2024 Honda Passport vs 2024 Volvo XC90

Volvo sold the 2024 XC90 in three model series: B5, B6, and Recharge T8. The XC90 B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the XC90 B6 added a supercharger to boost performance. The top-tier XC90 Recharge T8 came as a plug-in hybrid, offering the most power, the highest efficiency, and 32 miles of estimated electric-only range. All models had standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The XC90 models were also available in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels with a price range from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. Our tested Recharge T8 Ultimate trim included seven-passenger seating, a Lounge Package with massaging front seats and a premium headliner, active air suspension, a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch for its 5,000-pound towing capacity. The MSRP was $89,145.

Volvo had mastered colors and materials, offering an exterior paint palette that was subdued and earthy, matching its luxury SUV aesthetic geared towards practicality, safety, and sustainability. Wheel designs varied up to 21 inches, with most SUVs featuring a Bright theme of chrome and polished metal, departing from the common blacked-out look. Inside, the XC90's design seemed dated but used rich materials. Wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather were available, and an Orrefors crystal shift knob added elegance. Buyers had considerable flexibility to customize paint, wheels, and upholstery.

In comparison, the 2024 Honda Passport maintained much of its previous design, despite Honda updating its lineup starting with the 2022 Civic and extending to the 2023 Accord, CR-V, and Pilot. The Passport, which saw minor tweaks in 2022 like a more upright grille and squared-off corners, still adhered to older design languages. Honda offered three trim levels: EX-L, TrailSport, and Black Edition, all endowed with leather seats, a power moonroof, identical touchscreens, and AWD. Our tested TrailSport trim was the most rugged, with all-terrain tires rated for snow, standard roof rails, and LED fog lights. Its rugged exterior didn’t fully translate to off-road prowess, as the faux skid plates were plastic, and recovery points were absent. However, with favorable approach and departure angles, it outperformed competitors like the Subaru Outback Wilderness.

Inside, the Passport featured physical controls and an 8-inch touchscreen, eschewing the modern honeycomb-style vents seen in newer Honda models. The TrailSport trim sported black leather upholstery with orange stitching and emblem accents, combined with practical but straightforward materials. It reflected a utilitarian design with plenty of storage, large air vents, and simple controls.

Volvo’s 2024 XC90 Recharge T8 was a powerhouse, combining an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with the B6 model’s supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This setup delivered a whopping 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. The Recharge T8 offered 32 miles of electric-only range and an average 27 mpg in hybrid mode. In Power mode, it could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds. Recharging was straightforward, taking approximately 12 hours via a standard outlet or halved using a 240-volt outlet. Multiple driving modes like Pure, Hybrid, Power, and Off-Road enhanced versatility, and the battery’s modes—Hold, Charge, and Auto—added flexibility.

However, during our testing on a sweltering day in Southern California, the XC90 Recharge T8 delivered 28 miles of electric range, slightly below its 33-mile estimation. Post the switch to the gas engine, it achieved 24.5 mpg, shy of the predicted 27 mpg. Day-to-day local shuttle runs were predominantly electric, making the overall fuel consumption minimal. Notably, the electric performance decreased near the battery's minimum state of charge, requiring gentle acceleration to avoid engaging the gas engine.

The XC90 T8's performance on gas was lively, thanks to its combined powertrain. However, it wasn’t a performance SUV, with handling that didn't evoke thrill despite the grip from Pirelli Scorpion Verde tires. The 21-inch wheels affected ride quality, causing firmness on uneven pavements, coupled with some cabin shake due to the aging vehicle architecture. Enthusiastic driving revealed suspension limitations and brake fade under prolonged use in high-temperature conditions, and the steering lacked sharpness and communication.

The 2024 Honda Passport, sticking with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided reliable acceleration without the fuss of turbos or hybrids. Peak torque at 4,700 RPM made drivers rev higher for quick starts, impacting fuel economy with an EPA rating of 19 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined.

The TrailSport trim offered mechanical enhancements for off-road capability, such as wider tracks, 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and specialized suspension tuning. Standard features across all Passports included Honda's iVTM4 AWD system and a traction-management system with multiple settings. Road and wind noise were elevated at highway speeds, but substantially quieter around town. The Passport's steering felt balanced and responsive, standing out in its size category.

Towing capacity maxed at 5,000 pounds, superior to rivals like the Subaru Outback Wilderness and Hyundai Santa Fe but behind the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 boasted a well-equipped cabin, even at the Core trim level, with standard features such as power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. A panoramic glass roof enhanced interior ambiance with natural light. Higher trims added a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats with massage, and more.

Front seats offered adjustable lower leg supports that could catch on clothes, presenting a small nuisance. Once seated, the XC90 provided exceptional comfort with a robust driving position and clear visibility. Climate control effectiveness was spotty during hot days when relying on Pure mode. The XC90 accommodated seven people or six with optional second-row captain’s chairs, and while the third row was tight for adults, it was more accommodating than expected. Cargo space was modest with the third row in use but expanded significantly to 85.7 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2024 Honda Passport, as a two-row midsize crossover, excelled in cargo capacity. With 41.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and additional underfloor storage, it outdid many rivals. Folding the 60/40-split rear seats expanded capacity to 77.7 cubic feet, with the folded seats forming a flush floor for convenience.

Interior space comfortably seated five adults, with rear-seat legroom comparable to most segment competitors. In the front, the center console underwent a redesign for 2024, offering deeper storage at the cost of some openness. Cupholders remained abundant and well-placed.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a centralized 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system employing Google Built-in technology, including navigation via Google Maps, access to Google Play, and the Google Assistant voice recognition tool, all free for four years. Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, and high-end audio options, Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins, enhanced entertainment choices.

Despite the relatively small screen by modern standards, its proximity to the driver mitigated usability concerns. Google Assistant proved useful, although there were occasional navigational hiccups. Additional tech included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera system.

In comparison, the 2024 Honda Passport’s 8-inch touchscreen appeared inadequate in its spacious cabin. Standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and wireless charging were included. Native navigation on higher trims displayed directions on the driver’s information display, although it could be intrusive during city driving. The TrailSport’s seven-speaker audio system was lacking, making the upgraded 10-speaker system on Black Edition trims more desirable.

Volvo's reputation for safety was evident in the 2024 XC90, furnished with comprehensive standard features and top-notch crash test ratings. NHTSA gave the XC90 five stars overall, save for a four-star rollover rating. IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. However, it fell short on advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) innovation, with features like Pilot Assist showing some operational limitations and causing concern during specific maneuvers.

The 2024 Honda Passport came equipped with an extensive suite of safety features under Honda Sensing, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Passport’s crash test performance was mixed, with IIHS ratings falling short of the top tier and NHTSA giving it five stars overall but four stars for frontal and rollover tests.