2021 Lexus NX Hybrid vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid presented a blend of sharp edges and a streamlined profile, fitting snugly between the Lexus UX and RX models. Its design, while not traditionally SUV-like, maintained a familiar Lexus aesthetic. Despite its luxury branding, the NX shared its platform with the older Toyota RAV4, making it feel somewhat dated in engineering. The F Sport Black Line variant added a sporty touch with a larger mesh grille, dark-finish 18-inch wheels, and a striking Grecian Water blue paint, which contrasted nicely with the darker trim elements. Inside, the NX's design, once radical, had become familiar, with a stepped center console and a lack of traditional luxury materials like wood trim. The F Sport package added sporty elements like aluminum pedals and blue-stitched upholstery, but the overall material quality felt more mainstream than luxury.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Passport adopted a rugged look reminiscent of the Honda Ridgeline, sharing its platform with the Odyssey and Pilot. The Passport's new nose design aimed for a tougher appearance, especially in the TrailSport trim, which targeted off-road enthusiasts with its all-wheel drive, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and traction management modes. The TrailSport also featured unique 18-inch wheels, a roof rack, and skid plates, enhancing its SUV appeal. Inside, the Passport offered a spacious and comfortable environment, with quality materials and thoughtful design elements like orange stitching and ambient lighting in the TrailSport. The interior space was one of the largest in its segment, providing ample room for passengers and cargo.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. It came standard with all-wheel drive, but its performance was more about efficiency than excitement. The NX Hybrid accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds, with a top speed of 112 mph. The sport-tuned suspension in the F Sport model improved handling, but the steering felt numb, and the drivetrain struggled with seamless power delivery. Drive modes like Eco and Sport offered minimal impact on performance, with Eco mode further reducing acceleration.

The 2022 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Passport offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, with the latter featuring Honda's i-VTM4 system for enhanced torque distribution. The V6 provided smooth and satisfying acceleration, and the Passport handled curves with agility. However, the brakes showed signs of vibration on mountain descents, which was concerning given its 5,000-pound towing capacity. Despite this, the Passport excelled in everyday driving, offering a firm ride and good steering feedback.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited interior space, with the least front headroom in its segment and cramped rear seats due to thick pillars. Front seats were comfortable with 10-way power adjustment, and options like heated and ventilated seats were available. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. Visibility was compromised by the design, but exterior mirrors helped mitigate this.

The 2022 Honda Passport offered easy access with large doors and a low step-in height. Front seats were spacious and supportive, with standard leather upholstery and heated seats. The rear seats provided ample room and a comfortable seating position, with large windows enhancing the airy feel. Storage was abundant, with a large center console and various compartments. Cargo space was generous, with 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.7 cubic feet with them folded, making it highly practical.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, featuring an 8-inch display with no touchscreen capability. The Remote Touch Interface touchpad was difficult to use while driving, and the system felt outdated with text-heavy menus. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, but higher trims offered a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The TrailSport trim added navigation, while the Elite offered a 10-speaker premium sound system. The system was straightforward but lacked a tuning knob, making it less user-friendly. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, but the navigation system was clunky, prompting reliance on Apple CarPlay.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, but a 360-degree camera was missing.

The 2022 Honda Passport featured Honda Sensing, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the systems were less refined, with intrusive lane-departure warnings and adaptive cruise control. The Passport received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for four stars in front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave it top ratings, except for an Acceptable rating in front-passenger protection.