather seats, a power moonroof, and AWD. The TrailSport trim, designed for rugged use, featured all-terrain tires and roof rails. Inside, the Passport had a simple, utilitarian design with physical controls and an 8-inch touchscreen. The TrailSport's black leather upholstery with orange stitching added a touch of flair, but the overall interior was straightforward and practical.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery, it lagged behind more modern engines in terms of performance and fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's 6,500-pound towing capacity was respectable but not class-leading. Its driving dynamics were improved over the years, with strong brakes and a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Honda Passport, on the other hand, featured a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Passport's acceleration was smooth, and its fuel economy was rated at 19 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined. The TrailSport trim offered a slightly wider track and off-road-tuned suspension, enhancing its rugged appeal. The Passport's steering was well-balanced, and its towing capacity of 5,000 pounds was competitive within its segment.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, sticking with older USB-A ports. The second row was comfortable, but the third row was too tight for regular use. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2024 Honda Passport excelled in cargo space, offering 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Passport's interior was spacious, comfortably accommodating five adults. The front center console bin was redesigned for more storage, and the overall layout was practical and user-friendly. The Passport's rear seats folded flush with the trunk floor, making it easy to load long items.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. However, the system felt dated compared to newer Lexus models. The GX included a CD player and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo. Off-road technology was a highlight, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS).

The 2024 Honda Passport came with an 8-inch touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The system's resolution and response speed were good, but the screen size felt small for the vehicle's cabin. The TrailSport trim included a seven-speaker audio system, which was adequate but not exceptional. The Passport's tech package was functional but lacked the wow factor of some competitors.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included several advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, Lexus ensured the GX had modern safety features.

The 2024 Honda Passport came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. However, it received mixed crash test ratings, with an "Acceptable" rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, but lower scores in specific tests.