The Toyota Highlander is the top seller for the midsize SUV segment, but it faces competition from models such as the Honda Passport. See how the two SUVs stack up in this 2023 Toyota Highlander vs. 2023 Honda Passport comparison.

2023 Toyota Highlander vs. 2023 Honda Passport: What are the differences?

In this 2023 Toyota Highlander vs. 2023 Honda Passport comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, reliability, and price.

Highlander vs. Passport: Performance and gas mileage

For performance, the 2023 Toyota Highlander offers two engine options: a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four engine (265 horsepower) and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid (243 horsepower). In comparison, all 2023 Honda Passport models have a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which produces 280 horsepower. 

The Highlander is more efficient than the Passport, especially for the hybrid model. The fully gas-powered Highlander has an estimated fuel economy of up to 25 combined mpg, while the Highlander Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 36 combined mpg. In comparison, the Passport gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 22 combined mpg. 

Highlander vs. Passport: Towing

For towing, the 2023 Highlander and 2023 Passport are evenly matched. Both midsize SUVs have a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

Highlander vs. Passport: Off-road capabilities

Both SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, but the Passport is the better choice for off-road use. For one, it has slightly higher ground clearance than the Highlander (up to 8.1 vs. 8.0 inches). Also, unlike the Highlander, the Passport has an off-road-focused model with the adventure-ready TrailSport trim.

Highlander vs. Passport: Safety

The Highlander has the advantage for safety. For the previous model year, it earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating. However, the Passport didn’t receive any safety award from IIHS.

Highlander vs. Passport: Passenger and cargo space

Which midsize SUV is bigger: the 2023 Highlander or the 2023 Passport? The Highlander provides more passenger space. It can seat up to eight people and has a total passenger volume of 141.3 cu-ft, compared to five people and 115.9 cu-ft for the Passport.

However, the Passport offers more storage space. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 100.8 cu-ft, compared to 84.3 cu-ft for the Highlander.

Highlander vs. Passport: Warranty coverage and reliability

For warranty coverage, both the Highlander and Passport have a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Also, both midsize SUVs offer free maintenance, with a 2-year/25,000-mile plan for the Highlander and a 2-year/24,000-mile plan for the Passport.

However, the 2023 Highlander is slightly more reliable. It earned a J.D. reliability rating of 82/100, compared to 80/100 for the Passport. 

Highlander vs. Passport: Price

Which midsize SUV costs more: the 2023 Highlander or the 2023 Passport? The starting price of the 2023 Highlander ranges from $36,420 MSRP for the L trim up to $50,675 MSRP for the Platinum Hybrid trim. In comparison, the starting price of the 2023 Passport ranges from $41,400 MSRP for the EX-L trim up to $46,560 MSRP for the Elite trim. 

2023 Toyota Highlander vs. 2023 Honda Passport: Which midsize SUV is better?

In this 2023 Toyota Highlander vs. 2023 Honda Passport comparison, each midsize SUV has various advantages. For the 2023 Highlander, advantages include gas mileage, safety, passenger space, reliability, and a lower base price. Conversely, advantages for the 2023 Passport include horsepower output, off-road capabilities, and cargo space.