Toyota Highlander vs Honda Passport

Verdict: Toyota Highlander vs Honda Passport

The Toyota Highlander and the Honda Passport both offer commendable reliability for midsize SUVs, with average reliability scores of 84 and 83 out of 100, respectively. However, the Highlander has a lower owner complaint rate of 5.8 per 10,000 sold compared to the Passport's 11.6, indicating fewer issues per vehicle sold. Additionally, the Highlander has a slightly lower estimated annual repair cost at $489 versus the Passport's $521. While both vehicles show common issues in power train and service brakes, the Highlander's overall lower complaint rate and repair cost make it a marginally more reliable choice.

Reliability problem analysis

The Toyota Highlander registers a higher total complaint count than the Honda Passport, with notable issues in the power train and air bags, the latter having a significant 41 crash-linked complaints. In contrast, the Honda Passport's most frequent issues are with the electrical system and forward collision avoidance, though these categories have relatively few crash-linked complaints. While both vehicles experience power train and service brake problems, the Highlander shows a higher incidence and crash linkage in these areas. The Passport's complaints are generally less severe in terms of crash linkage, indicating a potentially less critical impact on safety compared to the Highlander.

Which one to buy

If you prioritize low running costs and higher reliability, the Toyota Highlander might be the better choice for you. With a reliability score of 84/100, an estimated annual repair cost of $489, and fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold (5.8), it offers a more dependable ownership experience. While the Highlander has more recalls (66), its major repair risk is clearly defined at 13%, giving you a better understanding of potential issues.

On the other hand, if you value fewer recalls and are comfortable with slightly higher repair costs, consider the Honda Passport. With only 29 recalls and a focus on issues like the electrical system and forward collision avoidance, it might be appealing if these features are high on your list. The Passport's reliability score is close at 83/100, but be mindful of the higher owner complaints rate (11.6 per 10,000 sold) and repair cost estimates of $521 annually.

Cost of ownership

According to industry estimates, the Toyota Highlander and Honda Passport both require about 0.3 repair visits per year, highlighting similar reliability. However, the Highlander has a slightly lower annual repair cost at $489 compared to the Passport's $521, translating to a $32 difference yearly or $160 over five years. The major repair risk for the Highlander is approximately 13%, while the Passport's risk is not specified, leaving potential buyers without full insight into long-term reliability.

For cost-conscious buyers, the Toyota Highlander offers better value given its lower annual repair costs and transparent major repair risk, providing a clearer picture of potential expenses.