
Picture yourself heading out of West Covina, California, on a weekend, maybe toward Azusa Canyon or Baldwin Park, with gear packed for the day. You need an SUV that handles daily commutes in Los Angeles and has the muscle and space for longer trips.
That’s where this 2026 Honda Passport vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander comparison might ease your decision. At Norm Reeves Honda Superstore West Covina, we compare both sides to see which one meets your comfort, capability, and practicality needs.

Under the hood, the 2026 Honda Passport runs with a 3.5-liter V6. It generates about 285 horsepower, delivering steady acceleration for freeway merges and towing confidence when you bring extra weight along. The power feels smooth, and the V6 keeps its strength even when you climb hills east of Los Angeles.
By comparison, the 2025 Toyota Highlander uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Its output is about 265 horsepower. That’s respectable, and the turbo provides punch at lower speeds, but the Passport’s V6 outpaces it when you want consistent strength at higher speeds or under load.
For drivers who plan to tow, haul family gear, or simply want more muscle under their foot, the Passport’s added horsepower gives it an advantage. The Highlander emphasizes efficiency and turbocharged response, while the Passport leans into durability and balanced strength, giving you confidence on longer trips or steep inclines.

Capability isn’t just about power; it’s also about how much space you have between your SUV and the ground. The 2026 Passport TrailSport trim offers about 8.3 inches of ground clearance. That extra room helps when you take on gravel paths, uneven parking areas near hiking trails, or just want peace of mind when rainwater puddles form on side streets.
The 2025 Highlander, including its hybrid version, has about 8.0 inches of ground clearance across trims. That’s versatile enough for city driving and light weekend trips, but it doesn’t give quite the same clearance margin as the Passport TrailSport.

Space is where SUVs prove their everyday value. The 2026 Honda Passport has about 44 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row. That means you can load groceries, sports bags, or luggage without folding seats. The Passport opens up even further when you fold it, making it easy to fit bigger items like bikes or camping gear.
The 2025 Highlander works differently because it has three rows. With all rows up, you only get about 16 cubic feet behind the third row. Fold that third row and you expand to around 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row. That’s more usable but still falls short of the Passport’s 44 cubic feet without folding anything.
In the Honda Passport, rear passengers enjoy about 40 inches of legroom and wide shoulder space. Adults can settle in comfortably for drives through Los Angeles County. The Toyota Highlander has a third row, handy for kids, but the space is tighter for adults. According to Car and Driver, the 2026 Honda Passport earned a spot in their “Best Mid-Size 2-Row SUVs” ranking*.
The Passport’s TrailSport trim, with 8.3 inches of ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive, is built to handle trails and uneven terrain. That makes it ideal for weekend trips to places like the Angeles National Forest. The Highlander also offers AWD, but its focus is urban and suburban driving. If exploring off-pavement is part of your plan, the Passport gives you the edge.
The Passport provides about 44 cubic feet behind its second row, letting you carry gear without folding seats. The Highlander starts with about 16 cubic feet behind its third row, then grows to 48 cubic feet once you fold that row. The Passport is the better choice if you want to maximize open cargo room without rearranging seating.
Comparing the Honda Passport vs the Toyota Highlander shows how both bring value, but in different ways. At Norm Reeves Honda Superstore West Covina, serving West Covina, Los Angeles, and Baldwin Park, CA, our team can help you explore both options and decide what fits your lifestyle. Contact us to test drive the Honda Passport and experience the space, strength, and comfort for yourself.
*Source: Car and Driver.