Latest News
Identifying the First-Gen Ford Mustang2024 Honda Passport vs. 2024 Toyota 4Runner
In this comparison between the 2024 Passport and 4Runner, we determine which SUV is a better daily driver: the rugged 4Runner, or the refined Passport.
Which SUV is the better Daily Driver?
This 2024 Honda Passport vs. Toyota 4Runner comparison is an interesting example of how the SUV game has changed since it exploded in popularity back in the 1990s. That’s because one of these vehicles has evolved with the times while the other has remained stubbornly set in its old-school ways. Nonetheless, the Passport vs. 4Runner comparison remains as relevant as it was way back when.
It was 1993 when the Honda Passport first arrived on the scene as an RWD off-roader that competed directly with the Toyota 4Runner as a real-deal SUV. But the Passport went bye-bye in 2002, until 2019 when Honda resurrected the nameplate. These days, it is part of a huge crop of modern SUVs riding on four-corner independent suspension and sporting car-like comfort to go with a touch of off-road capability.
Over at Toyota, the 4Runner has been in continuous production for an incredible 40 years. But the last time it received a generational update was 2010. As a result, the 2024 4Runner is a true throwback to a time when solid rear axles and trail toughness were more important than creature comforts. It has its charms, but is it enough to keep up with the modern Passport? Let’s find out.
Specs
The 2024 Passport is powered by a 3.5L V6 making 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. A 9-speed automatic sends power to all four wheels as part of the standard AWD system with variable torque management. Idle start-stop tech is standard and helps the Passport earn 19 mpg in city driving, 24 on the highway, and 21 combined mpg.
Similar engine specs are on hand with the 2024 4Runner and it’s 4.0L V6 rated for 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. But the ancient 5-speed automatic isn’t doing any favors for fuel economy as the 4Runner guzzles gas to the tune of 16 mpg in city driving, 19 mpg on the highway, and 17 combined. Those numbers are the same in standard RWD or with the available 4WD running gear.
Driving and Performance
One of the main differentiators in this Passport vs. 4Runner matchup is how these two SUVs drive. The Honda features independent suspension all around versus the Toyota that rides on a solid rear axle with coil springs. Towing capacity comes in the same at 5,000 pounds, but the 4Runner owns the ground clearance conversation with between 9 and 9.6 inches of space. The Passport tops out at just 8.1 inches.
So, when it comes to off-roading, the 4Runner is the champ particularly in TRD Pro spec with remote-reservoir Fox dampers and sway bars that can be remotely disconnected. The Passport offers the idea of off-roading with its TrailSport variant, but all it really brings to this table are all-terrain tires and a specially tuned suspension. However, its car-like construction means better ride comfort on the daily commute.
Comfort and Interior
One advantage – depending on your perspective – the 4Runner has is an optional third-row seat. It’s tight back there with just 29 inches of legroom, but technically you could fit 7 people with this configuration. The Passport is a strictly two-row affair with a generous 40 inches of second-row legroom versus 33 in the Toyota.
Maximum cargo space is a close match with 100.8 cubic feet possible in the Passport and 89.7 cubic feet in the 4Runner, but it’s no contest in the creature comforts department. Every 2024 Honda Passport comes standard with an acoustic laminated windshield, leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control.
Base 2024 4Runners keep simple with cloth seating and power adjustment for the driver only. The steering wheel does have a leather wrap, and the 4Runner has the signature Toyota feature of a cool power-sliding tailgate.
As for infotainment, it’s a dead heat in this Passport vs 4Runner matchup. Both feature an 8-inch central touchscreen without the option to upgrade to something bigger. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both boards, but only the Honda Passport comes standard with a wireless phone charging pad.
Trims and Features
The 2024 Honda Passport starts at a bit more than $43,000 for the EX-L model that comes with 20-inch wheels, full exterior LED lighting, a power liftgate, and a moonroof. Like the 4Runner, forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a lane-keeping system, and adaptive cruise control are all standard.
For just about $46,000 the Passport TrailSport adds gloss black trim, orange cabin accents, and connected navigation to go with beefier tires. Atop the range is the $49,345 Black Edition that features black wheels, a hands-free liftgate, climatized front seats, heated rears, and a 10-speaker audio system. For more details, check out our in-depth review of the 2024 Honda Passport here.
The 2024 Toyota 4Runner starts just past $41,000 for an SR5 model. Highlights include all LED lighting outside, 17-inch alloy wheels, and heated side mirrors. The roughly $44,000 TRD Sport trim adds 20-inch rims and SofTex upholstery, while the similarly priced SR5 Premium model features heat for the steering wheel and front seats and connected navigation.
TRD Off-Road models run $45,195 and come with a locking rear differential, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select driving modes. For $3,000 more, the TRD Off-Road Premium adds part-time 4WD and red TRD accents, while the $50,000 Limited sports 20-inch rims, a sunroof, automatic climate control, leather, climatized front seats, a 15-speaker JBL audio system, and parking sensors at both ends.
At the very top of the 2024 4Runner range is the $56,315 TRD Pro model. Highlights include matte black wheels, all-terrain tires, a special roof rack and front grille, the Multi-Terrain Monitor, and a bevy of suspension upgrades to make it tougher off-road. You can find out more about the 2024 Toyota 4Runner with our detailed review here.
The Verdict
So, what’s the better vehicle in this 2024 Passport vs. 4Runner comparison? Unless you rarely travel with more than 1 passenger and are regularly using your vehicle off-road, it’s the Honda Passport all the way. It has standard AWD, a big cargo hold, far more standard amenities, and the ride comfort benefits of unibody construction with fully independent suspension. Not to mention a modern platform and decent fuel economy.
That’s not to say the Toyota 4Runner is somehow a poor choice. It’s an awesome truck-based SUV that is ideal for rough-and-tumble trail work. It may not be quite as cool as the original first-gen 4Runner, which we discuss here, but there’s no shortage of attitude on this modern model. However, as a daily driver or family vehicle, it’s not a great choice.
