The 2027 Honda Passport tows 5,000 lbs and delivers 285 hp with AWD standard on every trim. The Santa Fe offers up to 4,500 lbs of towing on the XRT, while most trims are rated at 3,500 lbs, and offers FWD as its base configuration. Read the full side-by-side breakdown and check Passport inventory at Heather Cannon Honda.
The Short Answer
The 2027 Honda Passport is the stronger choice for buyers who tow, wheel off-road, or want AWD grip without paying extra. Its naturally aspirated V6, 9.65 inches of ground clearance on TrailSport trims, and standard AWD across every trim give it a meaningful capability edge. The 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe counters with a third row of seating, superior highway fuel economy (29 mpg hwy vs 22 mpg hwy), and a longer powertrain warranty, making it the better fit for families who prioritize passenger capacity and efficiency over towing and trail ability.
Specs Head-to-Head
| Spec |
2027 Honda Passport |
2027 Hyundai Santa Fe |
| Engine |
3.5L V6 i-VTEC |
2.5L Turbo I-4 |
| Horsepower |
285 hp |
277 hp |
| Torque |
262 lb-ft |
311 lb-ft |
| Transmission |
10-Speed Automatic |
8-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain |
AWD standard, all trims |
FWD standard; AWD optional |
| EPA City / Hwy / Combined |
18 / 22 / 20 mpg |
20 / 29 / 24 mpg |
| Towing Capacity |
5,000 lbs |
3,500 lbs (SE/SEL/Limited/Calligraphy); 4,500 lbs (XRT) |
| Ground Clearance |
9.65 in (TrailSport); 8.3 in (RTL) |
7.0 in (most trims); 8.3 in (XRT) |
| Seating |
5 |
7 |
| Cargo Behind 2nd Row |
44 cu ft |
40.5 cu ft |
| Max Cargo |
83.8 cu ft |
79.6 cu ft |
| Length |
191.5 in |
190.2 in |
| Basic Warranty |
3 yr / 36k mi |
5 yr / 60k mi |
| Powertrain Warranty |
5 yr / 60k mi |
10 yr / 100k mi |
EPA fuel economy data for the 2027 Honda Passport
Performance and Powertrain
The Passport runs a 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 producing 285 hp. It pairs with a 10-speed automatic featuring Shift-By-Wire and paddle shifters, and Honda's second-generation i-VTM4 torque-vectoring AWD is fitted to every trim from the base RTL upward. Seven drive modes, including Trail, Sand, and Tow, give drivers real terrain control without optional packages.
The Santa Fe uses a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. Its peak torque figure (311 lb-ft) exceeds the Passport's 262 lb-ft, which gives the Santa Fe strong low-rpm pull. However, AWD (branded HTRAC) is optional rather than standard on most trims, and towing capacity sits at 3,500 lbs across most of the lineup (the XRT raises that figure to 4,500 lbs). Buyers who regularly haul a boat, camper, or trailer will find the Passport's 5,000-lb rating to be a decisive advantage.
On the efficiency side, the Santa Fe's turbo-four returns 20 city / 29 hwy / 24 combined mpg (FWD), versus the Passport's 18 city / 22 hwy / 20 combined. Drivers who log long highway miles will notice the gap.
Full 2027 Passport powertrain details
Interior, Space, and Cargo
The Passport seats five with 44 cu ft of cargo space behind the second row and up to 83.8 cu ft with the seats folded. Front legroom measures 41.1 inches and second-row legroom matches it at 40.9 inches, a genuinely flat floor that makes back-seat life comfortable for adults. The TrailSport trims gain off-road-tuned suspension and all-terrain tires, which slightly reduce headroom (39.1 in) compared to RTL trims (40.5 in).
The Santa Fe adds a functional third row, seating up to seven passengers. Third-row legroom is 30.0 inches, which is adequate for shorter trips but tight for adults on long hauls. Behind the third row, cargo space shrinks to just 14.6 cu ft. Fold everything flat and max cargo reaches 79.6 cu ft, roughly 4 cu ft less than the Passport. For families who need occasional third-row use, the Santa Fe's packaging is a genuine differentiator. For those who rarely carry more than four passengers and value cargo room, the Passport's layout is more practical day-to-day.
Interior materials vary by trim on both vehicles. Passport RTL trims use leather and cloth seating; TrailSport trims step up to durable HondaTex with contrast orange stitching, and TrailSport Elite adds perforated leather with contrast accents. Santa Fe SE uses stain-resistant cloth; SEL and XRT use H-Tex; Limited offers leather-trimmed seats; Calligraphy brings Nappa leather.
Both cabins offer tri-zone or dual-zone climate control, heated front seats (standard on Passport RTL and above; not available on Santa Fe SE), and power liftgates.
Technology and Safety
Both vehicles carry 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreens with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto as standard equipment. The Passport adds Google built-in with Google Gemini and Alexa Built-In, along with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, across every trim. The Santa Fe's 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is limited to the Limited trim and above.
The Passport's TrailWatch multi-angle camera system is standard on all TrailSport trims, giving trail-specific visibility for rock and rut navigation. The Santa Fe's Surround View Monitor is available on Limited and above.
On active safety, both vehicles carry a comprehensive standard suite. Honda Sensing includes collision mitigation, lane keeping, adaptive cruise with low-speed follow, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic warning, and front/rear parking sensors, all standard on every Passport trim. Hyundai SmartSense covers similar ground with the addition of Lane Centering and Safe Exit Assist, also standard across the Santa Fe lineup. The Santa Fe XRT and above add Highway Driving Assist.
Both SUVs offer a 9-speaker audio system at lower trims and a 12-speaker Bose system at higher trims.
2027 Passport safety features and Honda Sensing details
Value and Ownership
The Hyundai Santa Fe carries a notably longer warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles basic and 10 years / 100,000 miles on the powertrain. The Passport's warranty is 3 years / 36,000 miles basic and 5 years / 60,000 miles on the powertrain. For buyers who prioritize long-term coverage, this is a meaningful advantage for the Santa Fe.
The Passport counters with AWD standard on every trim, which eliminates the need to step up from a base FWD configuration to get all-weather traction. On the Santa Fe, AWD is optional on most trims and adds to the purchase decision. The Passport's Honda Sensing suite, heated front seats, wireless charging, and Google built-in are standard from the RTL trim, while TrailWatch cameras are standard on TrailSport models, delivering a high content level without requiring buyers to navigate mid-grade upgrades.
Both vehicles run on regular unleaded gasoline. The Santa Fe's fuel economy advantage translates to lower per-mile fuel cost for high-mileage drivers.
Compare all 2027 Honda Passport trims
Which One Should You Buy
Choose the 2027 Honda Passport if:
You tow a boat, camper, or trailer and need the full 5,000-lb rating. You want AWD without paying extra. You prioritize off-road credibility, particularly with the TrailSport trims that add 9.65 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, off-road-tuned suspension, Hill Descent Control, and seven drive modes. You carry five passengers and want the maximum cargo room behind the second row. You want Google built-in, Alexa, and a digital cluster standard from the entry trim.
Choose the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe if:
You regularly carry six or seven passengers and the third row is a true requirement. Highway fuel economy is your priority, as the Santa Fe's 29 mpg highway rating is a significant lead. You value the long 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. You do not tow and are not drawn to trail-specific capability.
For shoppers in Ponca City and across north-central Oklahoma who tow, haul cargo, and want AWD confidence on every trim level, the Passport's advantage is clear.
See the 2027 Honda Passport at Heather Cannon Honda in Ponca City
Heather Cannon Honda stocks the full 2027 Passport lineup, from the entry RTL through the TrailSport Elite Blackout. Browse current inventory online or stop in and compare the trims side by side. The team can walk you through the TrailWatch camera system, the seven drive modes, and everything else that sets the Passport apart from the Santa Fe before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2027 Honda Passport come with AWD standard?
Yes. AWD (Honda's second-generation i-VTM4 system) is standard on every 2027 Passport trim, from the base RTL through the TrailSport Elite Blackout. The 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe starts with FWD and offers AWD as an option on most trims.
How much can the 2027 Honda Passport tow vs the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2027 Passport tows up to 5,000 lbs on every trim. The 2027 Santa Fe tows up to 3,500 lbs on SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy trims; the XRT trims reach 4,500 lbs. The Passport holds a 500-lb to 1,500-lb advantage depending on which Santa Fe trim you compare.
Which SUV gets better gas mileage, the Passport or the Santa Fe?
The 2027 Santa Fe is more fuel-efficient. Its EPA ratings are 20 city / 29 hwy / 24 combined mpg (FWD), compared to the Passport's 18 city / 22 hwy / 20 combined mpg. The Santa Fe's turbocharged four-cylinder produces stronger fuel economy, especially on the highway.
Does the 2027 Honda Passport have a third row of seats?
No. The Passport seats five passengers across two rows. The 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a third row and seats up to seven passengers, which is one of its core advantages over the Passport.
What ground clearance does the 2027 Honda Passport have?
TrailSport trims carry 9.65 inches of ground clearance, along with off-road-tuned suspension and all-terrain tires. RTL and RTL Towing trims have 8.3 inches of ground clearance. The Santa Fe SE and SEL have 7.0 inches; the XRT has 8.3 inches.
Which vehicle has the better warranty?
The 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe has a longer warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles basic and 10 years / 100,000 miles powertrain. The 2027 Honda Passport is covered for 3 years / 36,000 miles basic and 5 years / 60,000 miles on the powertrain.
Is Google built-in standard on the 2027 Honda Passport?
Yes. Google built-in with Google Gemini is standard on every 2027 Passport trim, alongside wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Alexa Built-In, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The 2027 Santa Fe does not include Google built-in.
