The 2021 Toyota Highlander learned new tricks to keep us entertained on the road, when we’re not asleep in the back anyway.
Pros Better style New sporty XSE look Still practical… ...and fuel efficient Great standard safety
Cons Infotainment is still a headache Exterior is a little busy Pricey top models Small-ish third row
The sporty-looking XSE trim level joins the Highlander lineup for 2021. It punches up the looks with more aggressive exterior styling, unique 20-inch wheels, black exterior accents, and a sportier calibration for the suspension. Elsewhere, LED projection headlamps are now a standard feature and all models receive additional driver-assistance features, including semi-automated emergency steering technology that's designed to help a driver avoid collisions.
Pros Attractive design, optional hybrid powertrain, generous standard features.
Cons Few driving thrills, skimpy third-row room, fussy interior styling.
The 2021 Toyota Highlander comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 2 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.New sporty XSE trim debuts.
Pros Comfortable, quiet ride Easy to see out of Good power and fuel economy from V6 engine
Cons Third row is kids-only Below-average cargo space behind the third-row seat
The 2021 Honda Passport stamps its own personality from Pilot running gear, with a slight tilt in the off-road direction.
Pros Big interior space Refined highway driver Works fine in moderate off-roading Standard safety gear
Cons 9-speed automatic gets confused Not much bigger than CR-V The adventure’s missing from the look No low-ratio four-wheeling
The 2021 Honda Passport comes with all wheel drive, and front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 9-speed shiftable automatic.All trims now have the 8-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment.
Pros Spacious interior with lots of passenger space Comfortable front seats Many clever storage compartments
Cons Adaptive cruise control is only available over 20 mph Driver's seat might be positioned a little high for some people
The 2021 Passport only receives a small update for the new model year, with base models adding a newly standard 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system versus the old 5.0-inch display. The rest of the lineup is unchanged except for a small increase in starting prices.
Pros Spacious interior for people and cargo, powerful V-6 engine, plenty of standard safety features.
Cons Base model isn’t well equipped, occasional rough ride, not so stylish.