The Passport and the CR-V are two of Honda’s most successful models, and at first glance have a lot of similarities - both are five-seater feature-rich SUVs which are ideal for families and individuals looking for fun driving experiences. Both of these SUVs, although similar in appearance side by side, are two different class of car, with their own segment competitors. The CR-V is a compact cross-over, completely redesigned with a new streamlined facelift in 2023 competes with the Ford Escape. Hyundai Tucson, and the Toyota RAV4.
The Honda Passport is more of a rugged, outdoor centric SUV which carries over the same design from 2022 but offers AWD across all variants. Some strong contenders in this space are the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Ford Edge and the Subaru Outback. The CR-V and the Passport are priced differently, with the latter costing $10,000 more at the dealership. Clearly there is strong competition, we will compare these two SUVs below, so you can figure which one of these excellent SUVs is the right choice for you.
Performance And Driveability
The Passport is heavier but faster than the CR-V thanks to it’s 3.5-liter V-6, shared from its larger sibling, the Honda Pilot. This engine produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque coupled with a nine-Speed automatic transmission and AWD. This means that the Passport is pretty quick, accelerating from 0-60 mph in a mere six seconds. The Passport also has Intelligent Traction Management and 5000 pound towing capacity which is especially helpful for off-road trips and over landing builds. The Passport is offered in three trims - EX-L, TrailSport, and Elite, all with their own set of technology and features.
The CR-V on the other hand is better with fuel efficiency and comes with two engine types across five variants. A turbocharged 1.5-Liter, four-cylinder engine putting out 190-horspower available on the LX, EX, and EX-L variants paired to CVT transmission and a 2.0-Liter, four cylinder engined paired with two electric motors putting out a combined 204-horsepower which comes standard on the Sport Hybrid and the Sport Touring Hybrid variants.
The Hybrid engine FWD Sport Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient of the lot, boasting a 43 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway gas mileage. Handling wise, the CR-V is more nimble in the city, with its smaller size making it ideal for tight parking spaces, however the Passport is a far more capable off-roader with more off-road centric features and design.
How Do These Honda SUVs Fare In The Looks Department?
Both of these SUVs look great, especially the CR-V with the updated 2023 design. The updates on the CR-V make it look more sporty and sleeker, while the Passport leans into its outdoorsy tough look. The new CR-V is larger than its predecessor, which obviously translates to more interior space for more passengers and baggage. The Passport, true to its nature, has higher ground clearance and roof racks for all your weekend camping gear. The Passport comes with 20-inch or 18-inch all-season tires depending on the trim, and the CR-V also comes with either 18-inch or 19-inch tires depending on trim.
Feature-Rich With Fully Loaded Interiors
Both of these SUVs come with comfortable interiors enhanced with some of the best technology on offer right now. The Passport has spacious interiors with enough room for three adults in the back to sit comfortably. The TrailSport variant accentuates the leather seats with bright orange stitching and the TrailSport logo embroidered into the headrests, along with ambient lighting throughout for that premium feel. This SUV also features tri-zone climate control with custom controls for driver, passenger and rear passenger, rear-seat heating, and gorgeous 8.0-inch center touchscreen infotainment system.
The CR-V while being more compact is no compromise with a fully redesigned interior fitted with a slightly bigger 9.0-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control and heated front seats, the Sports Touring Hybrid even features a heated steering wheel for those cold mornings. Safety wise, both SUVs feature Honda’s proprietary Sensing Standard with assistive braking and steering, automatic collision mitigation system (CMBS) and road departure mitigation system.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to cost, the Honda Passport costs $10,000 more than the CR-V, with the former starting at $41,100 and the latter at $31,100. However, if you look at the overall package of more space, a premium feeling interior and powertrain, the lines get a little blurred. Both SUVs offer you a great experience, with the Passport being more off-road capable than the CR-V. The Hybrid CR-V variants offer more mileage compared to the Passport, which is better for your wallet in the long run.
Both of these SUVs offer comprehensive packages when it comes to the choice of your next car, but we find ourselves leaning towards the Passport with its rugged exterior looks, naturally aspirated V-6 powertrain, greater towing capability (5000 pounds) and larger cargo space of 41 cubic-foot space when compared to the CR-Vs 36 cubic-foot space. It comes down to individual requirements, and both of these SUVs have a lot to offer, and hopefully our review will make the decision process slightly easier.