If you're in the market for a rugged and capable midsize SUV, the new 2026 Honda Passport and Toyota 4Runner are likely on your radar. Both offer impressive performance, spacious interiors, and advanced technology. However, when you compare them head-to-head, the Honda Passport emerges as the superior choice for drivers in Macon and surrounding areas. So, let's take a closer look at how these two SUVs stack up.
| Honda Passport | Toyota 4Runner | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $42,400 | $42,770 |
| Engine Power | 280 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 278 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Engine Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm | 317 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm |
| Transmission | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Fuel Economy(City/Hwy/Combined) | 19 / 24 / 21 MPG | - |
| Engine Configuration | v6 | inline 4 |
Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 280 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft of torque, the Passport provides plenty of oomph for merging onto highways around Macon or towing up to 5,000 pounds. The Passport's nine-speed automatic transmission also contributes to the SUV's impressive fuel efficiency, achieving an estimated 22 mpg combined.
In comparison, the Toyota 4Runner's 4.0-liter V6 engine puts out 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft of torque. While those numbers are decent, the 4Runner's five-speed automatic feels dated. You'll definitely feel the model struggle on steep inclines you might encounter while adventuring outside Warner Robins. The 4Runner also falls short in fuel economy, with an estimated 17 mpg combined.
When it comes to handling, the Passport's four-wheel independent suspension and torque-vectoring AWD system give it more refined road manners and sure-footed traction than the 4Runner. The Passport's steering is well-weighted and responsive, providing a confident feel whether navigating city streets or winding rural roads near Gray. For travels beyond the beaten path, the Passport can be outfitted with Honda's i-VTM4 system, which enhances off-road capability by optimizing traction distribution to each wheel.
Slip into the cabin of either of these models and you'll find ample passenger and cargo room in both. The Honda Passport offers 157 cubic feet of total passenger volume, with generous headroom and legroom in both rows. Drivers in Milledgeville will also appreciate the expansive cargo area that provides over 77 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down, making it easy to load up gear for weekend getaways or home improvement projects.
The Toyota 4Runner has a taller, more boxy profile that translates to great headroom but less overall passenger volume at 128 cubic feet. Its cargo capacity maxes out around 88 cubic feet, which is slightly more than the Passport but comes at the cost of a more utilitarian interior with cheaper-looking plastics and less refined fit and finish.
Passengers in both SUVs will stay comfortable on trips outside Forsyth thanks to available leather upholstery, multi-zone automatic climate control, and ventilated front seats. The Passport's front seats offer superior comfort and support, with more adjustability and cushioning than the 4Runner's. Rear-seat passengers will also find more stretch-out space in the Passport. Plus, the Passport's cabin is noticeably quieter due to superior sound insulation and acoustic glass, making for a more pleasant driving experience on long highway trips.
While power and efficiency are important in a vehicle, so too is the technology within. In the Honda Passport, you'll find an impressive array of standard and available features while traveling around Macon. All trims get an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The interface is intuitive and responsive, and a navigation system can be installed on a higher trim, like the EX-L or higher, where the screen is increased to 10.2 inches.
Along with a larger screen and built-in navigation, the more advanced interface also features 3D renderings of buildings, terrain, and landmarks, as well as real-time traffic updates and rerouting to help you avoid congestion around Milledgeville. Additionally, there's also a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot that lets you connect up to seven devices, while wireless charging keeps your smartphone powered up.
The Toyota 4Runner's technology offerings feel a step behind the Passport's. An eight-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration is standard, but the graphics look dated, and the interface can be sluggish at times. Built-in navigation and a 15-speaker JBL audio system are available upgrades, but no Wi-Fi hotspot or rear-seat entertainment are offered, which could be an issue on longer adventures outside Milledgeville.
All vehicles are designed to keep you safe, but not all models come with the same level of safety. Because of that, the Honda Passport clearly outshines the 4Runner in this department. With enhanced Honda Sensing, the new Passport offers plenty of new and updated safety features.
There's adaptive cruise control, which maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead and can automatically slow down or speed up as needed. Lane keeping assist gently nudges the Passport back to the center of its lane if it starts to drift, while blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert watches your blind spots and warns you of approaching vehicles when changing lanes or backing out of parking spots near Forsyth.
The Passport also offers an innovative Road Departure Mitigation system that can detect if you cross over lane lines and a 360-degree camera system which stitches together views from four exterior cameras to create a birds-eye view of the Passport's surroundings.
While Toyota Safety Sense is standard on the 4Runner, with pre-collision warning and lane departure alert, it lacks some of the Passport's more advanced features like blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and road departure mitigation. Blind spot monitoring is optional on higher 4Runner trims, and no 360-degree camera system is available on any trim level.
After this comparison, it's evident that the Passport comes out ahead in nearly every category. Its engine, tech, and superior fuel efficiency make it a joy to drive on roads and trails all over Georgia. To experience the 2026 Honda Passport for yourself, visit Walsh Honda. Our team would be glad to give you a full tour of the Passport's features, answer any questions, and set you up with a test drive. So, upgrade to the 2026 Passport and take your adventures to new heights.
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2056 Eisenhower Parkway
Macon, GA 31206
