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.
Nissan redesigned the Kicks for 2025 and fixed what needed fixing: it's bigger inside, offers AWD, and delivers 40-51 MPG on highway runs without breaking a sweat. Early owners love the value at $22k-$30k and report zero drama in daily use. The shadow hanging over it is Nissan's CVT reputation, not because this generation has failed (it's too new), but because older Nissans poisoned the well. If you're diligent about 30k-mile fluid changes, first-gen owners sailed past 150k miles trouble-free. Skip that service and you're gambling on a $5k repair bill. This is the right crossover for the calendar-reminder type who wants excellent mileage and doesn't need thrills. If you treat maintenance like a suggestion, the Toyota Corolla Cross won't punish you as hard.