In the competitive landscape of mid-size crossovers, the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia and the 2026 Honda Passport emerge as two compelling yet divergent options. While sharing a market segment and offering enhanced cabin volume beyond smaller models, these vehicles are engineered to attract different buyers. This comprehensive analysis scrutinizes five primary distinctions between them, encompassing their aesthetic orientations, engine performance and fuel economy, off-road prowess, interior amenities, and cargo versatility. The aim is to empower prospective owners in discerning which model is better suited to their specific needs and aspirations.

These two Japanese-manufactured crossovers, despite being positioned within the same mid-size category, present distinctly different value propositions. The Toyota Crown Signia, with its refined and elongated profile, suggests an appeal to those who value sophisticated urban transport, echoing the elegance typically associated with premium brands. Conversely, the Honda Passport projects a more robust and practical image, indicative of an adventurous, utility-focused vehicle. Both models commence at comparable price points and offer more generous interior dimensions than their compact siblings like the RAV4 or CR-V, while maintaining a straightforward two-row configuration. It’s worth noting that Toyota also offers the 4Runner, a body-on-frame SUV built for serious off-road challenges, positioning it distinctly apart from the Passport's more moderate off-road aspirations. This comparison focuses on the latest available models, the 2025 Crown Signia and the 2026 Passport, to provide the most current insights for consumers.

A fundamental divergence lies in their fundamental design and target demographic. The Crown Signia, succeeding the Toyota Venza, elevates luxury and comfort, presenting a sleek, wagon-like appearance devoid of any rugged, off-road design cues. Its standard features, even on the base XLE trim, include elegant 19-inch alloy wheels and a minimal use of black plastic cladding, underscoring its sophisticated urban focus. Furthermore, all Crown Signia variants come equipped with acoustic front side glass, a feature only available on the higher trims of the Passport, subtly reinforcing the Toyota's more upscale orientation. In stark contrast, Honda has redesigned the latest Passport with a notably more angular and muscular aesthetic, particularly evident in the new TrailSport version. This rugged iteration is set apart by its aggressive all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, and a significantly higher ground clearance (8.3 inches compared to the Toyota's 6.7 inches), clearly signaling its off-road readiness. Although the Crown Signia boasts a longer overall length, the Passport compensates with greater width and height, appealing to buyers who prefer a more conventional, robust SUV stance.

Performance and efficiency also mark a clear divide. The Passport is powered by a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine, delivering a robust 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, this setup prioritizes consistent power, achieving 0-60 mph in the mid-seven-second range. However, this power comes at the cost of fuel economy, with an estimated 19/25/21 mpg city/highway/combined for standard trims and slightly lower figures for the TrailSport. The Crown Signia, on the other hand, adopts a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that collectively produces 240 horsepower, integrated with an electronic on-demand all-wheel-drive system and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Toyota claims a competitive 0-60 mph time of 7.1 seconds, potentially making it quicker than the more powerful Passport. Its true strength lies in its remarkable fuel efficiency, boasting an EPA rating of 39/37/38 mpg. A notable drawback, as highlighted in reviews, is the perceptible noise from the four-cylinder engine and CVT during acceleration, which can detract from the otherwise serene driving experience offered by the Crown Signia.

For those venturing off the beaten path, the Honda Passport clearly holds an advantage. While both vehicles come with standard all-wheel drive, the Passport's dedicated TrailSport trims are equipped with enhanced off-road features. These include hill descent control, multiple terrain driving modes (Snow, Trail, Sand), a protective underbody skid plate, and a specifically tuned off-road suspension, complemented by all-terrain tires. Certain Passport models further enhance off-road visibility with a TrailWatch camera system, utilizing four external cameras to help drivers navigate obstacles. The Passport's superior ground clearance and improved approach/departure angles also provide a significant edge when traversing uneven or loose terrains. The Crown Signia, by design, lacks these specialized off-road capabilities, as Toyota offers the 4Runner for dedicated off-road enthusiasts.

Conversely, the Toyota Crown Signia excels in providing an elevated level of comfort and convenience, making it the preferred option for urban and highway driving. Its interior is remarkably quiet, and the quality of materials, from the standard leather seating to the soft-touch plastics, exudes a premium feel. The Crown Signia includes a richer array of standard features compared to the Passport, such as heated front and rear seats (versus only heated front seats in the Passport), ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a hands-free power liftgate, an additional USB-C port, and a larger 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster (compared to the Passport's 10.2 inches). Furthermore, the Toyota offers exclusive features not found in the Honda, such as a digital rearview mirror. Despite its less lavish equipment, the Passport's pricing ranges from $44,750 to $53,650, while the Crown Signia is positioned between $44,090 and $48,490. This suggests that opting for the more rugged Passport, especially the TrailSport variants, means a higher price tag with fewer luxury amenities.

Regarding practicality, specifically cargo and passenger space, a significant disparity exists. Despite both vehicles being two-row crossovers, the Passport’s greater height and traditional SUV dimensions translate into superior interior volume. It offers a substantial 44 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to an impressive 104.6 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. The Crown Signia, by contrast, provides 25.6 cubic feet behind its second row, which is notably less, even trailing the compact RAV4. When the rear seats are folded, the Crown Signia’s cargo capacity reaches 68.8 cubic feet. Additionally, the Passport offers more generous rear legroom at 40.9 inches, compared to the Toyota's 37.1 inches, making it a more comfortable choice for rear passengers on longer journeys.

Ultimately, the choice between the Toyota Crown Signia and the Honda Passport hinges on individual priorities. The Passport stands out as the more practical and capable off-road vehicle, offering a smoother powertrain for adventurous pursuits. Honda's strategic move to emphasize the rugged TrailSport variants has proven successful, with strong sales figures for these models. Toyota, on the other hand, has carved out a different niche for the Crown Signia. Leveraging the existence of the more off-road-focused 4Runner, Toyota has designed the Crown Signia to prioritize sophistication, efficiency, and comfort. Its elegant design and luxurious cabin, combined with impressive fuel economy, make it an ideal choice for daily commutes and family errands. Therefore, while the Crown Signia excels in urban environments and offers a more refined driving experience, the Passport is the clear winner for those seeking robust capabilities for outdoor adventures and greater cargo flexibility.