When it comes to midsize SUVs, two names stand out: the 2026 Honda Passport and the 2025 Toyota 4Runner. Both are known for their rugged capability, spacious interiors, and reliability. However, only one offers modern technology, superior comfort, better fuel efficiency, and an all-around better driving experience—the 2026 Honda Passport. If you're looking for an SUV that can handle New England weather, weekend adventures, and daily commutes with ease, the choice is clear. Here’s why the Passport is the superior SUV in every category.
Performance & Efficiency: More Power, More Efficiency
The 2026 Honda Passport is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 delivering 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an advanced 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination provides smooth acceleration, responsive handling, and optimal fuel efficiency, making it ideal for both highway cruising and city driving.
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, still relies on an aging 4.0-liter V6 that produces only 270 horsepower and is stuck with an outdated 5-speed automatic transmission. The result? Slower acceleration, rougher shifts, and worse fuel economy.
🚗 Winner: Honda Passport – More power, smoother driving, and better efficiency.
Off-Road Capability: Smart Technology Meets Rugged Performance
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is designed for adventure, featuring Honda’s i-VTM4™ torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system for precise control on snow, mud, and rocky terrain. It also includes increased ground clearance, off-road tuned suspension, and TrailWatch™ camera technology for enhanced visibility.
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner has traditional four-wheel drive but lacks advanced torque vectoring and real-time traction management. Its older suspension design makes it less comfortable on uneven terrain, and it lacks the modern camera-based trail assistance that the Passport offers.
🏔 Winner: Honda Passport – Smarter off-road technology and superior handling in all conditions.
Interior & Technology: A More Modern and Comfortable Ride
- ✅ 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™
- ✅ 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster for a customizable driving display
- ✅ Available 12-speaker Bose premium audio system
- ✅ Heated and ventilated leather seats for ultimate comfort
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner feels stuck in the past. Its interior design is outdated, its infotainment system is smaller and less intuitive, and it lacks the premium features found in the Passport.
🛋 Winner: Honda Passport – More technology, more comfort, and a more luxurious interior.
Safety & Driver Assistance: Honda Leads the Way
The 2026 Honda Passport comes standard with Honda Sensing®, one of the most advanced driver-assist suites on the market. It includes:
- 🟢 Adaptive Cruise Control
- 🟢 Lane-Keeping Assist
- 🟢 Blind-Spot Monitoring
- 🟢 Collision Mitigation Braking System™
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offers some safety features, but its suite isn’t as comprehensive and lacks the intelligent adaptive systems found in the Passport.
🚦 Winner: Honda Passport – A safer, smarter drive with standard advanced safety tech.
Fuel Economy: More Miles, Fewer Stops at the Pump
The 2026 Honda Passport achieves an impressive 20 MPG city / 25 MPG highway, making it a fuel-efficient choice for long road trips and everyday commutes.
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner? A disappointing 16 MPG city / 19 MPG highway—one of the worst in its class.
⛽ Winner: Honda Passport – Better MPG means more savings and fewer stops.
Final Verdict: The 2026 Honda Passport Is the Better Choice
While the Toyota 4Runner has a history of off-road toughness, it feels outdated in every category. Meanwhile, the 2026 Honda Passport delivers modern performance, superior comfort, cutting-edge safety, and better fuel efficiency, making it the perfect SUV for today’s drivers.
If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle rough terrain, winter roads, and daily commutes effortlessly, the 2026 Honda Passport is the clear winner.
🚙 Experience the Passport for yourself at Commonwealth Honda today!
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