One glance at the auto industry as a whole, and you’ll see a market dominated by the SUV. Sure there are plenty of pickup trucks, sedans, and compact cars getting praise, but the field is dominated by vehicles that prioritize utility above all things. While the industry is currently being dominated by the utility vehicle, a vast majority of these cars are far and away from the full-sized SUVs of the past. For that reason, we’re excited to match up the 2019 Ford Edge vs the 2019 Honda Passport. These are two full-sized SUVs that harken back to a time when utility vehicle was synonymous with large engines, expansive cargo spaces, and plenty of legroom for all. Even though these vehicles exude what it means to be a full-sized SUV, only one earns its place as the superior utility vehicle.
A Surface Level View
When it comes to looks both the 2019 Honda Passport and the 2019 Ford Edge offers up plenty of curb appeal. In the Honda Passport, you have a modern-looking full-sized SUV that seats a total of 5 passengers. That said, these exterior stylings do little to stand out from the pack of other SUVs on the market. While there is nothing wrong with hopping on current trends, separating the Honda Passport from the Toyota RAV4 and vehicles of the like maybe a little bit of a challenge. The 2019 Ford Edge offers more of a unique styling particularly unique to the Ford SUV lineup. If there is one word to describe the exterior stylings of the Ford Edge, it’d be robust.
Of course, the styling isn’t the only thing you’ll catch in a first glance. The sticker price is quite an influential factor as well, steering potential buyers one way or the other. When it comes to cost, the 2019 Honda Passport starts out at $31,990 MSRP, while the 2019 Ford Edge starts at $29,995 MSRP. This thousand dollar difference can be definitely polarizing, and for drivers looking for a better deal, the Ford Edge might win out. Although, it is impossible to judge a book by its cover, and both SUVs offer plenty beneath their chassis.
A Glimpse Beneath the Hood
When it comes to buying a full-size SUV, two of the most important factors are the engine beneath the hood and the degree of towing capacity. While both vehicles host a robust piece of machinery under the hood, some are a little more configurable than others. That leads us to the 2019 Honda Passport. Entry levels of the SUV are equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine which is responsible for 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft worth of torque.
At the same time, the Honda Passport gets a pretty middling EPA-rated 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, and unfortunately, that’s all you get. Honda seems to have decided to offer only a single engine option for their full-sized SUV, which is a shame for drivers who want a little more variety on their plate. And with four different trim options, you’d think that Honda would have gone the extra mile to provide an alternative to something as fuel-thirsty as a V6 engine.
In comparison the 2019 Ford Edge is quite refreshing, offering a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine as standard. This standard engine may be small, but it packs quite the punch, roaring out at 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft worth of torque. Yes, if you were wondering, that puts it directly beneath Honda’s V6 beast, which furthers the divide between these two vehicles. Drivers who want something a little more beefy from the Ford Edge can opt for the 2.7-liter V6 option which brings things up a notch to 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft worth of torque. Sure, you’ll take a hit to fuel economy with this larger engine, but you’ll be given a higher range of power.
Speaking of power, towing capacity is a huge deal for either vehicle, and to our surprise, the Ford Edge falls a little flat. Even with the beefier engine, the Ford Edge tops out at 3,500 lbs. While this may not be disappointing to some, the AWD option of the Honda Passport can haul up to 5,000 lbs without breaking a sweat. Although, if towing isn’t your deal, and you find greater joy in off-road driving you’ll likely find greater satisfaction in either vehicle, as the 2019 Ford Edge also offers an AWD variant. Then again, with the added level of torque, you’ll definitely find superior versatility off-roading with Ford’s full-sized SUV.
Interior Comforts
While the engine power and towing capacity is important, it isn’t the sole characteristic in finding the ultimate SUV. Interior comforts have a place of importance too, and they can make or break your entire driving experience.
Drivers and passengers of the Honda Passport will find plenty of wiggle room, with space left over for all of your luggage and then some. In the rear, you’ll find 41 cu.ft. of space, and with the rear seats put down that expands to a practically expansive 78 cu.ft. of space. That said if you’re looking for more than wiggle room you’ll need to put down a little more cash. The standard option of the Honda Passport is quite bare in terms of extra amenities, offering only cloth upholstery, a 5.0-inch audio display screen, and two USB ports. Fortunately, the lack of extra features is made up for the fact that the Honda Passport comes with cutting-edge safety features as standard. Features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and active lane control are all considered standard.
How does the Ford Edge match up against the competition? Well, when it comes to cargo space, the starting measurements come in at 39.2 cu.ft., and with the rear seats folded expands to 73.4 cu.ft. of cargo space, putting it in close competition with the Honda Passport. Although, what the Ford Edge lacks in extra legroom it makes up for in special features. Top trim options of the Ford Edge rival that of even high-end luxury vehicles offered by many brands. Base models of the Ford Edge are equipped with cloth upholstery, in-car wireless data, Sync 3 infotainment tech, LED headlights, and rain-sensing wipers. Move up the trim option ladder, and you’ll find additional premium features like a panoramic roof, remote start, wireless smartphone charging, and so much more. What about safety? Well, the Ford Edge pulls out all the stops providing drivers with top-tier safety features as standard, including forward-collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, and active lane control.
Our Verdict
So, which SUV is superior? Well, the Honda Passport is certainly a worthwhile contender, but it falls short with lesser fuel economy, limited standard trimmings, and a poor degree of customization. And for the sticker price, the Honda Passport misses some marks in terms of value. Alternatively, the 2019 Ford Edge rises from the competition, providing trim-topping features as standard, a variety of configurations, and plenty of exterior charm to boot. While the 2019 Ford Edge is our pick as a superior SUV, we always suggest that our readers go check out both vehicles for themselves. Every driver is different, and the best way to get a full opinion on a car is to take it out for a spin.
