Shopping rugged, 2-row SUVs in LA? Two favorites are the 2026 Honda Passport and the 2025 Toyota 4Runner. Both can handle weekend dirt, parking garages, and long freeway runs. But if you want standard AWD, a refined V-6, and day-one tech that’s included—not added—Passport is the smart pick for Los Angeles drivers.
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Quick verdict for LA commuters (Passport > 4Runner)
- Standard AWD confidence: Every 2026 Passport trim includes i-VTM4™ torque-vectoring AWD (2nd gen) with 30% faster response and 40% more rear-axle torque capacity vs. the previous system.
- Smooth V-6 power: New 3.5L DOHC V-6 (285 hp / 262 lb-ft) with a 10-speed automatic—calm, linear power that fits LA traffic.
- Everyday tech, standard: 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™, Google built-in, 10.2-inch digital cluster, and Qi wireless charging on every Passport.
- Serious utility: Up to 5,000-lb towing, 44.0 cu ft behind the 2nd row, and up to 83.8 cu ft max cargo. Underfloor storage included.
- TrailSport hardware: Off-road-tuned suspension, 275/60R18 General Grabber A/T tires, steel skid plates, front & rear recovery points, and improved approach angle—ideal for Big Bear weekends.
- What 4Runner brings: New-gen powertrains with i-FORCE (278 hp / 317 lb-ft) or available i-FORCE MAX hybrid (326 hp / 465 lb-ft), 8-speed AT, available 3rd-row (on specific i-FORCE grades), Multi-Terrain Select & Crawl Control, and up to 6,000-lb towing.
1) Power & drivability you’ll feel in DTLA
Passport (2026): New 285-hp DOHC V-6 + 10-speed automatic delivers quiet, predictable response on short on-ramps and tight merges on the 110/10. Standard 2nd-gen i-VTM4™ AWD adds sharper rear-axle torque transfer for confidence in rain or on gravel approaches to trailheads.
4Runner (2025): The i-FORCE turbo four makes 278 hp/317 lb-ft; the i-FORCE MAX hybrid jumps to 326 hp/465 lb-ft. Both use an 8-speed automatic.
LA takeaway: 4Runner’s hybrid posts bigger peaks, but Passport’s standard V-6 + standard torque-vectoring AWD gives you the calm, consistent drivability most city drivers want, without climbing trims or adding packages.
2) Tech that’s ready on day one
Passport (all 2026 trims):
- 12.3-inch color touchscreen (54% larger than before) with wireless CarPlay®/Android Auto™ and Google built-in
- 10.2-inch all-digital instrument display
- Qi wireless phone charging and front/rear USB-C ports
- Audio: 9 speakers (RTL, TrailSport) or 12-speaker Bose® (TrailSport Elite)
- Available multi-view / TrailWatch™ camera (TrailSport Elite) for 360° trail awareness
4Runner: Toyota’s new multimedia system is available with larger displays and JBL® audio depending on grade, plus off‑road tech like Multi‑Terrain Select (MTS) and Crawl Control on select trims.
Why it matters in LA: For podcasts, maps, charging, and voice control, Passport’s standard setup keeps your cabin clean and easy. No hunting for the “right” trim for basics.
3) Space for errands, gear, and beach days
Passport cargo (2-row, 2026): Up to 44.0 cu ft behind the 2nd row and up to 83.8 cu ft max. Wider cargo bay; underfloor storage (~0.6 cu ft). Best-in-class rear-seat legroom adds comfort for carpool duty.
4Runner cargo/seating: 5 seats standard; 7 seats available on i-FORCE SR5 and Limited. Cargo capacity varies by configuration, including up to 90.2/48.4 cu ft (2-row i-FORCE) and 84.1/44.8/12.1 cu ft (3-row i-FORCE). The i-FORCE MAX (hybrid) notes 82.6/42.6 cu ft (2-row).
City-use angle: Need a 3rd row? 4Runner offers it on specific grades. Want a spacious 2-row with a low lift-over and smart storage? Passport nails daily life in LA.
4) Traction & trail features
Passport (2026): i-VTM4™ AWD standard; Hill Descent Control standard; TrailSport adds A/T tires (275/60R18), off-road-tuned suspension, thick steel skid plates, bright-orange heavy-duty recovery points, and improved clearances (approx. 23.0° approach; 8.3″ ground clearance on TrailSport).
4Runner: Available 4×4 systems with MTS, Crawl Control, locking rear diff, underbody protection, and available frame-mounted rock rails depending on trim.
Bottom line: Hardcore trail runner? 4Runner still has edge hardware for extreme lines. Most LA families will value Passport’s standard AWD and TrailSport’s ready-to-go kit for SoCal dirt.
5) Towing & utility
Passport (2026): Max 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. New Tow mode and no accessory trans-cooler required to hit max rating.
4Runner: Max towing 6,000 lbs (per SAE J2807).
If you regularly tow heavier loads, 4Runner’s higher rating helps. For boats, small campers, or cargo trailers, Passport’s 5,000-lb rating covers most use cases.
Trim cheat‑sheet (Passport)
RTL — Standard AWD, 12.3-in touchscreen w/ Google built-in, wireless charging, 9-speaker audio, leather-trimmed seating, heated fronts.
TrailSport — Adds off-road-tuned suspension, A/T tires, steel skid plates, integrated recovery points, LED fogs, panoramic roof, all-weather mats, heated windshield.
TrailSport Elite — Adds Bose® 12-speaker audio, TrailWatch™ 360° camera, ventilated fronts, heated rears, rear door shades, expanded ambient lighting.
See the Passport at Honda of Downtown Los Angeles
If you’re comparing 2026 Honda Passport vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner, the Passport stands out for standard torque-vectoring AWD, a refined new V-6 with a 10-speed, and standard tech you’ll actually use in LA. Take a test drive at Honda of Downtown Los Angeles and feel the difference.
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