Compare the2022 Honda PassportVS 2021 Hyundai Tucson

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Passport are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Tucson doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the Passport deploy with different levels of force or don’t deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The Passport’s side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The Tucson’s airbags don’t have smart features and will always deploy full force.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Passport has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Only the Tucson Value/SEL/Sport/Limited/Ultimate has a rear cross-path warning system.

Both the Passport and the Tucson have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and available all wheel drive.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Honda Passport is safer than the Hyundai Tucson:

	Passport	Tucson
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	149	172
Neck Stress	189 lbs.	219 lbs.
Neck Compression	36 lbs.	97 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Honda Passport is safer than the Hyundai Tucson:

	Passport	Tucson
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.6 inches	.8 inches
Abdominal Force	101 lbs.	107 lbs.
Hip Force	269 lbs.	356 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	233	241
Spine Acceleration	42 G’s	55 G’s
Hip Force	304 lbs.	482 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
Spine Acceleration	45 G’s	48 G’s
Hip Force	838 lbs.	1028 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Warranty

There are over 28 percent more Honda dealers than there are Hyundai dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Passport’s warranty.

Reliability

The engine in the Passport has a single overhead cam for simplicity. The engines in the Tucson have dual overhead cams, which add to the number of moving parts and the complexity of the cylinder heads.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Honda vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Honda 1 place higher in reliability than Hyundai.

Engine

The Passport’s 3.5 SOHC V6 produces 119 more horsepower (280 vs. 161) and 112 lbs.-ft. more torque (262 vs. 150) than the Tucson’s standard 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Passport’s 3.5 SOHC V6 produces 99 more horsepower (280 vs. 181) and 87 lbs.-ft. more torque (262 vs. 175) than the Tucson’s optional 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Honda Passport is faster than the Hyundai Tucson:

	Passport	Tucson 2.0	Tucson 2.4
Zero to 30 MPH	2.5 sec	4 sec	3.4 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	6.4 sec	11 sec	9.6 sec
45 to 65 MPH Passing	2.9 sec	6.9 sec	4.9 sec
Quarter Mile	15 sec	18.3 sec	17.3 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	95 MPH	80.2 MPH	83 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Passport’s fuel efficiency. The Tucson doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the Passport’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Tucson doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Passport has 3.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the Tucson (19.5 vs. 16.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Passport has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Tucson doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Transmission

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Honda Passport, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the Tucson.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Passport’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Tucson:

	Passport	Tucson
Front Rotors	12.6 inches	12 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	11.9 inches

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Passport has larger standard tires than the Tucson (245/60R18 vs. 225/60R17). The Passport EX-L/Elite’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Tucson (265/45R20 vs. 245/45R19).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Passport TrailSport has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Tucson SE/Value. The Passport EX-L/Elite’s 20-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels on the Tucson Sport.

The Passport has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Tucson doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Suspension and Handling

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Passport’s wheelbase is 5.8 inches longer than on the Tucson (110.9 inches vs. 105.1 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Passport is 3.6 inches wider in the front and 3.1 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Tucson.

For greater off-road capability the Passport has a 1.7 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Tucson (8.1 vs. 6.4 inches), allowing the Passport to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the Passport has an electronically controlled liquid-filled main engine mount. A computer-controlled electric current in the liquid changes its viscosity, allowing the mount to dampen the engine completely at all RPMs. The Tucson uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

The Passport uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Tucson doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The Passport has 12.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Tucson (114.9 vs. 102.2).

The Passport has 3.5 inches more front hip room, 4.9 inches more front shoulder room, .8 inches more rear headroom, 1.4 inches more rear legroom, 2.8 inches more rear hip room and 6.4 inches more rear shoulder room than the Tucson.

Cargo Capacity

The Passport has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Tucson with its rear seat up (41.2 vs. 31 cubic feet). The Passport has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Tucson with its rear seat folded (77.7 vs. 61.9 cubic feet).

The Passport’s cargo area is larger than the Tucson’s in almost every dimension:

	Passport	Tucson
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	42.5”/76”	34.3”/69.5”
Max Width	52”	53”
Min Width	45.5”	40.7”
Height	30”	35.2”

Pressing a button automatically lowers the Passport’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Tucson doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Passport. The Tucson doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Towing

The Passport’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Tucson’s (3500 vs. 1500 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Hyundai Tucson is only 2000 pounds. The Passport AWD offers up to a 5000 lbs. towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Stability Assist on the Passport uses the Vehicle Stability Assist sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Tucson doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the Passport, the memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Tucson doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Passport’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Tucson doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Passport’s front power windows open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Tucson’s standard power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully. Only its driver’s window opens automatically.

If the windows are left open on the Passport the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Tucson can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Passport’s standard speed-sensitive wipers speed up when the vehicle does, so that the driver doesn’t have to continually adjust the speed of the wipers. The Tucson’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Consumer Reports rated the Passport’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the Tucson’s headlights, which were rated “Good.”

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Passport to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Tucson doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The Passport’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Hyundai only offers heated mirrors on the Tucson Value/SEL/Sport/Limited/Ultimate.

When the Passport is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Tucson’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Passport’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Tucson offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Passport has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the Tucson SEL/Sport/Limited/Ultimate.

Both the Passport and the Tucson offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Passport has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Tucson doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Honda Passport has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the Tucson Sport/Limited/Ultimate offers wireless charging.

The Passport TrailSport/Elite has a 115-volt a/c outlet, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Tucson doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Honda Passport and the Hyundai Tucson, based on reliability, safety and performance.