2027 Honda Passport vs 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe: Full Comparison

The 2027 Honda Passport tows 5,000 lbs and clears 9.65 inches of ground, compared to the Santa Fe's 3,500-lb tow rating and 7-inch clearance. The Passport pairs those numbers with a 285-hp V6 and AWD standard across every trim. This page breaks down every key difference, and Burleson Honda has Passport inventory available now.

The Short Answer

The 2027 Honda Passport is the stronger choice for buyers who tow, go off-road, or want AWD without paying extra for it. The 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe earns its spot for families who need a third row, want the efficiency of a hybrid powertrain, and value Hyundai's longer warranty coverage. Neither is a weak choice, they simply serve different primary needs.

Specs Head-to-Head

Category2027 Honda Passport2027 Hyundai Santa Fe
Engine3.5L V6 (i-VTEC)2.5L Turbo I-4
Horsepower285 hp277 hp
Torque262 lb-ft311 lb-ft
Transmission10-Speed Automatic8-Speed Automatic
DrivetrainAWD standard (all trims)FWD standard; AWD optional
Towing5,000 lbs3,500 lbs (4,500 lbs XRT)
Ground Clearance9.65 in (TrailSport trims)7.0 in (8.3 in XRT)
Seating57
Cargo (behind 2nd row)44 cu ft40.5 cu ft
Max Cargo83.8 cu ft79.6 cu ft
EPA MPG (City/Hwy/Combined)18/22/20 (TrailSport)20/29/24 (FWD ICE)
Length191.5 in190.2 in
Height73.1 in67.7 in
Basic Warranty3 yr / 36k mi5 yr / 60k mi
Powertrain Warranty5 yr / 60k mi10 yr / 100k mi
2027 Honda Passport and 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe performance comparison

Performance and Powertrain

The Passport runs a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 producing 285 hp. Every single trim, from the base RTL to the TrailSport Elite Blackout, ships with Honda's second-generation i-VTM4 AWD system. There is no FWD option, no upgrade cost, and no trim-level guesswork. The 10-speed automatic with Shift-By-Wire and paddle shifters gives the V6 a wide spread of gearing for both highway efficiency and off-road control. Seven integrated drive modes, including Trail and Sand, are standard across the lineup.

The Santa Fe's 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder produces 311 lb-ft of torque, which is 49 lb-ft more than the Passport. On paper that torque advantage feels meaningful, but tow ratings tell a clearer story: the Passport pulls 5,000 lbs versus the Santa Fe's 3,500 lbs on standard trims. Only the XRT trim of the Santa Fe closes that gap to 4,500 lbs. AWD on the Santa Fe is optional, not standard, meaning buyers who want traction coverage have to select it intentionally at every trim level.

For drivers in the DFW area who cover both highway miles and weekend terrain, the Passport's standard AWD and higher tow rating make it the more capable daily tool.

2027 Honda Passport and 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe interior comparison

Interior, Space and Cargo

The Passport seats five and does not offer a third row. That is a firm ceiling for buyers with larger families. The Santa Fe seats seven on most trims and offers six-passenger configurations on Limited and Calligraphy. If a third row is a requirement, the Santa Fe wins that discussion outright.

Where the Passport pushes back is cargo. With 44 cu ft behind the second row and 83.8 cu ft maximum, it beats the Santa Fe's 40.5 cu ft and 79.6 cu ft. The Passport's taller body (73.1 in vs 67.7 in) creates a more upright cargo bay that loads gear more easily. Passengers get 41.1 inches of front legroom and 40.9 inches in the second row.

Interior materials on the Passport scale with trim level, from leather-and-cloth on RTL to perforated leather with contrast stitching on TrailSport Elite. Tri-zone climate control is standard. Heated front seats are standard on all trims. Ventilated front seats arrive on TrailSport Elite and TrailSport Elite Blackout.

The Santa Fe's interior is wide (59.5 in front shoulder room) and the third row adds real utility for school runs or group travel, though the 30-inch rear legroom in that row limits it for adults on longer trips.

2027 Honda Passport and 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe technology and safety comparison

Technology and Safety

Both vehicles offer a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and a standard suite of driver-assistance features. The Passport steps ahead by making Google built-in with Google Gemini and Alexa Built-In standard on every trim, not just upper models. The 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster is also standard throughout the Passport lineup.

On the Santa Fe, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is reserved for Limited and Calligraphy trims. Dual wireless phone charging is standard on XRT and above, while the Passport includes a single wireless charger standard. Both vehicles offer Bose premium sound systems on upper trims.

The Passport's TrailWatch multi-angle camera system is standard on all four TrailSport trims, adding dedicated off-road visibility. The Santa Fe offers a Surround View Monitor on Limited and above.

Safety coverage on the Passport includes Honda Sensing on every trim: collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise with low-speed follow, lane keeping assist, blind-spot alert, front and rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic warning, and hill descent control, all standard. The Santa Fe's SmartSense suite is comparably thorough, with highway driving assist arriving on XRT and above.

2027 Honda Passport and 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe value and ownership comparison

Value and Ownership

Honda's warranty is 3 years / 36,000 miles basic and 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain. The Santa Fe's warranty is significantly longer: 5 years / 60,000 miles basic and 10 years / 100,000 miles powertrain. Buyers who plan to keep a vehicle past five years should factor that difference in. On the Hyundai side, the powertrain coverage is double Honda's.

On the Passport's side, AWD is standard at every trim, so the buyer is never paying an upgrade fee to get the drivetrain they actually want. The seven drive modes, Hill Descent Control, and Trailer Sway Control also come standard, not as tier-locked features. The Passport's V6 runs on regular unleaded with no premium fuel requirement.

The Santa Fe offers a hybrid powertrain (1.6L, 231 hp combined) that delivers up to 36 MPG combined in FWD form, which is a major efficiency advantage if daily fuel costs are the priority. The Passport does not offer a hybrid variant in the U.S. lineup.

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 included without paying extra; you spend weekends on unpaved terrain and want Trail and Sand drive modes plus 9.65 inches of ground clearance; or you want Google built-in and the full Honda Sensing suite without shopping up the trim ladder.

Choose the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe if:

your family needs a third row for regular use; you want hybrid efficiency at up to 36 MPG combined; you plan a long ownership window and want the 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty; or highway driving assist and a head-up display are priorities.

Test the Passport Against the Competition at Burleson Honda

Burleson Honda stocks the full 2027 Passport lineup, from RTL to TrailSport Elite Blackout. Comparing specs on a screen only goes so far, a back-to-back test drive settles it faster. The team at Burleson Honda serves buyers throughout the Burleson area and the broader DFW market and can walk you through every trim difference in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2027 Honda Passport come with AWD standard?

Yes. AWD is standard on every 2027 Passport trim, from RTL through TrailSport Elite Blackout. There is no FWD option.

How much can the 2027 Honda Passport tow compared to the Santa Fe?

The 2027 Passport tows 5,000 lbs across all trims. The 2027 Santa Fe tows 3,500 lbs on standard trims and 4,500 lbs on the XRT trim only.

Does the 2027 Santa Fe have more seating than the Passport?

Yes. The Santa Fe seats seven on most trims and six on Limited and Calligraphy configurations. The Passport seats five and does not offer a third row.

Which has better ground clearance, the Passport or the Santa Fe?

The 2027 Passport TrailSport trims reach 9.65 inches of ground clearance. RTL and RTL Towing trims deliver 8.3 inches. The Santa Fe sits at 7.0 inches on standard trims and 8.3 inches on the XRT.

Does the 2027 Honda Passport have Google built-in?

Yes. Google built-in with Google Gemini is standard on every 2027 Passport trim, along with Alexa Built-In and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Which vehicle has a better warranty, the Passport or the Santa Fe?

The Santa Fe carries the longer warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles basic and 10 years / 100,000 miles powertrain. The Passport covers 3 years / 36,000 miles basic and 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain.

Is a hybrid version of the 2027 Honda Passport available?

No. The 2027 Honda Passport is offered only with the 3.5L V6 gasoline engine in the U.S. market. The 2027 Santa Fe is available with a 1.6L turbo hybrid powertrain rated at 231 hp combined.