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What is comparable to the Honda Passport?

The Honda Passport is a midsize SUV that offers a balance of utility, performance, and comfort. If you're in the market for a vehicle similar to the Passport, there are several other models worth considering. Here are some comparable options that share key features and capabilities with the Honda Passport.


Nissan Murano


The Nissan Murano is a midsize crossover SUV that competes directly with the Honda Passport. Like the Passport, the Murano offers seating for up to five passengers, a spacious cargo area, and a comfortable ride quality. The Murano is available with a powerful V6 engine and can be equipped with all-wheel drive, making it a capable choice for both city driving and light off-road use.


Ford Edge


The Ford Edge is another midsize SUV that shares many similarities with the Honda Passport. The Edge provides a roomy interior, a range of engine options, and available all-wheel drive. It also offers a more premium feel and a longer list of standard and optional features compared to the Passport. The Edge is a great choice for those seeking a bit more luxury and technology in their midsize SUV.p>

Volkswagen Atlas


For those who need a bit more passenger and cargo space than the Passport, the Volkswagen Atlas is worth considering. The Atlas is a midsize three-row SUV that can seat up to seven people, while still providing a spacious cargo area. Like the Passport, the Atlas is available with all-wheel drive and offers a comfortable, composed driving experience.


Subaru Ascent


The Subaru Ascent is another three-row midsize SUV that competes with the Honda Passport. The Ascent boasts standard all-wheel drive, a roomy cabin, and a reputation for safety and reliability. While the Ascent may not offer the same level of performance as the Passport, it is an excellent choice for families in need of a practical, versatile SUV.


When choosing a vehicle comparable to the Honda Passport, consider your specific needs and priorities, such as passenger capacity, cargo space, performance, and available features. The models mentioned above all offer a similar blend of utility, comfort, and capability, making them worthy alternatives to the Passport.

What vehicles are comparable to the Honda Passport?


The main competitors to the Honda Passport are other midsize, two-row SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Chevrolet Blazer, and Hyundai Santa Fe. Other rivals include the Ford Edge and Nissan Murano, though their positioning and features can differ. 
Direct competitors

  • Jeep Grand Cherokee: Often compared to the Passport for its blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability. 
  • Toyota 4Runner: A very direct competitor, especially in terms of ruggedness, though the Passport is typically considered more modern. 
  • Chevrolet Blazer: Competes closely with the Passport in terms of performance and is considered a strong alternative in the segment. 
  • Hyundai Santa Fe: Another significant competitor, often compared for its modern design and spacious cabin. 

Other notable competitors
  • Ford Edge: A rival from the midsize SUV segment that competes with the Passport in terms of interior space and features. 
  • Nissan Murano: Competes with the Passport, especially regarding styling and technology, though sometimes perceived as less rugged. 



What is the most common problem with the Honda Passport?


The most common problems with the Honda Passport include infotainment system malfunctions, such as the display going blank and speakers crackling, and issues with the 9-speed automatic transmission, which can include delayed or harsh acceleration. Other frequent complaints involve body hardware issues like a rear hatch that won't open and occasional electrical problems with features like the fuel filler pipe or air bags.
 
Infotainment and electrical issues 

  • Display screen and audio: The infotainment screen may go blank, and speakers can crackle or pop. 
  • Fuel system: Some models have had issues with a faulty fuel filler pipe, leading to fuel leaks. 
  • Body and interior: Common problems include a rear hatch button that breaks, a gas smell inside the vehicle, and fading or peeling paint. 

Transmission problems 
  • 9-speed transmission: Some owners report delayed, harsh, or erratic shifting with the 9-speed transmission, particularly in models from 2019-2022. 
  • Engine and related systems:
    • Varnish buildup: This can cause a ticking noise from the engine. 
    • Oil in spark plug tubes: This can lead to misfires. 
    • Timing belt: Newer models have a timing belt that requires replacement, which is an expensive but necessary maintenance item to prevent engine failure. 

Other potential problems
  • Steering: Some 2023 models have been recalled for a risk of steering loss due to a loose ball joint. 
  • Brakes: Some reports mention premature brake wear and issues with the ABS light coming on. 
  • Vibration: Some owners have experienced vibration, particularly at highway speeds. 



What is Toyota's equivalent to Honda Passport?


The Toyota 4Runner is the most direct competitor and equivalent to the Honda Passport, though the 4Runner is a more traditional, body-on-frame SUV with greater off-road capability, while the Passport is a unibody crossover that offers a more comfortable on-road experience. The Toyota Highlander is another potential equivalent, but it is a three-row midsize SUV that competes with the larger Honda Pilot, not the Passport. 
You can watch this video to compare the off-road features of the 4Runner and Passport: 58sEdmunds CarsYouTube · Jul 11, 2025
Honda Passport vs. Toyota 4Runner

  • Construction: The Passport uses a unibody construction like a car, making it smoother and more comfortable on the road, while the 4Runner uses a more rugged, truck-like body-on-frame construction, ideal for off-roading. 
  • Off-Road Capability: The 4Runner has a significant advantage in off-road capability due to its body-on-frame build, higher ground clearance, and better approach and departure angles. 
  • On-Road Performance: The Passport is the superior choice for daily driving, with a more refined ride and less road noise. 
  • Towing: The 4Runner has a higher maximum towing capacity. 
  • Interior: The Passport often has a more spacious and premium interior with more features, while the 4Runner has a more truck-like cabin. 
  • Seating: The Passport has two rows of seating for up to five people, while the 4Runner offers an optional third row on some trims. 

You can watch this video to see a comparison of the interiors of the Passport and 4Runner: 50sBen HardyYouTube · Nov 16, 2025
Why the Toyota Highlander is not the best equivalent
  • The Highlander is a larger, three-row SUV that competes with the Honda Pilot, not the Passport. 
  • It is designed for families who need more passenger and cargo space, rather than those who prioritize the Passport's rugged, two-row design. 

This video compares the 2026 Honda Passport and the 2025 Toyota 4Runner: 58sBen HardyYouTube · Mar 12, 2025



Which is better, Ford Explorer or Honda Passport?


The choice between a Honda Passport and a Ford Explorer depends on your priorities: choose the Honda Passport for more standard interior space and practicality, while the Ford Explorer is better for those who want more engine power, especially the available V6, and newer technology features like larger screens and a hands-free driving system. 
This video discusses the performance and technology features of the 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line: 58sSam CarLegionYouTube · Apr 29, 2025
Honda Passport

  • Best for: Maximum passenger and cargo space in a two-row SUV. 
  • Pros:
    • Larger cargo capacity behind the second row and with the seats folded down. 
    • More rear legroom. 
    • Often receives higher overall ratings for value, reliability, and straightforward design. 
    • Offers a comfortable and spacious cabin, with standard leather-trimmed seats in some models. 
  • Cons:
    • Less powerful base engine compared to the Explorer. 

This video explores the features and dimensions of the 2026 Honda Passport: 1mJustin FullerYouTube · May 13, 2025
Ford Explorer
  • Best for: Power and advanced technology. 
  • Pros:
    • More powerful standard engine and an available 400-horsepower V6 option. 
    • More modern interior tech, including a larger standard touchscreen and an available digital instrument cluster. 
    • Offers advanced features like a hands-free driving system (BlueCruise). 
    • Slightly higher total cargo capacity when all rear seats are folded down. 
  • Cons:
    • Less cargo space behind the second row and less rear legroom. 
    • Some reviewers question its real-world fuel efficiency. 
    • Often has a higher starting price. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.