2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and distinctive design, with its blunt and bulbous nose giving it an aggressive look. Over time, this design became more familiar, blending into the landscape of modern SUVs. The black windshield pillars created a floating roof effect, while the swollen haunches balanced the styling. However, the cartoonishly-flared quarter panels could overwhelm the design, even with 20-inch wheels. The Highlander Hybrid was available in LE, XLE, Limited, or Platinum trims, with pricing ranging from $38,410 to $48,365, plus destination charges. The interior offered a two-tone look with leather upholstery in higher trims, but the instrument-panel shroud felt cheap. The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system was prone to reflections, and the mix of illumination colors gave the gauges a busy appearance.

The 2021 Honda Passport shared many design elements with the Honda Pilot, essentially a shortened version with two rows of seats. The interior mirrored the Pilot’s layout, including the awkward button shifter design. Despite this, the Passport offered a spacious and high-quality interior. Trim levels included Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with features like 20-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, and a power moonroof available in higher trims. The Passport’s design focused on practicality and comfort, with a spacious cabin and high-quality materials throughout.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, achieving an EPA rating of 36 mpg in combined driving. The total output was 243 horsepower, with optional AWD. The hybrid system used an "E-CVT" to mimic an automatic transmission. While the fuel efficiency improved, the driving experience was less enjoyable, with the engine sounding strained during acceleration. The steering felt lifeless, and the ride was prone to unwanted body movement. However, the regenerative brakes were an improvement, and the SUV handled well on smooth roads.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered strong acceleration and refined handling, with FWD standard and optional AWD. The Passport provided 8.1 inches of ground clearance and drive modes for various terrains. It could tow up to 3,500 pounds with FWD and 5,000 pounds with AWD, making it versatile for both commuting and light off-roading.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited offered comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with heated and ventilated seats. The second-row bench seat increased capacity to eight but felt narrow for three adults. The third-row seat was uncomfortable, with limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded. Storage was adequate but not as generous as previous models, with some design choices limiting accessibility.

The 2021 Honda Passport provided 100.8 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded and 50.5 cubic feet with the second row in use. An under-floor storage tray added 2.5 cubic feet. The EX-L trim featured a power liftgate, while higher trims offered a hands-free version. The upright seating position improved visibility, and the interior included deep storage pockets and a spacious center console. The rear seats offered ample headroom and legroom, with reclining and sliding capabilities.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. The top infotainment system featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio, and navigation. The system was user-friendly, with large controls and effective voice recognition. However, the JBL sound system's audio quality varied. Driver Easy Speak technology and a video rearview mirror enhanced convenience, while a driver information display provided detailed data.

The 2021 Honda Passport made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard with an 8-inch touchscreen. Despite this advantage, the infotainment system had dated graphics and a confusing menu layout. The volume dial felt like an afterthought, and the audio interface lacked a tuning dial, making it less user-friendly.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including intersection support and emergency steering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the LE trim. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance had some inconsistencies. The Highlander received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was expected to achieve a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS.

The 2021 Honda Passport included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. It earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, with some "Acceptable" ratings for headlights and child-seat anchor ease of use.