The 2021 Honda Passport takes on the 2021 Toyota Venza, which is back as a new hybrid model. Here’s how they stack up.
Honda passport 2021
Honda Passport 2021 starting price: $ 33,710 |Price yours Where View listings near you
Above average: Muscular V6 engine; some off-road capability; good reliability and resale value.
Below average: Average fuel economy; higher price than its competitors.
Consensus: Nice 5 passenger SUV that is a great transporter even in the front wheel drive configuration. When equipped with all-wheel drive, he’s a great weekend warrior who can carry the whole family and tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Toyota Venza 2021
2021 Toyota Venza starting price: $ 33,645 | Price yours Where View listings near you.
Above average: Toyota’s newest entry into the mid-size SUV segment; Standard hybrid and all-wheel drive powertrain; high level of security features.
Below average: A single powertrain offering; no plug-in version; limited off-road capability.
Consensus: Toyota’s latest entry into a very hot segment. The Venza sits between the 3-row Toyota Highlander and the 2-row compact RAV4. Sleek coupe styling translates into a contemporary SUV rather than the boxy Venza of the past.
Passport vs. Venza: Plus powertrains
Honda passport
Offering “right” proportions and exceptional driving ability, the Honda Passport is the right vehicle for many families. Capable of swallowing five passengers, it features a well-sorted and award-winning 3.5-liter V6 engine and a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission. Sophisticated torque-vectoring all-wheel drive with intelligent 4-mode traction management ($ 2,000) is a standout feature that gives the Passport real talent for smooth off-road driving. It is also capable in difficult conditions including sand, mud or snow. The base Sport trim model includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an 8-inch infotainment system. The interior also includes up to 77.9 cubic feet of cargo space.
Toyota venza
Back from the ashes as a whole different vehicle, the 2021 Toyota Venza is now a hybrid with a 2.5-liter inline-4 producing 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque and electric motors on each axle. Standard all-wheel drive is of the on-demand variety, reverting to front-wheel drive when cruising or when additional traction is not needed. It’s a completely different experience than the previous Venza release, and this one seems to work. In fact, this Venza acts almost like a Lexus, but at a Toyota price. Most controls and systems are operated via a 12.3 inch infotainment screen. The Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof is made of electrochromic glass that allows the driver to switch from transparent to frosted mode in one second.
Similarities
Comfortable driving; 5 seats; pricing.
Benefits of the Honda Passport 2021
V6 power as standard; some off-road capability; more cargo space; good resale value.
Toyota Venza 2021
Hybrid fuel economy; standard all-wheel drive; advanced technology.
Final recommendation
The Honda Passport has an established track record in the segment and delivers a lot of power with its V6. It’s more of a traditional SUV than the Toyota. However, the Venza offers cutting edge technology, standard all-wheel drive, and excellent fuel economy thanks to its hybrid powertrain, making it our choice here.
Ready to buy a Honda Passport or a Toyota Venza? Buy now for one on sale near you.
| Honda passport 2021 | Toyota Venza 2021 | |
| Popular powertrains | ||
| Motor | 3.5-liter V6 | Hybrid I4 2.5 liters |
| Power | 280 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 219 at 5,700 rpm |
| Couple | 262 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm | 163 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9 speed automatic | CVT |
| Fuel economy | 22 mpg (20 city / 25 highway) | 39 mpg (40 city / 37 highway) |
| Also available | AWD | |
| Specification | ||
| guarantee | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Maximum seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 111.0 inch | 105.9 inch |
| Total length | 190.5 inch | 186.6 inch |
| Width | 78.6 inch | 73 inch |
| Height | 71.6 inch | 65.9 inch |
| Turning diameter | 39.5 feet | 37.4 feet |
| Headroom, forward | 40.1 inch | 38.6 inch |
| Headroom, aft | 40.1 inch | 39 inch |
| Legroom, front | 40.9 inch | 40.9 inch |
| Legroom, rear | 39.6 inch | 37.8 inch |
| Shoulder room, front | 62.0 inch | 57.4 inch |
| Shoulder room, rear | 61.9 inch | 56.9 inch |
| EPA passenger volume | 115.9 cu. pi. | 98.3 cu. pi. |
| Cargo volume | 41.2 / 77.9 cu. pi. | 28.8 / 55.1 cu. pi. |
