2022 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 Honda Passport was essentially a more compact version of the Pilot, featuring two rows of seats instead of three. Its exterior design closely mirrored that of the Pilot, leading some to refer to it as a "Pilot Sport." Inside, the Passport's dashboard layout was nearly identical to the Pilot's, sharing the same "button shifter" design that some found awkward. Despite these corporate design choices, the Passport boasted a spacious interior with high-quality materials throughout. The trim levels for the 2021 Passport included Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, each offering a range of features from 20-inch alloy wheels and LED fog lights to leather upholstery and a hands-free liftgate.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover underwent a subtle evolution rather than a complete redesign. Its exterior maintained the broad, rounded face and large sheet metal expanses of its predecessor, with a notable change in the rear featuring thin LED taillights. The interior was simplified with fewer buttons and a larger touchscreen, giving it a modern look. Premium leather and rich wood trim elements adorned the cabin, exuding luxury. The Range Rover's solid feel and quiet ride were impressive, making it a standout in the luxury SUV segment. It offered a more refined interior than competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7, rivaling even more expensive options like Maybach and Bentley.

The 2021 Honda Passport came equipped 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 standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The V6 provided strong acceleration, and the automatic transmission managed power effectively. The Passport's ride was a blend of comfort and refined handling, with 8.1 inches of ground clearance and AWD models featuring Intelligent Traction Management with Snow, Sand, and Mud drive modes. FWD Passports could tow up to 3,500 pounds, while AWD models could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and the P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine delivering 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive (4WD). The P400 powertrain provided effortless acceleration, with Land Rover estimating a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size, with well-managed body roll and a calm, composed ride. It featured standard rear-wheel steering for improved maneuverability and retained its off-road capability with Land Rover's Terrain Response system.

The 2021 Honda Passport offered a generous 100.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 50.5 cubic feet with the second row in use. An additional 2.5 cubic feet was available in an under-floor storage tray. The EX-L trim featured a power liftgate, while the Touring and Elite trims included a hands-free power liftgate. The upright seating position provided excellent visibility, and the center console offered ample storage options. The rear seats provided plenty of headroom and legroom, with reclining and sliding capabilities.

The 2022 Range Rover boasted spaciousness in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were generously cushioned, with available massage functions for added comfort. Storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console bin. The second row offered ample space for taller passengers, with power recline and sliding adjustments. The optional third row provided limited headroom for adults but was suitable for smaller passengers. Cargo space behind the third row was 17.1 cubic feet, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with the third row folded and 93 cubic feet at maximum capacity. The split tailgate and air suspension height adjustment facilitated loading and unloading.

The 2021 Honda Passport featured standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, integrated with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While these features were a welcome addition, the infotainment system's dated graphics and confusing menu layout were drawbacks. The volume dial felt like an afterthought, and the audio interface lacked a tuning dial.

The 2022 Range Rover introduced a larger 13-inch touchscreen with the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, complemented by a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system delivered impressive sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade available. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and smartphone app control.

The 2021 Honda Passport came equipped with advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. The Passport received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, with some "Acceptable" ratings for headlights and child-seat anchor ease of use.

The 2022 Range Rover included standard safety features like frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera system. While crash test results from the NHTSA and IIHS were unavailable, the Range Rover's safety features performed well in testing. Some rivals offered additional safety features, which could be added in future models.