2020 Honda Passport vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2020 Honda Passport was a testament to Honda's consistent design philosophy, offering a familiar yet appealing aesthetic that resonated with loyal Honda buyers. Its exterior design, reminiscent of a scaled-down Pilot or an enhanced CR-V, struck a balance between ruggedness and athleticism. The Passport's elevated ground clearance and robust styling cues suggested off-road capability, while its interior, though not groundbreaking, provided a sophisticated and spacious environment. The Elite trim, in particular, boasted luxurious features like heated and ventilated seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and a moonroof, ensuring comfort and convenience for its occupants.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the A-Spec Package, exuded a sporty and modern vibe without resorting to excessive performance cues. Its design was sleek and purposeful, avoiding the rugged off-road pretensions of some SUVs. The RDX's interior mirrored its exterior's sporty theme, with high-quality materials and a unique layout that set it apart from typical compact crossovers. The A-Spec trim added distinctive touches like sport seats with suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting, enhancing the overall driving experience. However, the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background proved challenging to read, detracting slightly from its otherwise impressive interior.

The 2020 Honda Passport was equipped with a reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided adequate power for various driving conditions. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with FWD models achieving 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, while AWD versions managed slightly lower figures. The Passport's torque-vectoring AWD system, standard on the Elite trim, enhanced its road grip and off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers. With a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, the Passport outperformed many of its rivals in this regard.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Its 10-speed automatic transmission, coupled with the optional SH-AWD system, offered a dynamic driving experience. The SH-AWD system could distribute up to 70% of engine output to the rear wheels, significantly improving handling. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to switch between various driving modes, tailoring the vehicle's performance to their preferences. While the A-Spec trim's 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tires contributed to its sporty demeanor, the absence of adaptive dampers was a minor drawback. Nevertheless, the RDX's precise steering and responsive brakes made it an engaging SUV to drive.

The 2020 Honda Passport was a practical midsize SUV, offering ample space for passengers and cargo. Its dimensions provided a comfortable seating arrangement for four adults, with generous knee and legroom. The Passport's interior featured height-adjustable seatbelts, three full LATCH connections, and available leather upholstery, enhancing its family-friendly appeal. With 41.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and the most under-floor storage in its class, the Passport excelled in practicality. Its thoughtful storage solutions, including a spacious center console and secondary shelf space, made it ideal for road trips and daily errands.

The 2021 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered impressive passenger and cargo space. Its front seats, especially in the A-Spec trim, provided excellent comfort and support, with 12-way power adjustment and heating and ventilation features. However, the rear seats' design compromised leg support and comfort due to their low and flat cushion. The RDX's cargo area, measuring 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, was competitive but not class-leading. Nevertheless, its deep storage well and under-floor compartments added versatility. With the rear seats folded, the RDX accommodated 58.9 cubic feet of cargo, sufficient for most needs.

The 2020 Honda Passport featured a straightforward infotainment system, with higher trims offering an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system's pinch, swipe, and tap functionality made it user-friendly, though its design appeared somewhat dated. Standard features included Bluetooth, a USB port, and a seven-speaker audio system, while higher trims added a 10-speaker audio system, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Passport's dashboard, borrowed from the Pilot, was functional but lacked modern flair.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad instead of a touchscreen. While innovative, the TTI required users to adapt to its unique operation, which could be distracting. Despite this, the RDX offered a comprehensive suite of features, including smartphone integration, voice recognition, and Key by Amazon In-Car Delivery. The A-Spec trim boasted a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2020 Honda Passport prioritized safety, earning high marks from the IIHS and NHTSA, including an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation. It came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, featuring collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic detection, ensuring comprehensive protection for occupants.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. Despite this, the RDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, demonstrating its commitment to occupant safety.