2020 Honda Passport vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Acura MDX was a well-designed crossover SUV, though its styling was not particularly groundbreaking or attention-grabbing. It blended seamlessly into its surroundings, offering a sense of understated elegance. The MDX featured Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, which added a touch of sophistication to its front end. The sleek, low-slung design with chiseled details and a fast roofline gave it a modern appearance. Inside, the MDX boasted a simple yet contemporary interior with high-quality materials and a solid build, highlighted by twin infotainment screens and a well-organized center stack.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Passport followed Honda's traditional design approach, offering a practical and rugged aesthetic. It appeared as a more athletic version of the Honda Pilot, with a robust exterior featuring a matte black grille, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and increased ground clearance. The Passport's interior was more sophisticated than rugged, with a focus on utility and comfort. It offered spacious seating for five, with perforated, heated, and ventilated front seats in the Elite trim. The design emphasized practicality, with ample storage options and a straightforward layout that appealed to Honda enthusiasts.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a Sport Hybrid version with a 3.0-liter V6 and three electric motors, delivering 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The MDX's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system enhanced its nimbleness, especially in corners, thanks to torque-vectoring technology. The MDX provided a comfortable ride with its four-wheel independent suspension, making it a reliable choice for long drives.

The 2020 Honda Passport came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While it lacked hybrid options, the Passport performed well in various driving conditions, including high elevations and off-road trails. Its torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system provided stability and confidence on winding roads. The Passport's towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds was impressive, surpassing competitors like the Nissan Murano and Chevrolet Blazer.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, with sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row. It provided 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 90.9 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. The interior featured ample storage options, including a flexible center console and door pockets. Tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers, making the MDX a stylish alternative to minivans.

The 2020 Honda Passport prioritized practicality with its spacious two-row seating configuration. It offered ample legroom and comfort, with height-adjustable seatbelts and three LATCH connections for child seats. The Passport provided 41.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with the most under-floor storage in its class. The interior featured thoughtful storage solutions, including a large center console and secondary shelf space. Tri-zone climate control and sunshades added to passenger comfort.

The 2020 Acura MDX came equipped with a range of technology features, including Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a CD/MP3 player. The Technology Package added advanced features like navigation, rain-sensing wipers, and a premium audio system. The Advance Package included additional tech enhancements, such as a surround-view camera and heated seats. An Entertainment Package offered a rear entertainment system with a large screen and wireless headphones.

The 2020 Honda Passport featured a standard 5.0-inch display monitor on the base model, with higher trims offering an 8.0-inch Display Audio infotainment system. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a user-friendly interface. Additional features included Bluetooth, USB ports, and a seven-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a 10-speaker audio system, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Passport's dashboard design, borrowed from the Pilot, was functional but slightly dated.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with the AcuraWatch suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package included a surround-view camera. The MDX's ACE Body Structure enhanced crash protection. It received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2020 Honda Passport prioritized safety with the Honda Sensing suite, featuring collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. The Passport received good safety scores from the IIHS and NHTSA, earning it an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation.