Muller Honda Highland Park

2023 Honda Passport Vs. Toyota Highlander Comparison Chart

If you're looking for a new SUV to bring into the family, it's likely that you're considering the 2023 Toyota Highlander vs. 2023 Honda Passport. Both of these vehicles have unique strengths. The Toyota Highlander is made for larger families, with a small third row in the back. The Honda Passport is a two-row SUV that offers great value and comfort for all passengers involved. The following puts these vehicles head-to-head.

2023 Toyota Highlander Vs. Honda Passport Specs

Despite being smaller, the 2023 Honda Passport is the more powerful option when you compare it to the the non-hybrid Toyota Highlander, the XLE. The Honda Passport comes with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces up to 280 horsepower to help it react to green lights faster. It has a nine-speed automatic transmission with shift-by-wire abilities and paddle shifters.

The Toyota Highlander XLE has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers up to 265 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Both options feature standard AWD and different driving modes for intelligent traction management.

2023 Honda Passport Vs. Toyota Highlander Dimensions

Between the Toyota Highlander vs. Honda Passport, the first is longer at 194.9 inches, which helps it squeeze in that third row. The Honda Passport is 189.1 inches long, meaning it will have an easier time parallel parking.

However, the Honda SUV is over two inches wider and almost four inches taller, which can give your kids in the second row more room to stretch out without bumping elbows or give adults a more relaxing experience.

Here's a more precise look at what that second row looks like in each vehicle:

  • Toyota Highlander XLE: 39.4 inches (headroom), 38.7 inches (legroom), 58.4 inches (shoulder room)
  • Honda Passport: 40 inches (headroom), 39.6 inches (legroom), 61.9 inches (shoulder room)

The choice is clear. If you need more seats, the Toyota Highlander or another three-row beast like the Honda Pilot is the way to go. If you want something a bit more maneuverable and relaxing, the Honda Passport is a well-loved option.

2023 Honda Passport Vs. Toyota Highlander Cargo Space

This is one of the most interesting battles between the Honda Passport vs. Toyota Highlander since, despite being the smaller vehicle, the Honda Passport can carry more gear. The Toyota Highlander offers owners 16 cubic feet of volume behind its third row. However, you can fold down its third-row seats and increase this area to 48.4 cubic feet. Fold down the second row, and you can enjoy an impressive 84.3 cubic feet. It still falls slightly short.

Depending on how far forward you set the seats, you can have anywhere between 41.2 and 50.5 cubic feet of cargo room in this vehicle, even with all the seats in use. Meanwhile, the available cargo room behind the first row ranges between 77.7 and 100.8 cubic feet.

2023 Honda Passport Vs. Toyota Highlander Tow Capacity

Of course, you might have more to bring along than what will fit inside your vehicle. Both SUVs have you covered here with a 5,000-pound towing capacity when they're properly equipped. This can allow you to load up a small camper for your weekend getaway or haul along a utility trailer with lumber for your DIY project.

If this capability is part of the reason you're looking for an SUV, consider checking out a used Honda Passport. This vehicle has had its same towing capacity for years, allowing you to enjoy the advantages at a likely more competitive price.

2023 Honda Passport EX-L 2023 Toyota Highlander XLE
Horsepower (Regular Gasoline) 280 @ 6000 rpm 265 hp @ 6000 rpm
EPA-Estimated MPG (City/Hwy/Cmbd) 19/24/211 21/28/243
Towing Capacity 5,000 lbs4 5,000 lbs4
Engine 3.5-liter V-6 Engine 2.4-liter 4-cylinder Turbo
Max. Cargo Space 100.8 cu. ft. 84.3 cu. ft.

Trims & Amenities

During your Toyota vs. Honda vehicle research, you'll find that the Toyota Highlander XLE trim contains many great amenities, including SofTex®-trimmed front- and second-row seats, heated front seats, a six-speaker audio system, and an 8-inch audio multimedia display.

However, you might find the Honda Passport a little more luxurious. Even the standard trim offers leather upholstery and heated front seats, a seven-speaker audio system, an 8-inch customizable multimedia touch-screen display with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto compatibility, and wireless phone charging.

On the other hand, the top-most trim comes with perforated heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, WiFi hotspot capability, and more.

Test Drive The Honda Passport Today

If everything you've read has made you interested in our new Honda Passport inventory, stop by our dealership. We'll gladly answer any follow-up questions you have and grab you the keys for a test drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Honda Passport bigger than a Toyota Highlander?

The Toyota Highlander is longer and has an additional row of seating compared to the Honda Passport. That being said, the Honda Passport is taller and wider and has a more generous second row than the Toyota Highlander to make guests more comfortable. It also has a larger maximum cargo capacity. To discuss specific dimensions in more depth, reach out to our team.

Which has more towing capacity: Honda Passport or Toyota Highlander?

Both the Honda Passport and Toyota Highlander SUVs have a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when they are properly equipped. For reference, utility trailers often weigh between 300-1,100 pounds before they are loaded up with goods. The Toyota Highlander also comes in hybrid trims, which have a lower towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.4

Does the Honda Passport get good gas mileage?

The Honda Passport gets an EPA-estimated 19/24/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1 While this is similar to other vehicles in its size class, those looking for a SUV with great fuel economy should consider the Honda CR-V with its available hybrid powertrain. It has a 40/34 MPG rating (City/Highway)2 without needing to be charged.


119 city/24 highway/21 combined mpg rating. Based on 2023 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.

243 city/36 highway/40 combined mpg rating for 2WD Sport. 40 city/34 highway/37 combined mpg rating for AWD Sport and Sport Touring. Based on 2023 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery-pack age/condition (hybrid trims), and other factors.

3Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See fueleconomy.gov.

4Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.