In 2019, Honda unveiled the return of their 90s-era mid-size SUV, the Honda Passport. Honda’s newest entry in the two-row family vehicle market has gained a lot of attention over the last model year especially when compared to their competitors’ offerings, like the 2019 Toyota RAV4. Honda has good reason to be proud of the 2019 Honda Passport and here are just a few of the reasons why.
A comparison of Toyota’s RAV4 powertrain and the Passport’s may seem fairly one-sided, mainly because it is. While the RAV4 rolls out with a peppy 203hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission, the Passport laps the field with its 280hp 3.5-liter i-VTEC™® V6 and 9-Speed Automatic transmission. Along with this expertly engineered drivetrain comes exclusive fuel conserving features like Honda’s Eco Assist™ System and Variable Cylinder Management system (VCM®), the ride smoothing Active Control Engine-Mount System (ACM), and the road noise silencing Active Noise Cancellation™ (ANC) System. With the Honda-exclusive engineering extras included with the Passport, you’ll swear you’re driving a luxury SUV.
From the 17-inch 5-spoke silver alloy wheels to the available moonroof on the high-end trim level, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 has everything you would expect from a mid-size SUV. But, if you’re looking for something that will redefine your expectations, the 2019 Honda Passport is locked and loaded with next-level design features. Starting with the 20-inch alloy wheels, the Passport’s exterior features are designed to turn corners as well as it turns heads. Take your pick from the auto on/off LED headlights and fog lights, a body-colored roofline spoiler with integrated brake lights, memory-linked side-view mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down, and one-touch power moonroof that comes standard on all trims, save for the Sport level, the Passport is designed with discerning tastes in mind. The RAV4 has comparable design features as well, but you’d better be prepared to upgrade to their higher trim levels to have access to most of them.
All modern vehicles come with an abundance of automotive technical wizardry and the RAV4 is certainly no exception. From its 7-inch color touchscreen display to its panoramic back-up camera system, the RAV4 has plenty to offer in the technology front. Of course, the Honda Passport has a similar collection of conveniences like its 8-inch color touchscreen display and its integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. The 2019 RAV4 only has Apple CarPlay available. Toss in the Passport’s multi-angle rear-view cameras and you’ve got a passport to automotive paradise.
2019 Honda Passport | VS. | 2019 Toyota RAV4 |
---|---|---|
PERFORMANCE | ||
3.5-Liter 24-Valve SOHC i-VTEC® V6 | Available Engines | 2.5-Liter Dynamic Force 4-Cylinder |
9-Speed Automatic w/Shift-By-Wire (SBW) and Paddle Shifters | Transmissions | Direct Shift 8-Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic |
DESIGN | ||
LED Headlights w/Auto-On/Off LED Fog Lamps |
Exterior Lighting | Multi-LED Headlights w/Black Bezels and Automatic High Beams (AHB) LED Daytime Running Lights Integrated Fog Lamps (XLE Only) |
20-Inch | Wheels | 17-Inch |
Standard On All Trims Except SPORT | Moonroof | Standard on XLE Trim |
TECHNOLOGY | ||
5-Inch Color LCD Screen (Standard) 8-inch touchscreen display, Navigation (Optional) |
Multimedia | 7-inch touchscreen display (Standard) |
Standard On All But SPORT Trim | Apple CarPlay Android Auto |
Only Apple Play Available |
Multi-Angle Rear View Camera (Standard – All Trims) | Cameras | Integrated Panoramic Back-Up Camera (Available In XLE Trim) |
The Toyota RAV4 is certainly worthy of any mid-size SUV driver’s consideration. However, if you’re looking for a powerful family vehicle that handles all of the challenges the road can throw at you, from your daily commute to the family road trip, the 2019 Honda Passport is clearly the most economically friendly, technologically advanced, and eye-catching winner in this road race.
Contact Gallatin Honda online, in-person, or give us a call to schedule a test drive of the rugged 2019 Honda Passport.
2019 Honda Passport: Specs, Features & More | Gallatin Honda