2021 Honda Passport vs 2021 Toyota Venza: Which is Best?

SUVs are the “Swiss Army Knife” of automobiles, loved for their versatility, spaciousness, and all-around usefulness as a family hauler, backroads adventurer, and daily driver. But we needn’t tell you this; after all, you’re here, reading a “Venza vs. Passport” comparison. (No ESP required to ascertain that you’re likely shopping for a new SUV near you.) Well, let’s get this “Honda vs. Toyota SUV” show on the road.

One of the most popular and successful midsized SUVs on the market is the supremely capable Honda Passport. It consistently ranks as one of Honda’s perennial best-sellers because of its outstanding features and legendary Honda quality.

The SUV market continues to be highly competitive. So, it is not surprising that there are several challengers to the Passport’s dominance in this segment. One of them is the 2021 Toyota Venza. Which of these is the best 2021 SUV choice? Follow along as we compare the Venza and Passport.

Rugged Swagger vs Tame City Slicker

The Honda Passport goes bold for 2021 with a rugged and athletic new exterior that gives it an unmistakable swagger. There’s no mistaking the Passport’s passion for fun and adventure with its assertive, available gloss-black front grille and lower fascia. If you’re looking for an SUV with the sporty good looks to match your adventuresome nature, then the Passport’s commanding presence is sure to please.

The 2021 Venza, on the other hand, is all city slicker smooth. It features a bulbous front end that looks just a little bit like the snout of a blue whale.

Bigger is Way Better

The 2021 Honda Passport lets passengers stretch out and enjoy the ride with a refined, versatile, and spacious interior packed with creature comforts. With a total interior volume of 157.1 cubic feet compared to the Venza’s smaller 127.1 cubic feet, the Passport’s cabin is far roomier with more head room, leg room, hip room, and shoulder room than the smaller Venza.

Plus, the Passport gives you more cargo room and more handy conveniences that aren’t available on the Venza, like a standard underfloor storage system and one-touch, fold-down 60/40 split rear seats.

Passport vs. Venza: Interior Specs

	2021 Honda Passport Sport	2021 Toyota Venza XLE
Front Head Room	40.1 inches	38.6 inches
Rear Head Room	39.6 inches	39 inches
Front Hip Room	59.1 inches	54.4 inches
Rear Hip Room	57.3 inches	45.2 inches
Rear Leg Room	39.6 inches	37.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room	62 inches	57.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room	61.9 inches	56.9 inches
Total Interior Volume	157.1 cubic feet	127.1 cubic feet
Total Passenger Volume	115.9 cubic feet	98.3 cubic feet
Max Cargo Volume	100.7 cubic feet	55.1 cubic feet
Cargo Volume (2nd Row)	50.5 cubic feet	28.8 cubic feet
Underfloor Storage	Standard	Not Available
One-Touch 60/40 Seats	Standard	Not Available

Passport Powers Ahead

Honda and Toyota take radically different approaches to propel their respective SUVs. The Passport opts for a balance of power, performance, and fuel economy, while the Venza’s hybrid powerplant sacrifices performance for the sake of fuel efficiency.

Motivation for the 2021 Honda Passport comes from a powerful and efficient 280 hp, 24-valve, iVTEC, 3.5-liter V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) and Eco Assist™ that churns out an impressive 262 lb.-ft. of torque and generates up to 5,000 pounds (AWD) of maximum towing capacity It’s mated to a smooth-shifting, 9-speed automatic transmission.

The Venza is powered by a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder hybrid engine borrowed from the RAV4 that offers a lackluster 219 combined horsepower and a meager 163 lb.-ft. of torque. As a result, the Passport pulls way ahead of the Venza with more muscular power for passing, towing, and off-roading. It also offers standard Intelligent Traction Management with Snow, Sand, and Mud modes which is not available on the 2021 Venza.

	2021 Honda Passport Sport	2021 Toyota Venza XLE
Horsepower (SAE net)	280 hp @ 6000 rpm	219 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque (SAE net)	262 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm	163 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm
Intelligent Traction Management	Standard	Not Available

Your Passport to Impressive Tech & Safety

The 2021 Passport Sport’s long list of standard technology, infotainment, and safety features are truly impressive. Stay connected, informed, and entertained with standard Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Bluetooth® Hands-Free and Streaming Audio integration. Control your connected world with ease using the Passport’s standard 8-inch, HD Display Audio touchscreen. Plus, the Passport’s handy second-row USB ports make it easy to plug in and enjoy your favorite devices when on the road. Also standard on the Sport model is a powerful 215-watt, 7-speaker audio system with a subwoofer.

The Passport also offers the convenience of standard remote engine start that lets you power up your Passport and get it warmed up or cooled down to the right temperature. You won’t find it as standard equipment on the Venza.

The Passport’s standard suite of Honda Sensing active driver-assist safety features is miles ahead of the competition. Designed for the ultimate in peace of mind, these include Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM®), Lane-Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control, and Collision Mitigation Braking System, ™(CMBS™).

Plus, the Passport also features Honda’s exclusive ACE™ Body Structure that’s designed to offer enhanced occupant protection in frontal collisions.

The Venza offers a similar complement of technology and safety features.

The Verdict: Take a Pass on the Venza

In just about every category, the 2021 Honda Passport passes up the 2021 Toyota Venza, making it the best SUV for towing, the best SUV for camping, and the best SUV for the Ozarks, hands-down.

We look forward to introducing you to the new 2021 Honda Passport for sale near Joplin, MO at Roper Honda. Check out our money-saving Joplin new car specials and be sure to ask about Roper Honda’s exclusive “Buy Your Way” online car-buying program. Roper Honda is conveniently located at 902 N Rangeline Rd, Joplin, MO. Call us today at (417) 625-0800.