2026 Honda CR-V EX vs 2025 Honda Passport EX-L

$7,750 less and 8 mpg better vs 90 more hp and 83 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $7,750 price gap, 190 vs 280 hp, 29 vs 21 MPG.

The short answer

The CR-V EX leads on $7,750 less, 8 MPG better. The Passport EX-L leads on 90 more hp, 83 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 7 specifications head to head.

$7,750
Price Gap
90 HP
HP Diff
8 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2026 Honda CR-V EX
Starts at $34,650
VS
Higher price
2025 Honda Passport EX-L
Starts at $42,400

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
1.5L I4 Turbo
vs
3.5L V6
Horsepower
190 hp
vs
280 hp
Torque
179 lb-ft
vs
262 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
29 MPG combined
vs
21 MPG combined
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,500/yr
vs
$2,100/yr

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 7 specifications.

MSRP
$34,650CR-V EX
$42,400Passport EX-L
Engine
1.5L I4 TurboCR-V EX
3.5L V6Passport EX-L
Horsepower
190 hpCR-V EX
280 hpPassport EX-L
Torque
179 lb-ftCR-V EX
262 lb-ftPassport EX-L
Transmission
continuously variable-speed automaticCR-V EX
9-speed shiftable automaticPassport EX-L
City MPG
27CR-V EX
19Passport EX-L
Highway MPG
31CR-V EX
24Passport EX-L
Combined MPG
29CR-V EX
21Passport EX-L
Fuel Tank
14.0 galCR-V EX
19.5 galPassport EX-L
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)
$1,500/yrCR-V EX
$2,100/yrPassport EX-L
Curb Weight
3,616 lbsCR-V EX
4,236 lbsPassport EX-L
Wheelbase
106.3"CR-V EX
110.9"Passport EX-L
Length
184.8"CR-V EX
189.1"Passport EX-L
Width
73.5"CR-V EX
78.6"Passport EX-L
Height
66.5"CR-V EX
72.2"Passport EX-L

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2026 Honda CR-V EX2025 Honda Passport EX-L
Pricing
MSRP$34,650$42,400
Powertrain
Engine1.5L I4 Turbo3.5L V6
Horsepower190 hp280 hp
Torque179 lb-ft262 lb-ft
Transmissioncontinuously variable-speed automatic9-speed shiftable automatic
DrivetrainAWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2719
Highway MPG3124
Combined MPG2921
Fuel Tank14.0 gal19.5 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)$1,500/yr$2,100/yr
Dimensions
Curb Weight3,616 lbs4,236 lbs
Wheelbase106.3"110.9"
Length184.8"189.1"
Width73.5"78.6"
Height66.5"72.2"
Safety
NHTSA Overall5/5 stars5/5 stars
IIHS AwardNo published dataTSP+
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper3yr/36k3yr/36k
Powertrain5yr/60k5yr/60k
Corrosion5yr/unlimited5yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance3yr/36k3yr/36k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2026 Honda CR-V EX and 2025 Honda Passport EX-L?

The 2026 Honda CR-V EX starts at $34,650, $7,750 less than the 2025 Honda Passport EX-L at $42,400. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $137/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2026 Honda CR-V EX?

The 2026 Honda CR-V EX is the stronger pick when you want to keep $7,750 in your pocket and the 2026 Honda CR-V EX covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $552/year less on fuel.

Who should choose the 2025 Honda Passport EX-L?

The 2025 Honda Passport EX-L is the stronger pick when the extra 90 hp matters for your commute or driving style.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Honda CR-V EX or 2025 Honda Passport EX-L?

The 2026 Honda CR-V EX rates 29 combined MPG, 8 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2026 Honda CR-V EX or 2025 Honda Passport EX-L?

The 2025 Honda Passport EX-L produces 280 hp, 90 more than the 2026 Honda CR-V EX at 190 hp. The 2025 Honda Passport EX-L also leads in torque at 262 lb-ft vs 179 lb-ft. The 2026 Honda CR-V EX runs a 1.5L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Honda Passport EX-L uses a 3.5L V6.

Is the 2026 Honda CR-V EX bigger than the 2025 Honda Passport EX-L?

The 2025 Honda Passport EX-L is 4.3″ longer at 189.1″ vs 184.8″. The 2025 Honda Passport EX-L has a 4.6″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

Explore more: Honda trims, Honda CR-V trims, Honda Passport trims

Official sources

CR-V vs Passport: What This Matchup Is Really About

The 2026 Honda CR-V EX and 2025 Honda Passport EX-L sit in the compact SUV class, where cargo room, ride comfort, and family-friendly features define the competitive landscape. The $7,750 gap adds up to $137/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.

Under the Hood

The 2026 Honda CR-V EX runs a 1.5L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Honda Passport EX-L uses a 3.5L V6. The 2025 Honda Passport EX-L has 90 more hp (280 vs 190). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. The 2025 Honda Passport EX-L adds 83 more lb-ft of torque (262 vs 179), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.

Running Costs: CR-V vs Passport

The 2026 Honda CR-V EX saves roughly $552/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $2,760. The 2026 Honda CR-V EX wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.

How Each One Fits Your Daily Life

The 2025 Honda Passport EX-L weighs 620 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.

Bottom Line

Choose the 2026 Honda CR-V EX when you want to keep $7,750 in your pocket and the 2026 Honda CR-V EX covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Honda Passport EX-L when the extra 90 hp matters for your commute or driving style. At $137/month more, the 2025 Honda Passport EX-L needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Honda or any dealership.

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