Ford's three-row workhorse splits into two distinct eras, and knowing which you're buying matters more than the badge. The 2013-2019 generation hides a ticking time bomb: the water pump lives behind the timing cover, turning what should be a $400 maintenance item into a $5,000 engine-out ordeal that replaces timing chains whether they're worn or not. The 2020 redesign fixed that engineering blunder but stumbled out of the gate, 2021 models left the factory missing sunroof drain tubes, flooding cabins and triggering $26k repair bills, while infotainment screens freeze mid-drive across the lineup. Police fleets rack up 300k miles through daily beatings, proving the bones can take punishment, but the third row stays cramped and cost-cut bushings needed a recall. If you need the space and can stomach Ford's quality control lottery, buy 2022 or newer. Otherwise, the Highlander costs the same and won't make you wonder what breaks next.
Honda finally built the off-road SUV it should've made years ago, boxy, capable, and $10-15k cheaper than a 4Runner while driving better on pavement. The 2026 redesign nails the look with aggressive styling and backs it up with real hardware: 8.3 inches of ground clearance, steel skid plates, and an AWD system that'll handle more trail than most owners will ever see. The naturally aspirated V6 is a proven workhorse in a segment going turbo-four. But you're paying for that capability at the pump, owners report 17-20 mpg in mixed driving, and that 19-gallon tank means gas stops every 300 miles. The 10-speed transmission is a lottery: some units shift smoothly, others buck and hunt constantly, and dealers say that's normal. If you can stomach feeding it premium and frequent fill-ups, and you value Honda's reputation over a hybrid powertrain, the Passport delivers genuine adventure capability without the 4Runner's penalty box interior or dated tech. If fuel economy matters or you want buttery-smooth power delivery, the CR-V Hybrid is sitting right there in the showroom.