Safety showdown: nissan rogue vs. honda passport – who protects your family best?

The Nissan Rogue and the Honda Passport are two popular compact SUVs that offer a blend of practicality, performance, and style. Both vehicles cater to families and adventure-seekers alike, but which one emerges victorious in a head-to-head comparison? This comprehensive guide will delve into the key differences between the Nissan Rogue and the Honda Passport, helping you make an informed decision that suits your specific needs and preferences.

Exterior Design

The Nissan Rogue boasts a sleek and modern exterior, featuring a V-Motion grille, sharp LED headlights, and a sculpted body. Its flowing lines and bold curves give it a dynamic and eye-catching presence. The Honda Passport, on the other hand, adopts a more rugged and adventurous design, with a prominent grille, muscular fenders, and an aggressive stance. Its boxy silhouette and rugged accents convey a sense of capability and durability.

Interior Space and Comfort

Both the Nissan Rogue and the Honda Passport offer spacious and comfortable interiors. The Rogue boasts a roomy cabin with ample headroom and legroom for all passengers. Its seats are well-cushioned and provide excellent support, even on long journeys. The Passport offers a slightly more spacious interior, especially in the second row, making it a good choice for families with older children or frequent passengers. Its seats are also comfortable, but the rear seats may feel a bit firm for some.

Powertrain and Performance

The Nissan Rogue comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and efficient power delivery. The Honda Passport, on the other hand, is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission that offers quick and responsive shifts. In terms of performance, the Passport has a clear advantage with its more powerful engine and responsive transmission.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is an important consideration for many SUV buyers. The Nissan Rogue with front-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. Adding all-wheel drive slightly reduces fuel economy to 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The Honda Passport, with its larger and more powerful engine, has slightly lower fuel economy ratings. It gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive drops those numbers to 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Safety Features

Both the Nissan Rogue and the Honda Passport come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features. These include airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, and traction control. The Rogue also offers a 360-degree camera system, while the Passport features Honda Sensing, a suite of driver-assist technologies that includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.

Off-Road Capabilities

While both the Nissan Rogue and the Honda Passport are primarily designed for on-road use, they both offer some off-road capabilities. The Rogue features an Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system that can automatically adjust torque distribution to improve traction in slippery conditions. The Passport, on the other hand, offers a more advanced all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring, which provides better grip and handling on rough terrain.

Technology and Connectivity

The Nissan Rogue and the Honda Passport both come with advanced infotainment systems. The Rogue features an 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a Bose audio system. The Passport offers a larger 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as well as a premium audio system with 10 speakers. Both vehicles also offer a variety of connectivity features, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB ports.

Pricing and Value

The Nissan Rogue has a starting price of $26,550 for the base S trim level. The Honda Passport, on the other hand, starts at $32,090 for the base Sport trim level. While the Passport has a higher starting price, it also offers more power, space, and off-road capabilities. Ultimately, the best value for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities.

The Verdict

The Nissan Rogue and the Honda Passport are both excellent compact SUVs that offer a blend of practicality, performance, and style. The Rogue is a more affordable option with good fuel economy and a spacious interior. The Passport, on the other hand, offers more power, space, and off-road capabilities, but comes at a higher price. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Common Questions and Answers

1. Which SUV has better fuel economy, the Nissan Rogue or the Honda Passport?

The Nissan Rogue has better fuel economy than the Honda Passport, with an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway compared to 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway for the Passport.

2. Which SUV has more off-road capabilities, the Nissan Rogue or the Honda Passport?

The Honda Passport has better off-road capabilities than the Nissan Rogue, thanks to its more advanced all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring.

3. Which SUV has a larger interior, the Nissan Rogue or the Honda Passport?

The Honda Passport has a slightly larger interior than the Nissan Rogue, especially in the second row, making it a better choice for families with older children or frequent passengers.