Honda Passport Alternatives: 8 SUVs to Consider

The Honda Passport has become an interesting choice for drivers who want a spacious midsize SUV without moving up to a three-row family hauler. It combines a strong V6 engine, standard all-wheel drive, plenty of cargo space, and surprisingly useful off-road capability.

But it certainly isn't the only SUV worth considering.

There are several excellent Honda Passport alternatives, ranging from rugged body-on-frame SUVs such as the Toyota 4Runner to more road-focused choices like the Mazda CX-70 and Nissan Murano.

For 2026, the Honda Passport uses a 285-horsepower V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Honda also gives it 8.3 inches of ground clearance and a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Cargo volume behind the second row is a particularly generous 44 cubic feet.

So, what SUVs compete with the Honda Passport?

Let's compare the most interesting options.

Honda Passport Alternatives at a Glance

There isn't one direct Passport replacement for everybody. The right choice depends heavily on whether we prioritize cargo space, towing, fuel economy, off-road capability, passenger comfort, or everyday driving.

1. Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner is one of the strongest alternatives to the Honda Passport if we spend significant time away from paved roads.

The two SUVs approach the midsize SUV formula differently.

The Passport uses a crossover-style unibody platform and focuses on balancing everyday comfort with trail capability. The 4Runner is much more heavily influenced by Toyota's truck lineup.

For 2026, the 4Runner offers a turbocharged 2.4-liter i-FORCE engine producing up to 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. An available i-FORCE MAX hybrid raises output to as much as 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft.

Maximum towing capacity reaches 6,000 pounds.

Honda Passport vs Toyota 4Runner

The comparison becomes relatively straightforward once we decide how the SUV will actually be used.

Choose the Passport when we value:

• More crossover-like road manners
• A naturally aspirated V6
• Spacious two-row seating
• Large cargo capacity
• Easier everyday driving
• Standard AWD

Consider the 4Runner when we value:

• Low-range four-wheel drive
• More serious off-road hardware
• Available locking rear differential
• Greater maximum towing capacity
• Overlanding potential
• Optional third-row seating

Toyota offers 2WD, part-time 4WD, and full-time 4WD configurations depending on the trim. Higher-spec off-road versions add equipment such as Multi-Terrain Select and locking differentials.

Is the 4Runner Better for Off-Road Driving?

For genuinely challenging terrain, the 4Runner has the advantage in hardware.

The Passport TrailSport is more capable than many ordinary crossover SUVs, but the more specialized 4Runner TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter trims are designed around serious trail use.

If most of our driving involves pavement with occasional dirt roads, however, the Passport may feel like the easier compromise.

2. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Another obvious Honda Passport competitor is the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Unlike some rugged SUVs that sacrifice comfort for capability, the Grand Cherokee combines available 4x4 hardware with an interior that can feel much closer to a premium SUV.

The 2026 Grand Cherokee offers multiple powertrain configurations. Its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 produces 293 horsepower, while the available 2.0-liter Hurricane turbo engine produces up to 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.

Maximum towing capacity reaches 6,200 pounds.

Honda Passport vs Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Grand Cherokee makes a particularly strong case for drivers who tow frequently.

Passport:

• 285 hp
• Standard AWD
• 5,000-lb maximum towing capacity
• 44 cu ft behind the second row
• 83.8 cu ft of standard cargo volume behind the first row

Grand Cherokee:

• Up to 324 hp depending on engine
• Available 4x4 systems
• Up to 6,200-lb towing capacity
• 37.7 cu ft behind the rear seats
• 70.8 cu ft maximum cargo volume on the two-row model

The Passport therefore has a significant cargo-space advantage, while the Jeep offers more maximum towing capability.

Who Should Consider the Grand Cherokee?

We would put the Grand Cherokee on the shopping list when priorities include:

• Towing
• Premium interior options
• Multiple drivetrain choices
• Strong off-road capability
• Comfortable highway cruising

The Passport remains attractive for buyers who want straightforward packaging and lots of usable interior space.

3. Subaru Outback Wilderness

The Subaru Outback Wilderness takes a different approach.

It isn't shaped like a conventional tall SUV, but its combination of standard AWD, generous ground clearance, cargo versatility, and outdoor-focused equipment makes it one of the closest alternatives for many Passport buyers.

The 2026 Outback Wilderness uses a 260-horsepower turbocharged Boxer engine producing 277 lb-ft of torque.

More importantly for adventure-oriented buyers, it provides 9.5 inches of ground clearance, compared with 8.3 inches for the Passport.

Towing capacity is 3,500 pounds.

Honda Passport vs Subaru Outback Wilderness

The Passport wins when we need heavier towing.

Its 5,000-pound rating is substantially higher than the Subaru's 3,500-pound limit.

The Subaru counters with:

• 9.5 inches of ground clearance
• Standard Symmetrical AWD
• X-MODE
• 260-hp turbo engine
• Up to 80.5 cu ft of maximum cargo space
• Lower, wagon-like roof height

The Passport remains larger and more SUV-like, while the Outback Wilderness can make more sense for people who frequently drive on snow, dirt roads, forest roads, and poorly maintained surfaces.

Which Is Better for Snow?

Both should be strong winter vehicles when equipped with appropriate tires.

Subaru's standard Symmetrical AWD system and long history of AWD-focused vehicles make the Outback particularly appealing in snowy climates.

The Passport's second-generation i-VTM4 AWD system is also designed to distribute torque dynamically and includes selectable drive modes.

We wouldn't choose between them solely based on the AWD badge. Tires, ground clearance, and the type of winter driving we actually encounter matter just as much.

4. Ford Bronco

Drivers searching for a Honda Passport because of its increasingly rugged design should also look at the Ford Bronco.

The Bronco sits much further toward the off-road end of the spectrum.

Available equipment across the lineup includes serious 4x4 hardware, removable doors, removable roof configurations, and specialized trail-oriented trims.

Honda Passport vs Ford Bronco

The Passport is the more conventional everyday SUV.

It provides:

• Five-door practicality
• Spacious rear seating
• Large enclosed cargo area
• Quieter crossover-style packaging
• 5,000-pound towing capacity

The Bronco emphasizes adventure.

Four-door versions offer roughly 33.3 to 38.3 cubic feet behind the second row depending on roof configuration, while maximum cargo volume can reach approximately 83 cubic feet in some configurations.

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Standard Bronco configurations can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the Bronco Raptor can reach 4,500 pounds when properly equipped.

That still falls below the Passport's 5,000-pound rating.

When Does the Bronco Make More Sense?

Consider it when the adventure itself matters more than everyday refinement.

A Bronco can be a particularly interesting choice for:

• Rock crawling
• Technical trails
• Camping
• Overlanding
• Beach driving
• Buyers who want removable body panels

For commuting, road trips, and family duty with occasional off-road adventures, the Passport is generally a more conventional package.

5. Mazda CX-70

Not every Passport buyer wants a rugged SUV.

If what we really need is a roomy two-row crossover with AWD and a powerful engine, the Mazda CX-70 deserves serious attention.

Mazda's CX-70 uses a longitudinal engine layout and offers a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain.

Higher-output Turbo S versions produce up to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque when using the recommended premium fuel.

Honda Passport vs Mazda CX-70

This comparison is particularly interesting because both vehicles are spacious two-row midsize SUVs.

The Passport is the more adventure-oriented option.

The Mazda leans toward:

• Premium interior design
• Sportier handling
• Strong turbo inline-six performance
• More road-focused suspension tuning
• Upscale styling

Cargo volume is another important distinction.

The CX-70 provides approximately:

• 39.6 cu ft behind the second row
• 75.3 cu ft with the rear seats folded

The Passport provides 44 cubic feet behind the second row and more than 83 cubic feet in its standard measurement behind the first row.

What About Towing?

This is one area where the Mazda can match the Honda.

Properly equipped CX-70 models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, matching the Passport's maximum rating.

If we rarely leave paved roads and prefer responsive handling and an upscale cabin, the CX-70 may be one of the most compelling Passport alternatives.

6. Toyota Land Cruiser

We can also move further up the rugged SUV spectrum with the Toyota Land Cruiser.

The modern Land Cruiser uses Toyota's TNGA-F truck platform and combines a turbocharged hybrid powertrain with full-time four-wheel drive.

Its i-FORCE MAX powertrain produces a combined 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.

Towing capacity reaches 6,000 pounds.

Honda Passport vs Toyota Land Cruiser

These SUVs may attract similar adventure-minded shoppers, but underneath they are quite different.

The Passport is:

• Unibody
• V6-powered
• AWD
• More cargo-focused
• Less truck-like

The Land Cruiser offers:

• Body-on-frame construction
• Full-time 4WD
• Two-speed transfer case
• Hybrid turbo powertrain
• Available advanced off-road technology
• 6,000-pound towing capacity

The Main Trade-Off

Price and complexity are important considerations.

The Land Cruiser starts substantially higher in the market than many Passport configurations. Toyota listed a starting MSRP of $57,600 for the 2026 model, while Honda's 2026 Passport lineup starts below that figure.

For people who genuinely need the Toyota's hardware, that premium may make sense.

For occasional camping trips and rough roads, the Passport already provides plenty of capability.

7. Nissan Murano

The Nissan Murano is worth considering for completely different reasons.

Rather than competing directly with the Passport's trail capability, the Murano focuses heavily on interior comfort, refinement, and highway driving.

The 2026 model uses a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo four-cylinder producing 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

All-wheel drive is available.

Honda Passport vs Nissan Murano

Choose the Murano when our priorities lean toward:

• Quiet daily driving
• Premium-feeling interior materials
• Comfortable seats
• Modern styling
• Highway efficiency

Choose the Passport when we need:

• More horsepower
• Greater towing capability
• More rugged suspension options
• Better trail-oriented equipment
• More cargo utility

Nissan positions the Murano as a comfort-focused crossover, including available features such as ventilated and massaging front seats.

It therefore makes the most sense as a Passport alternative for shoppers who like the Passport's size but don't necessarily need its off-road credentials.

8. Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe deserves a place in the conversation because many Passport shoppers ultimately prioritize practical interior space rather than maximum off-road performance.

Unlike the Passport, the current Santa Fe can accommodate a third row, making it appealing for families that occasionally need additional passenger capacity.

Honda Passport vs Hyundai Santa Fe

The Passport is generally a stronger fit when we want:

• A V6 engine
• Five-passenger packaging
• Strong towing
• Large cargo capacity
• More trail-oriented capability

The Santa Fe can make more sense when we prioritize:

• Three-row flexibility
• Family-oriented packaging
• Available hybrid powertrain
• Modern interior technology
• Everyday efficiency

This is less of an apples-to-apples comparison than Passport versus Grand Cherokee or 4Runner, but the two frequently overlap in the shopping process.

Which SUV Is Most Similar to the Honda Passport?

There isn't a perfect clone.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is probably one of the closest vehicles conceptually because it combines two-row midsize SUV dimensions, strong engines, towing capability, AWD or 4WD availability, and genuine off-road potential.

The Mazda CX-70 comes close from the road-focused side.

The Toyota 4Runner approaches the Passport from the opposite direction, offering substantially more traditional off-road hardware.

We can think about the alternatives this way:

For Similar Everyday Versatility

Look at:

• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Mazda CX-70
• Nissan Murano

For Greater Off-Road Capability

Look at:

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• Toyota 4Runner
• Toyota Land Cruiser
• Ford Bronco

For Snow and Outdoor Adventures

Look at:

• Subaru Outback Wilderness

For More Family Flexibility

Look at:

• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Toyota 4Runner configurations with optional third-row seating

Honda Passport Alternatives With Better Towing Capacity

The Passport's 5,000-pound towing capacity is strong for this segment, so surprisingly few comparable crossovers significantly exceed it.

Two notable alternatives do.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee can tow up to 6,200 pounds, while both the Toyota 4Runner and Toyota Land Cruiser can reach 6,000 pounds when properly configured.

The Mazda CX-70 can match the Passport at up to 5,000 pounds.

If towing a heavy boat, camper, or utility trailer is a regular activity rather than an occasional requirement, we should look beyond the headline rating and check payload, tongue-weight limits, hitch requirements, trailer-brake requirements, and the exact configuration of the SUV.

Honda Passport Alternatives With Better Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is one area where the Passport's naturally aspirated V6 doesn't necessarily have an advantage.

Alternatives using smaller turbo engines or hybrid technology may appeal to drivers covering a lot of highway miles.

The Toyota 4Runner's available hybrid system, Toyota Land Cruiser hybrid, Mazda CX-70 mild hybrid, and available hybrid versions of SUVs such as the Santa Fe all approach the problem differently.

We shouldn't choose purely by the advertised MPG number, though.

Vehicle purchase price, expected annual mileage, local fuel prices, insurance, depreciation, and maintenance can have a much larger effect on total ownership cost.

Honda Passport Alternatives for Off-Road Driving

The Passport TrailSport has become considerably more serious about off-road driving.

Honda equips the 2026 Passport with 8.3 inches of ground clearance, multiple terrain-related drive modes, a second-generation i-VTM4 AWD system, and an available off-road-tuned suspension.

However, buyers regularly driving difficult trails may prefer a vehicle with traditional low-range four-wheel drive.

That pushes the Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Ford Bronco toward the front of the conversation.

Meanwhile, the Subaru Outback Wilderness provides an interesting middle ground.

Its 9.5 inches of ground clearance actually exceeds the Passport's, while standard AWD and relatively efficient packaging make it easier to live with than many body-on-frame SUVs.

Honda Passport Alternatives With More Luxury

If interior quality matters more than trail capability, we would start with the Mazda CX-70 and higher Grand Cherokee trims.

The CX-70 is particularly interesting because it retains standard AWD, strong performance, and up to 5,000 pounds of towing while presenting a much more road-oriented personality.

The Nissan Murano is another option for buyers who prioritize seat comfort and cabin ambience over towing or off-road performance.

Is the Honda Passport Still Worth Considering?

Absolutely.

The growing number of competitors doesn't make the Passport irrelevant. In fact, its unusual combination of characteristics is precisely what makes finding an exact alternative difficult.

We get:

• A naturally aspirated 285-hp V6
• 10-speed automatic transmission
• Standard AWD
• 5,000-pound towing capacity
• 8.3 inches of ground clearance
• Large second-row passenger area
• 44 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row
• No third row taking up cargo space

Those specifications allow the Passport to sit between conventional family crossovers and more specialized off-road SUVs.

Some shoppers will prefer something more efficient.

Others will want genuine low-range 4WD.

Others may want three rows.

But for buyers specifically looking for a spacious five-passenger SUV with real towing and moderate trail capability, the Passport continues to occupy a useful niche.

How to Choose the Right Honda Passport Alternative

Rather than simply looking for another SUV in the same price category, we should identify what attracted us to the Passport in the first place.

Choose the Toyota 4Runner If…

We want considerably more traditional off-road hardware and are willing to accept a more truck-like SUV.

Choose the Jeep Grand Cherokee If…

Towing, interior refinement, and multiple drivetrain choices matter most.

Choose the Subaru Outback Wilderness If…

We want AWD, generous ground clearance, and outdoor capability without driving a heavy truck-based SUV.

Choose the Ford Bronco If…

Off-roading is one of the primary reasons we're buying an SUV.

Choose the Mazda CX-70 If…

We spend almost all our time on pavement and value handling, power, and interior quality.

Choose the Toyota Land Cruiser If…

We want serious 4WD hardware and overlanding capability and have room in the budget for a more expensive SUV.

Choose the Nissan Murano If…

Comfort, commuting, and highway refinement matter considerably more than towing or trail performance.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe If…

Passenger flexibility and family practicality are higher priorities than maximum off-road ability.

Honda Passport Alternatives: Final Thoughts

There are plenty of SUVs like the Honda Passport, but very few duplicate its exact formula.

The Toyota 4Runner, Ford Bronco, and Toyota Land Cruiser move toward more serious off-road capability.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee combines trail capability with greater towing potential and a wide range of luxury features.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness offers impressive ground clearance and standard AWD in a more efficient, lower-profile package.

Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-70 and Nissan Murano make sense for drivers who primarily want a comfortable two-row midsize SUV for pavement.

Before choosing, we should determine which Passport characteristics actually matter to us.

If it's the cargo space and V6 power, one group of alternatives makes sense. If it's the rugged appearance and trail capability, the list changes. And if all we really want is a comfortable midsize two-row SUV, options such as the CX-70 and Murano become much more attractive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What SUV Is Comparable to the Honda Passport?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Mazda CX-70, Subaru Outback Wilderness, and Ford Bronco are among the main alternatives worth considering. The closest option depends on whether we prioritize comfort, towing, cargo capacity, or off-road capability.

What Toyota Is Comparable to the Honda Passport?

The Toyota 4Runner is the most obvious comparison for adventure-focused buyers. The 4Runner offers more traditional off-road hardware and up to 6,000 pounds of towing capacity, while the Passport offers more crossover-like packaging and a naturally aspirated V6.

Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee Bigger Than the Honda Passport?

They occupy a similar midsize SUV category, but interior packaging differs considerably. The Honda has an especially large cargo area, offering 44 cubic feet behind the second row, compared with approximately 37.7 cubic feet in the two-row Grand Cherokee.

Which Honda Passport Alternative Is Better for Towing?

Several alternatives exceed the Passport's 5,000-pound maximum rating. The Jeep Grand Cherokee can tow up to 6,200 pounds, while the Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser can tow up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped.

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Which Honda Passport Alternative Has the Most Ground Clearance?

Among the crossover-style alternatives discussed here, the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness stands out with 9.5 inches of ground clearance. The 2026 Honda Passport has 8.3 inches. More specialized versions of traditional off-road SUVs can also provide substantial clearance depending on configuration.

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