Honda CR-V vs Honda Passport: Which Honda SUV Is Best?
John Goreham is a life-long car nut and recovering engineer. John’s focus areas are technology, safety, and green vehicles. In the 1990s, he was part of an academic team that built a solar-electric vehicle from scratch. His was the role of the battery thermal control designer. After earning his engineering degree, John also completed a marketing program at Northeastern University. For 20 years, he applied his engineering and sales talents in the worlds of semiconductor manufacturing, biopharmaceutical production, and automotive electronics supply chain. Always a writer, John has published numerous articles in technical journals such as Chemical Processing Magazine. In 2008 he retired from that career and dedicated himself to chasing his dream of being an auto writer. In addition to online publications such as Car Talk, John’s work has appeared in print in dozens of American newspapers, and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites.
Honda offers shoppers looking for a roomy five-passenger SUV two great choices.
The CR-V is a mainstay in the American family car market, often being among the top sellers in the country overall. We know that the CR-V defines that segment, but what is this reborn Passport all about?
I tested both the Honda CR-V and the Passport to see how the two compare. In this comparison and contrast, I won’t tell you which fits your lifestyle better, but I can break down the differences and similarities so you can decide.
- The Honda CR-V is a spacious five-passenger SUV that excels in on-road performance, making it a versatile family vehicle with an available hybrid option for impressive fuel efficiency.
- The Honda Passport stands out for its towing capability, making it suitable for those with heavier towing needs while still offering spacious seating for five passengers.
Table of Contents
Tale of the Tape
The Honda Passport is slightly larger than the Honda CR-V, offering more passenger and cargo volume.
The 2024 Honda CR-V has undergone updates to increase its interior space, but it still falls short of the Passport.
The CR-V provides 76.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, while the Passport offers 77.7 cubic feet of space.
What Is the Honda CR-V & Passport Designed For?
Honda has created the Passport as a larger SUV with better off-road capabilities compared to the CR-V.
While other competitors in the market offer more advanced off-road features, the Passport caters to Honda's brand shoppers who seek adventure.
It features a standard V6 engine, multiple drive modes for snow and trail, and enhanced ground clearance compared to the CR-V.
Performance & Capabilities
The Honda Passport is equipped with a powerful V6 engine, providing ample performance for various driving conditions.
However, the CR-V offers the advantage of a fuel-efficient hybrid option, making it a suitable choice for eco-conscious drivers.
The Passport outperforms the CR-V in terms of towing capacity, able to tow up to 5,000 pounds compared to the CR-V's 1,500-pound rating.
Safety
While the Honda CR-V has a higher IIHS safety rating than the Passport, both models boast reliable safety features.
The CR-V is recognized as a Top Safety Pick, while the Passport missed this award due to a small frontal overlap crash test. It's important to consider your specific safety needs when choosing between the two.
Reliability
Both the Honda Passport and CR-V have received a satisfactory reliability rating of ⅘ from Consumer Reports. This indicates that both models offer solid dependability, ensuring peace of mind for owners.
Current Honda CR-V Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Honda | CR-V | ||||
| 2024 | Honda | CR-V | 2.90% | $299/month for 36 months, $3,399 due at signing | 4/30/24 |
Current Honda Passport Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Honda | Passport | ||||
| 2023 | Honda | Passport | 2.90% | $399/month for 36 months, $4,899 due at signing | 4/30/24 |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Honda deals.
Honda CR-V or Honda Passport, Which One Is Better?
The Honda CR-V and Honda Passport are both spacious five-passenger SUVs that excel in on-road performance.
The Passport stands out for its towing capability, making it suitable for those with heavier towing needs.
On the other hand, the CR-V appeals to those seeking a versatile family vehicle, with the hybrid option offering impressive fuel efficiency.
