2026 Honda Passport vs. Toyota 4Runner vs Hyundai Santa Fe vs Nissan Murano

Honda Passport vs. Toyota 4Runner vs Hyundai Santa Fe vs Nissan Murano

With features like a standard V6 and all-wheel drive, the Honda Passport makes an attractive choice in the midsize SUV segment. However, competition remains fierce in this growing segment of vehicles and you might be wondering how those competitors compare to the Passport. To help illustrate some of the key differences between the models in the segment, Germain Honda of Surprise has put together a guide to some of the most popular choices. You’ll discover all the advantages and benefits that come from choosing the rugged Honda Passport over the competition.


Honda Passport vs Toyota 4Runner

Honda Passport
Toyota 4Runner
2026 Honda Passport RTL AWD VS 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4X4
$46,200 MSRP* (including destination charges) $44,220
285 ✓ Horsepower 278
10 ✓ Transmission Speeds 8
Full-time, standard ✓ AWD / 4X4 Part-time, optional
61.9 inches ✓ Front Shoulder Room 58.0 inches
40.9 inches ✓ Rear Legroom 34.8 inches
104.6 cubic feet ✓ Max Cargo Space 90.2 cubic feet
18-inch ✓ Standard Wheels 17-inch
Standard ✓ Heated Front Seats Requires Higher Trim
Standard ✓ Active Noise Cancelling Not available

Honda and Toyota have a longstanding rivalry, so the Toyota 4Runner makes sense as the first competitor to compare. Pricing is very close, but what you get for that money isn’t, starting with the engine. While both vehicles come with a naturally aspirated V6, the more advanced Honda engine produces more horsepower to help you excel both on and off the trails. This is also in part because of the more advanced 9-speed automatic transmission included with the Passport. We chose the Passport RTL trim because of its off-road focus, which is helped by the fact that AWD is standard on the Passport. Despite also being built for off-road capability, the 4Runner oddly keeps this feature optional.

From the outside, the Passport and 4Runner are extremely similar in size. However, Honda can maximize interior space in a way that few carmakers ever have and you’ll notice the difference. The two areas where it’s most obvious are in front shoulder room and rear legroom, both of which see an advantage in the Passport to the tune of several inches. Looking at the max cargo capacity of both makes it even more obvious just how much more spacious the Passport really is. Inside and out, the Passport is better equipped than the 4Runner with bigger wheels, heated seats, and active noise cancelling for a quieter cabin.

Honda Passport vs Hyundai Santa Fe

Honda Passport
Hyundai Santa Fe
2026 Honda Passport RTL AWD VS 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT AWD
$46,200 MSRP (excluding destination charge)* $42,425
3.5-liter V6 ✓ Engine 2.5-liter I4
285 ✓ Horsepower 277
Standard ✓ All-Wheel Drive Optional
5,000 pounds ✓ Max Towing Capacity 4,500 pounds
104.6 cubic feet ✓ Max Cargo Capacity 79.6 cubic feet
Tri-Zone ✓ Climate Control Dual-Zone
Standard ✓ Active Noise Cancellation Not Available
7 ✓ Drive Mode Settings 4

The Hyundai Santa Fe is up next, and like the Honda Passport, it is offered with an off-road trim, which we’ve selected to compare. The Santa Fe comes with a lower starting price and at first, this might look like a better deal. However, a quick look at the details says otherwise. For starters, the Passport has a serious power advantage thanks to its larger V6 engine. While there is the option of a more powerful (and more expensive) engine for the Santa Fe, it isn’t available on the XRT trim. AWD is also standard which is part of why the Passport’s towing capacity is more than double that of the Santa Fe.

The Passport has a lot more space inside, as you can see from its maximum cargo capacity measurements (i.e. with the back seats folded down). It’s not even close. You’ll enjoy a more comfortable temperature in the Passport thanks to standard tri-zone climate control and the quiet that comes with active noise cancellation will be appreciated. Other advantages of the Honda Passport include more drive mode settings for a more personalized experience behind the wheel.


Honda Passport vs Nissan Murano

Honda Passport
Nissan Murano
Tri-Zone ✓Climate ControlDual-Zone

2026 Honda Passport RTL AWD VS 2025 Nissan Murano Platinum AWD
$46,200 ✓ MSRP* (including destination charges) $50,990
285 HP / 262 LB-FT TQ ✓ Horsepower / Torque 241 HP / 260 LB-FT TQ
10-speed automatic ✓ Transmission 9-speed automatic
5,000 pounds ✓ Towing Capacity 1,500 pounds
50.5 cubic feet ✓ Cargo Space (behind 2nd row) 31.1 cubic feet
39.5 / 40.0 inches ✓ Front/Rear Headroom 39.4 / 37.9 inches

Last up is the decidedly not off-road-focused Nissan Murano. Compared to the robust power and bold style of the Passport, the Murano doesn’t stand much of a chance. Right out of the gate, choosing the more powerful Passport will net you significant savings over the Murano. You’ll enjoy more power and a more sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission for a more rewarding experience behind the wheel.

As a result, the Honda Passport more than doubles the towing capacity of the Nissan Murano for superior day-to-day versatility. Other premium amenities included as standard on the Passport include tri-zone climate control and significantly more headroom across both rows of seating. Better value, more comfort, and superior performance? Sounds like the Honda Passport is the clear choice to us!


Honda Passport

Winner – Honda Passport

The Honda Passport is more advanced, more capable, more comfortable, and a significantly better value for money than its competitors. However you intend to use it, the incredible versatility of the Passport makes it easy to get the most out of every mile. All of its outstanding advantages are something you should see and experience for yourself. Come by Germain Honda of Surprise and see just how easy it is to love the Passport.

*MSRP excludes $1,450.00 destination charge, tax, license, registration, and options. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $455 charge for premium colors.

**19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined mpg rating for RTL trims. 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined mpg rating for TrailSport and TrailSport Elite trims. Based on 2026 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.