2022 Toyota Venza vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 Honda Passport was essentially a shortened version of the Pilot, featuring two rows of seats instead of three. This similarity was evident in its design, both externally and internally. The Passport's dashboard layout was nearly identical to the Pilot's, including Honda's awkward "button shifter" design. Despite this, the Passport boasted a spacious interior with high-quality materials throughout. Trim levels ranged from Sport to Elite, each adding more features such as leather upholstery, power moonroof, and advanced navigation systems.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced after a hiatus, rode on the proven Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform. Measuring 186.6 inches in length, the Venza had a modern exterior design that could easily fit into the Lexus lineup. Its interior was equally impressive, featuring high-quality materials and an elegant layout. The Venza's cabin was spacious, with supportive front seats and a 60/40-split folding second-row bench seat. The available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof added to the sense of roominess.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard 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 both front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The V6 provided strong acceleration, and the ride quality was a blend of comfort and refined handling. The Passport had 8.1 inches of ground clearance and AWD models featured Intelligent Traction Management with Snow, Sand, and Mud drive modes. Towing capacity was up to 3,500 pounds for FWD models and 5,000 pounds for AWD models.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine combined with three electric motors, producing a total of 219 horsepower. The hybrid system balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency. Drivers could choose from EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery. The Venza offered sprightly performance and agile handling, with a ride quality suited for family hauling rather than aggressive driving.

The 2021 Honda Passport offered up to 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 and above featured a power liftgate, with hands-free operation on Touring and Elite trims. The upright seating position provided excellent visibility, and the rear seats offered ample headroom and legroom, with reclining and sliding capabilities.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with good headroom and legroom in both. The second row had 45.2 inches of hip room, making it comfortable for three adults. The cabin featured numerous convenience items, including an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a four-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat. The Venza offered 28.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. Toyota focused on making the Venza's cabin a quiet oasis, adding sound-blocking and absorbing materials throughout.

For 2021, the Honda Passport included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard features, integrated with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. However, the system had dated graphics and a confusing menu layout. The volume dial felt like an afterthought, and the audio interface lacked a tuning dial.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no special attention from the driver. The infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen on LE and XLE models, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Limited trim. The system supported Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Limited trim added a nine-speaker JBL audio system and a head-up display. Toyota Connected Services were also included, offering various safety and convenience features.

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 and rear cross-traffic alert. The Passport received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores from the IIHS, with some "Acceptable" ratings for specific tests.

The 2022 Toyota Venza included the Toyota Star Safety System, featuring stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. It also had eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.