I Like The Toyota 4Runner, But Here's Why The Honda Passport Could Be The Better SUV

Toyota still seems to be the reigning champ when it comes to capable and dependable SUVs. For the most part, the Japanese company has done a great job at damage control, following some recent inconsistencies in build quality. Toyota is downsizing its engine lineup, meaning many models that previously featured V-6 engines, now get an inline-four. As expected, there is noticeable feedback from prospective buyers.  

My research led me to an intriguing post from the Facebook group, 6th Gen 4Runner club. The topic is very relevant to buyers who are cross-shopping between two or more SUV models. In this case, the member who posted was looking at a Toyota 4Runner, but ended up liking another comparable model from a rival Japanese manufacturer. Here's what he says:  

“My thoughts on 4Runner vs Passport. 

Contemplating a 2025 4Runner vs Passport.  

Today I tested this base 2026 PASSPORT RTL.  

The very base model has all-wheel drive standard, 2 clutch pack in the rear axle for dynamic torque distribution of up to 70% of the incoming torque.  

Has as standard 3.5L V6 producing 285 hp and 262 lb ft. J35Y8 with no VTEC, basically same as in the Pilot. 8.3in of ground clearance. 21 mpg combined.  

Curb weight 4,478 lbs.  

3 zone climate control, heated front seats, however no perforation or ventilation, though they are leather appointed, not faux leather, interesting.  

Driving: compared to coarse and jerky 2.4T in the 4Runner, the NA V6 is a blessing together with a quick 10 speed auto. Suspension is softly sprung, eats up most road imperfections.  

Huge cabin, 2 rows, huge cargo space of 44 cu ft.  

Meaty 265/60 18” tires. 

Sure enough, it’s not apples to apples since it’s a unibody vs body on frame. And 4Runner had a true mechanical 4WD + optional locker + adaptive sway bars in TRD PRO/Trailhunter. + more ground clearance.  

Price of the tested RTL version is $46900 before taxes.  

I think the Passport is a more versatile, fun, all all-terrain unibody SUV since 99% of 4Runner owners likely won’t go true offroad  

What do you think, guys? Are you cross-shopping these 2? 

Totally get your different opinions, but just wanted to share my thoughts.” 

It seems the opinions between Toyota 4Runner and Honda Passport are quite divided, as the two SUVs can trade punches all day long. 

When it comes to off-roading, the Toyota 4Runner's body-on-frame platform gives it an advantage. The Toyota can also tow up to 6,000 pounds, versus the Passport's 5,000. The 4Runner has better approach, departure, and breakover angles – 33/24/24 compared to the Honda Passport's 21.1/24.6/N/A. In terms of ground clearance, the 4Runner, once again, wins with 9.2 inches versus 8.1 for the Honda Passport.  

Many people have gripe with the new 2025 Toyota 4Runner not offering a V-6. Some owners claim the 2.4-liter turbo-four, although torquey, is rough. Others are also concerned about the long-term reliability and resale value of all the Toyota SUVs and pickup trucks that feature the four-cylinder turbo, with or without the hybrid tech. To add to the 4Runner's struggle, the Honda Passport Trailsport brings more focus on off-roading, which, while, arguably not as capable as the 4Runner, could be enough for most SUV buyers.

It is also one of the reasons why some owners are not hesitant about trading in their J250 Land Cruiser for something with a V-6. The fact that dealerships are selling some of these Toyota SUVs for under MSRP is also indicative of the demand. Actually, despite the downsizing trend persisting, there are still a good number of great V-6-powered SUVs you can buy if you are not a fan of hybrids.

Jarrod Berns says: “All of these 4-cylinder turbos pushing these heavy, full-sized trucks/SUVs are going to be no Bueno in about 50,000/60,000 miles folks! You've been warned!” 

Tony Hernandez: “I was actually thinking the same when I saw the new Passport come out. In my opinion one of the things that’s killing the 4Runner for most of us is the 4-cylinder engine, and what we’ve been seeing happening to the Tundra and the Tacoma. I wouldn’t mine this Passport, especially when I only use the 4wd when it snows, don’t do much off roading.” 

Alvin Santoni says: “4Runner is overpriced, 4-cylinder, and hard plastic. Passport is a much better buy.” 

One particular comment explains the benefits and disadvantages of the different types of 4WD systems and why the Honda is better, primarily for on-road driving. 

Sean Ginnetty says: “One good thing about the Passport/Ridgeline/Pilot AWD system is that it’s pretty much always sending power to the rear wheels, unless you’re cruising along steady speed. It, actually, biases more to the rear whenever you take off from a stop. So because of that, they never really feel like they are front wheel drive. 

Just my thoughts after we had a 22 Pilot for a while. I HATE the feel of front wheel drive and front wheel-based AWD where the rear only gets power if the fronts slip, but I, actually, never minded driving the Pilot. It’s also cool how it sends more power to the outside rear wheel when you hit the gas in turns, which is yet another way it makes it not feel FWD. 

Of course those are only ON-road benefits. Anything more than light off-roading, when that rear drive unit starts doing a lot of work, the clutches & fluid heat up quick and can even totally de-clutch from the driveshaft to protect itself. Beyond a moderately rough unpaved road, there’s no comparing the abilities though. Many people don’t need the off road capability of the 4Runner, they just want it, and there’s nothing wrong with that. 

It’s also a bit of a maintenance headache. Due to how active the clutch packs are in the rear, Honda wants you changing that rear differential fluid at 15,000, and then every 30,000 miles. The proprietary Honda fluid is expensive. We drove the Pilot a lot so those intervals came quickly, but on the other hand it’s very easy to do yourself.” 

Can the fourth-generation Toyota 4Runner still make a strong case for itself? 

With the fifth-generation 4Runner being an all-new model and in its early model years, some buyers opt for the “safe” option that is the previous generation. It could be your last chance to get a new (or slightly used) 2024 Toyota 4Runner instead of the new generation, and according to some, this is all the SUV you will ever need.

Fourth-generation 4Runner prices are still relatively high, but still nowhere near what the 2025 and newer models cost. Old, but proven tech seems to be more valued than ever with newer Toyotas seemingly proving to be less reliable than their old counterparts. 

Tony Gulotta says: “Have you considered a used 4R? This is my ‘21 Limited Nightshade with 48k miles and just breaking in. 

It’s 4 years old still looks and smells new. 

There’s nothing this SUV cannot do. It replaced my ‘06 Limited. 

The problem with the new 4R is that it’s a complete revamp and in its first year just like the LC. 

There are lots of kinks to work out and I wouldn’t spend all that $ to spend my time on recalls. 

I’m keeping it ‘till it turns to dust…15 more years, maybe more. “ 

Although Toyota 4Runner is a clear winner when it comes to off-road capabilities, many sway in favor of the Honda Passport, as the better daily driver, and has a V-6. 

Ashley Clark says: “I don't mean to put down the new 4runner. We have 2 4runners but Toyota folded to the pressure of the old era mandates. They are gone now and others are keeping V-6 and V-8s. Toyota should have kept the V-6 option and everyone would be happy. The other issue is that the models built in Japan were slightly better. Sad to say it but the Land Cruisers and 4runners were the best of the best.” 

Ashley Clark (again) says: “The new 4Runner with the four-cylinder engine there's no comparison to the older with the V-6. The new Honda Passport has a commercial comparing the new one to the Honda Passport and a claim that their V-6 as far superior and more capable so yes one is a truck and the other is a modular frame but with the new 4 cylinder it's pretty sad that Honda has a better Powertrain.” 

Jakub Rembisz says: “Dead honest... if you're not off-roading, get the Passport. It's cheaper, handles better, and actually has a V6. No reason for people to buy 4Runners anymore.” 

Kevin Brantley in reply: “Jakub Rembisz, as a Yota guy, I wholeheartedly agree. No need to spend the $$$ on a 4Runner unless you’re going full in with a TRD Pro, Trailhunter, or at least TRD OffRoad.” 

Wesleys Way says: “We'll more than likely be buying the Trail sport edition Passport. The styling is better and I personally dislike everything going to small turbos.”  

Honda's reliability isn't entirely untarnished, and some prospective buyers are worried how the Passport will hold up, long-term. Are the complaints well-founded? 

Paul Lee says: “Hope the transmission on these are better than that crap 6/9 speed they’ve been using for their V6’s. Never owned a car that needed tranny fluid every 30k.” 

This relates to some issues with Honda transmissions, paired to the early J-series V-6 engines. The five-speed automatic, in particular, was known for premature slippage and failure. So far, the 10-speed automatic seems to be holding up, and most owners are happy with how it works. We may have to revisit this topic once a few years go by. 

Brock Spillman says: “Then you would have to deal with the notorious 3.5 oil burning issues, a transverse mounted V-6, and a timing belt. No thanks!” 

Maintenance on a transversely-mounted V-6 is typically, more labor-intensive and more expensive compared to the longitudinal layout. Excessive oil consumption is not as wide-spread as some owners make it out to be, and so far, it seems to be an issue on some of the earlier J-series engines (but definitely not all). However, the Variable Cylinder Deactivation (VCM) is known to fail. 

At the end of the day, the Toyota 4Runner and Honda Passport are two very different vehicles, despite both of them being midsize SUVs. Like Juan Phillips says:  

“Apples Vs oranges. 

One is a car; the other is a truck. 

Maybe comparable in shape and layout. 

The 4runner being body on frame will ride and drive like a Conestoga wagon compared to what is essentially an SUV-shaped minivan. I think people will know what they like or need best after the first test drive." 

But let us know what you think? Can the Honda Passport be good enough for you if you still plan on doing some off-roading? Or are you willing to trade some on-road ride quality and handling for off-road capabilities? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

Honda Passport Images are taken from member Roman Makarov's post in the Facebook group, 6th Gen 4Runner club.