Honda Passport EXL vs Elite

1. Key Differences

Wiper De-Icer: This feature is exclusive to the Passport Elite. This will come in handy for a vehicle that is being used in snow or ice-prone areas.

Front Parking Sensors: This is an additional feature exclusive to the Passport Elite. This will come in handy when driving in tight situations or when navigating the vehicle through a garage.

Auto-Dimming, Power-Folding Door Mirrors: This is another luxury feature that is only exclusive to the Passport Elite. This allows your mirrors to easily fold in and out compared to the manual adjustment on the Passport EX-L. The auto-dimming feature will allow the mirrors to pair well with the memory-linked settings to ensure you are always in a safe situation.

Power Tailgate: Exclusive to the Passport Elite, the power tailgate comes with programmable height settings and is to be considered a luxury feature.

Roof Rails: In comparison, the Passport EX-L comes with roof rails that have a load of 165 lbs while the Passport Elite has roof rails that come with a load of 220 lbs. It also comes with Roof Rail Crossbars that have a 165 lbs load. This is something to consider if you need the extra weight capability.

Instead of adding additional content, the Honda Passport Elite comes with features that improve on or replace the existing EX-L data or features. This mainly involves the exterior features and comes with additional technology bits. These areas involve:

1.1. Exterior Features

Exterior features coming with these vehicles, it can be seen that both of them have numerous features installed. The 2019 Honda Passport EXL comes with standard 20-inch split-spoke alloy wheels, while on the other hand, the 2019 Honda Passport Elite comes with standard 20-inch solid-spoke alloy wheels with a grey finish. Both of them have a tire repair kit as a tool in case of an emergency when you get a flat tire. Roof rails also come in these two vehicles, use them to carry bulky or odd items and they also help to conserve interior space. Both vehicles come with a security system with remote entry, remote engine start, and smart entry access, with walk away auto lock. A power tailgate is also installed on these vehicles, this power tailgate features hands-free access, it opens and closes with a swipe of your foot under the rear bumper. Both of them have LED fog lights and LED daytime running lights, and there's rear privacy glass as the last feature to be spoken.

1.2. Interior Features

The two trims are very similar in terms of interior. They both come with leather-trimmed interior, but the Elite version has perforated, heated, and ventilated front seats compared to the normal heated front seats on EXL. The second-row seats are the same, a 60/40 split that folds flat and has a recline feature. The audio systems are slightly different as well. The EXL has a 540-watt audio system with 10 speakers, including a subwoofer, while the Elite has a 590-watt audio system with 10 speakers, including a subwoofer. The only other difference in this feature is the addition of HD radio in the Elite version. Both trims come with a power tailgate, but the Elite version has a hands-free access power tailgate. An added bonus for the Elite version is a wireless phone charger. Finally, the Elite version comes with an around view monitor to assist in parking. The differences inside these vehicles are very slight, but the Elite version definitely offers more convenience features that come in handy in daily life. [1]

1.3. Performance and Engine

The performance and engine on the Elite is definitely better compared to the EX-L. They are both AWD, but the Elite comes with a 9-speed transmission that will allow for better acceleration and more overall power. The EX-L only has a 6-speed transmission, which is outdated compared to most modern vehicles and will limit its overall performance. The fuel economy is higher in the Elite as well. The sun/moonroof on the EX-L does come as standard, but the Elite comes with a panoramic roof, which is a nice upgrade to have. The Elite also has paddle shifters, which allow you to have more control over your driving and simulate manual transmissions. The most noticeable feature on the Elite would be its intelligent Traction Management. This basically allows the driver to select different modes of driving based on the conditions. Ideal for those who will face harsh winter conditions. This feature will not be available on the EX-L model. This is where the Elite really stands out compared to the EX-L. The wheel sizes are the same, but the Elite comes with a different set of alloy wheels. Most importantly, the Elite comes with larger disc brakes both front and rear. This will contribute to overall power and stopping ability. The body and LED headlights are also different, and the Elite has a rear roofline spoiler and dual exhaust, which really give it a nice sporty look. The LED taillights on the Elite also use less energy and provide better visibility to other drivers.

2. Safety and Technology

One of the biggest differences in safety features from EX-L to the Elite trim is the inclusion of blind spot monitoring with the Elite. Although these two trims are of the same generation, the EX-L is very limited in powertrain and performance features, particularly in the area of crash mitigation. Honda's AWD system, better known as i-VTM4, is available in the EX-L and standard in the Elite. The system can distribute up to 70 percent of the Passport's torque to the rear wheels and up to 100 percent of that torque to either the left or right rear wheel. This assists in power transmission to improve performance and handling in poor weather conditions. The system is also aided by Honda's intelligent traction management system that includes modes for normal, mud, snow, and sand. The various traction modes seamlessly integrate the drive-by-wire throttle system, transmission, and torque distribution to suit driving conditions.

Both the Passport EX-L and the Elite are five-star vehicles, with a total of six airbags installed in the front and side seats. Each also includes anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, roll-over sensors, and a rearview camera. The Honda Sensing suite is also included. Available in the EX-L and standard in the Elite, Honda Sensing includes collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. With the exception of trim-specific features, each Passport is capable of seating eight people, making it a great vehicle for families. However, both the EX-L and Elite only come with 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which is a small amount considering eight seats might be filled.

2.1. Safety Features

Now that we know all Passport trims are compatible with the same safety features, this is where the differentiation begins. Although all models have the same security features, not all require the same driving standard. The Sport model is the only trim that requires a certain standard to provide more safety, meaning if you're driving the Sport and the safety features are active, then you're doing something wrong! The Sport model comes with an available all-wheel drive function, so its intelligent variable torque management system becomes a security feature. While not high tech, it will ensure the vehicle is safer in off-road and wet road conditions. This torque system is actually the same as the one found on the EX-L trim level, but it is not a standard feature on the EX-L. [2]

Safety features on any vehicle can be an important aspect to consider, whether for yourself, your loved ones, or anyone else who might occupy the vehicle. If you're in the market for a safe and reliable SUV, the Honda Passport has symmetrically distributed safety features throughout all of its trim levels to cater to what you, the consumer, feels most comfortable with. All Passports as of the 2020 model year come with the standard Honda Sensing suite, as well as a multi-angle rearview camera and advanced compatibility engineering body structure. The standard Honda Sensing suite includes collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and a lane keeping assist system.

2.2. Infotainment and Connectivity

Infotainment systems are key differentiators for car buyers these days. That's why the EX-L and Elite models come standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as SiriusXM satellite radio. Additionally, the system can connect to 4G LTE Wi-Fi for a monthly fee. Customers will also enjoy the CabinControl app, which connects the infotainment to your smartphone to control the rear AC, heat, and access the rear entertainment system. The Elite has an updated version of the infotainment with a 10.2-inch display and uses a premium audio system with 590 watts, 10 speakers, and a subwoofer to entertain its customers. The larger screen and color scheme do add an extra level of clarity and quality to the system, and the better sound quality is noticeable. However, for many buyers, the tradeoff will not be worth it. Both systems work great, and the ability to attain necessities like navigation from your phone makes it easy to stick with the standard 8-inch display on the EX-L. The connectivity features extend to new heights with the Elite, which comes standard with heated second-row captain's chairs and a mobile hotspot. This is to promote the social climate of the rear seating area, and the mobile hotspot is there to ensure that your kids have the ability to stay connected while on long road trips. This is a great feature for large families who expect their kids to entertain themselves and bring devices in the car. The hotspot can connect up to 7 devices, and even if this feature is discontinued, the captain's chairs are of excellent quality, and your family will definitely appreciate the heated seats in the winter. [3]

2.3. Driver-Assistive Technologies

Adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, a courtesy of the Honda Sensing suite. This system is so seamless in its operation that I'll set the desired speed while transitioning from surface streets to the freeway on ramps. With the Passport Elite, it features a fully functional ACC system which I was able to adjust varying distance intervals that the vehicle maintains with the vehicle ahead of yours. The low-speed follow is another feature you'll appreciate in stop and go traffic situations. Adaptive cruise control only is available in the Honda EX-L. This setup does not have low-speed follow functionality. Simple on/off cruise control functionality is equipped in Explorers with lane monitoring functionality. This feature will basically give an alert when your vehicle is beginning to veer out of detectable lane markings without using your turn signal. A right and left-hand lane symbol indicator will appear right in the gauge cluster showing the system is activated or detecting lane marking – white indicates the system is inactive or there are no lane markings present. A flashing amber symbol indicates the system is actively detecting lane marking with no action from the driver. Any steering wheel input on the driver's part will cause the system to disengage. The system will not actively steer the vehicle back into the lane, but it will provide steering input torque at various intervals. This feature is useful if you find yourself fatigued from long-distance driving, but some consumers may find this intrusive or annoying if they are experiencing the steering torque feedback for the first time. Finally, the lane keep assist system will actively apply left and right steering torque to guide your vehicle back to the center of a detected lane. The lane monitoring functionality is fairly comparable between the two vehicles, but the Honda Passport has a much more refined and cohesive system.

2.4. Advanced Technology Package

Advance technology package is only available if the consumer decides to go with the Elite trim. This bundle of features is tailored to add a sense of luxury, convenience, and additional safety. Because of the limited amount of advanced safety features mentioned previously in the article, this technology package is a way to get more safety features in a very advanced nature. The audio system is definitely a big improvement in this package with a 590-watt 10-speaker audio system, which is more than double the wattage and number of speakers from the EX-L audio system. This will definitely give you clearer sound at all volume levels. They have also added ambient lighting, which is a very subtle touch but it definitely adds a premium feel to the interior at night. This technology package is also the gateway to getting parking sensors in the Passport. Parking sensors are very handy when you are in a tight spot. This will help prevent any parking lot mishaps. Now we move on to the safety features. Any vehicles equipped with this technology package will get a driver memory seat system. This is targeted for households with multiple drivers as it will memorize seating position and side mirror preferences for two drivers. The biggest feature in the package is the dual blind spot monitor system. This system is just an upgraded version of the static blind spot mirrors and the Honda LaneWatch. With the dual blind spot monitor system, if an indicator is used to signal a lane change and there is a vehicle in the lane or a vehicle is detected approaching in an adjacent lane, the indicator will flash and a warning beep will sound. This is the newest in safety technology and it is a good preventative measure in avoiding a lane change collision. Dual blind spot monitor is the sole reason why you will see the Passport Elite getting a higher crash avoidance safety rating compared to the other trims.

3. Comfort and Convenience

At first glance, the interior of the Honda Passport has a very utilitarian look. The EX-L and the Elite model both come standard with leather-trimmed seats, and the interior of both models has an upgraded look and feel compared to the cloth seats found in the Sport and EX models. The leather interior definitely adds to the luxury appeal of the Passport. In terms of seating and cargo space, both the EX-L and the Elite model are identical. Both models come standard with heated front seats, a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, and a 4-way power adjustable passenger's seat. The driver's seat memory is a nice touch for the multi-driver family. The rear seats are 60/40 folding and with the second row folded down, the Passport has a very impressive 100 cubic feet of cargo space. Upgrade to the Elite model and you get seating for second row passengers with heated seats, and ventilation for the driver and front passenger. The Elite model also has a very unique and industry first, powered tailgate that can be opened as a traditional hatch, or as a side opening door to access the cargo area, which may be beneficial for those who tow small trailers. Overall, the seating and cargo space of the Passport is very functional for active families, and the Elite model adds an extra touch of luxury.

3.1. Seating and Cargo Space

Seating is technically for eight, but inferior to the Elite model due to a bench being standard and no option for captain's chairs. The bench option fails to significantly increase payload because it decreases maximum cargo space, often goes wasted due to only having seven passengers, and after removing the middle section of the bench, it really is not that much different from captain's chairs besides not having a walkway to the third row. Elite's second row captain's chairs have a removable middle section, allowing many different configurations for passengers and cargo. No matter how the seats are arranged, Elite offers a comfortable 1500mm (length) x 900mm (width) x 400mm (height) space to the side of the third row seats. This compares to only 840mm (length) x 800mm (width) x 260mm (height) for the EX-L model and 1080mm (length) x 1100mm (width) x 380mm (height) for the EX-L model with no second row seats and all compared to maximum cargo space of 2260L for the Elite model, 2192L for the EX-L model, and 1931L for the EX-L model with no second row seats. This enables the Elite model to be a prime choice for those wanting a spacious vehicle for both passengers and cargo. This can be a significant factor for those choosing a Passport over a smaller CR-V or similar sized vehicles. The extra space allows the Elite to maintain practicality when carrying six or seven passengers, although it may be impractical and/or undesirable to many to buy an eight-seat vehicle just for the extra cargo space when seating will often go unused.

3.2. Luxury Features

As the Pilot and Passport both share the same platform, it should come as no surprise that both vehicles offer very similar luxury features. Both vehicles offer nearly identical features once getting to the EXL level. However, the Acura does offer an option for a heated steering wheel, heated second row seats, and a surround view camera system once things are pushed up to the top level Elite. The Elite will also come with a standard head up display. Step back down to the Honda and the second row seats will be cooled, a feature not offered in the Acura. Pricing between the two vehicles is close but the Passport does come in cheaper unless choosing the top spec Elite which sits around $45,000, the same as the base model MDX. This means the Honda offers a better overall value compared with its Acura sibling. The advantage here is mostly with the Acura due to the abundance of standard features throughout the MDX range and although the option is there, MDX buyers can often overpay once hitting the dealer lot. Acura also holds higher resale value compared to the Honda brand.

3.3. Convenience Features

Convenience features of the 2018 Honda Passport Elite include a power liftgate, which the EX-L model does not have. Passport Elite's power liftgate can be programmed to remember the desired height if the standard height is insufficient. In addition to the convenience of the power liftgate, the Elite model is also equipped with a hands-free access feature which auto-locks and auto-unlocks the door as the driver approaches and walks away from the vehicle. Both the hands-free access and power liftgate will be a convenient feature for those with their hands full. The parking sensors have a more premium capability in the Passport Elite, as it features both front and rear parking sensors as opposed to only rear parking sensors on the EX-L model. A convenient sliding sunshade is also included with the Passport's Elite model and it is used to block sunlight from the 2nd row passengers, as opposed to the fixed sunshade included in the EX-L model. Fixed sunshades are typically susceptible to damage over time making the sliding sunshade a more durable, longer lasting option. Additional convenience features of the Honda Passport Elite include rain-sensing windshield wipers, which automatically activate if moisture is detected on the windshield. The rain-sensing windshield wipers can be adjusted to activate with more or less moisture depending on the driver's preference. The Passport Elite model also is equipped with a heated steering wheel and ventilated seats for both the driver and front seat passenger. These will be welcomed features for those in extreme hot or cold climates. A universal garage-door opener system is standard in the Elite model of Passport and can be programmed to operate up to three remote controlled devices. Although convenience features were not the sole purpose for the development of the Honda Passport Elite, minor differences in convenience features can be a major influence on a consumer's decision between an EX-L and Elite model.

4. Pricing and Options

Conclusion At the point when considering what trim to get, and any additional things, finding a fair pace of the 2019 Honda Passport is staggeringly direct. The close to $5000 worthiness partition between each trim is clear and is reflected with a consistently growing measure of standard equipment and progression over the range. There is for each situation more space to move past the MSRP with a merchant when obtaining any vehicle, yet it shows up Honda has made things direct for people to find an appealing expense.

Optional Packages and Accessories - For all intents and purposes the whole of the optional groups for the 2019 Honda Passport are open as merchant presented additional items. The principle real one is the all-wheel-drive structure, which can be added to any trim for an additional $1900. This may give off an impression of being a ton of money for all-wheel drive, yet it moreover consolidates redesigned dealing with limit over the slant control segment and a more notable measure of strength during opposing environment conditions. The other thing to see here is that the elective packs keep things direct and direct. Honda doesn't flood the client with bewildering packs and concealed component groups for each trim, which makes things itemizing on the Passport much less difficult.

MSRP and Trim Levels - The 2019 Honda Passport is presently in dealerships. It comes in four trim levels: Sport, EXL, Touring, and Elite. The base Sport model begins at $31,990. The EXL begins at $36,410, the Touring begins at $39,280, and the range-topping Elite begins at $43,680. These costs are like noticeably more costly than its nearest contender the 2019 Subaru Outback, yet the Passport game plans more standard gadgets overall trims. Customer looking for a base Passport can predict that for the money they are getting a ton of features.

4.1. MSRP and Trim Levels

The 2019 Passport is available in 4 different trim levels, starting with the Sport model, which has a base MSRP of $31,990. The EX-L model is the mid-range trim level and is a step up from the Sport model, which includes all features from the Sport model and adds the On-Demand AWD, an Intelligent Traction Management System, a remote start function, a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, and a leather trimmed interior. The MSRP for the EX-L model starts at $36,410 and goes up to $37,210 if you want to include the navigation system. The Touring model is a step up from the EX-L trim level and includes all features from the previous trim levels with the addition of a hands-free access power tailgate, a heated steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors, and a 590-watt premium audio system with 10 speakers, including subwoofer. This trim level starts at an MSRP of $39,280. The Elite model is the top of the line trim level and includes all features from the previous trim levels while adding a standard AWD system, an auto-dimming, power folding side mirror, a heated 2nd row of seats, and a wireless phone charger. This Elite model has an MSRP starting at $43,680.

4.2. Optional Packages and Accessories

This is nothing exciting, but it is something that potential customers should consider when looking at the expanded capabilities of the transmission in the Elite. Honda's Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System is standard in every trim level of the Passport. While this will provide great safety and better all-weather capabilities to the average driver, off-road enthusiasts will be disappointed here due to the lack of low range gearing. Elite trims are equipped with intelligent Variable Torque Management AWD system, which is the same as what's standard, but adds a low range gear in addition to an intelligent traction management system that features new snow, sand and mud traction modes. This adds greater off-road capabilities for the elite, that will make it possible to take your Passport deeper into the wild than you'd be comfortable going with a lower trim or an AWD CR-V. This is a legitimately helpful feature for anyone residing in rural areas or frequently traveling to places with particularly awful road conditions. Another Elite exclusive feature that is noteworthy is the standard best-in-class i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system. This system adds a more sporting intent to the driving experience with how it directs power. This is a big feature that relates to the more lively driving experience of top end Elite trims, and a topic we will delve a bit deeper into later. High-end trail performance is further enhanced with the addition of standard Intelligent Traction Management with 4 different modes, up from 2 modes found in AWD EX-L trims and the standard 2 modes of FWD models.

References:

[1] A. Karner, "THE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE FACED BY THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY: FROM A REGULATORY-PULL PERSPECTIVE TO A BUSINESS-PUSH …," 2021. unive.it

[2] S. Hind, "Dashboard design and the 'datafied'driving experience," Big Data & Society, 2021. sagepub.com

[3] K. Ghamkhar, W. M. Williams, and A. H. D. Brown, "Plant genetic resources for the 21st century: the OMICS era," 2023. figshare.com