2021 Honda Passport vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2021 Honda Passport had a distinct visual similarity to the Honda Pilot, essentially appearing as a shortened version with two rows of seats instead of three. Both SUVs bore such a close resemblance that one could easily refer to the Passport as the Pilot Sport. Inside, the Passport’s dashboard layout mirrored that of the Pilot, which included the somewhat awkward button shifter design for the automatic transmission, deviating from the traditional lever. Despite this, the Passport boasted a spacious interior adorned with high-quality materials throughout. The Passport trim levels spanned from the entry-level Sport to the high-end Elite. The Sport trim included notable features such as 20-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, push-button start, tri-zone climate control, a seven-speaker audio system, and a fold-down rear bench. The EX-L trim added leather upholstery, a power moonroof, a power rear liftgate, one-touch power windows, and adjustable power seats for both the driver and front passenger. Moving up, the Touring trim incorporated features like front-and-rear parking sensors, a hands-free liftgate, a 115-volt power outlet, an upgraded stereo system, and a WiFi hotspot. Finally, the Elite trim offered amenities like heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and wireless device charging, with all options neatly organized within the trim levels. The 2022 Acura MDX, a pioneer in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, was refurbished on its own dedicated platform, breaking away from the platform it previously shared with the Honda Pilot. The MDX was redesigned with a longer wheelbase, overall length, and wider body, which heightened its elegance and sporty appeal. The Jewel Eye LED headlights and expressive LED daytime running lights contributed to its modern and assertive exterior look. The MDX showcased bigger wheels, from 19 inches on the base model to 20 inches on higher trims, enhancing its dynamic design. Inside, the MDX featured a layered dashboard that emphasized the cabin's width and spaciousness, using authentic materials such as natural wood, genuine aluminum, and real leather. Its control layout was innovative, including a gear selection interface resembling that of a fighter jet, complete with rectangular buttons and a touchpad for infotainment control. The cabin was designed for comfort with well-sized and highly adjustable seats, a beefy steering wheel with integrated controls, and an advanced infotainment setup. MDX’s exterior could be ordered in eight colors, with six interior themes available to suit various stylistic preferences.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, controlled via a nine-speed automatic transmission. Buyers could choose between standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). Though the engine's stop-start system could be abrupt, a switch was provided to deactivate it when desired. With an 8.1-inch ground clearance and AWD's Intelligent Traction Management, including Snow, Sand, and Mud drive modes, the Passport blended comfort with refined handling. FWD models could tow up to 3,500 pounds, while AWD variants managed a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The 2022 Acura MDX was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This power was channeled through a new 10-speed automatic transmission, with options for front-wheel drive on base models and Acura’s advanced Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) on higher trims. The SH-AWD system, featuring torque vectoring that improved cornering control, allowed 70% of torque to reach the rear wheels and directed 100% of that torque to either side during turns. The new suspension setup included a double-wishbone front and revised multi-link rear, enhancing handling and ride quality. The MDX exhibited improved steering feel, more powerful brakes, and a stiffer, more rigid body that ensured a solid, confident driving experience. The integration of a new 10-speed automatic transmission contributed to performance, with smooth gear changes and adaptable driving modes to suit various driving styles.

The 2021 Honda Passport offered a spacious cargo area with impressive numbers: 100.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down and up to 50.5 cubic feet with the second row in use, alongside an additional 2.5 cubic feet in an under-floor storage tray. The EX-L trim featured a power liftgate, while the Touring and Elite trims boasted a hands-free power liftgate. The Passport provided excellent visibility and an upright seating position, deep center console bins, open cargo trays, and accommodating rear seats that both reclined and slid for added comfort and flexibility. In contrast, the 2022 Acura MDX, with its three-row configuration, balanced passenger comfort and utility. The second-row featured dual bucket seats with a removable center section, which could slide back and forth to optimize legroom for second and third-row passengers. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, especially during long trips, and included USB connections across all three rows. The MDX’s cargo space ranged from 16.3 to 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to between 39.1 and 48.4 cubic feet with the third row down, and up to 95 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The MDX’s power tailgate included features like “Grab ‘N Go” for hands-free closing and customizable maximum opening heights, and the Iconic Drive Lighting system offered a personalized cabin ambiance with 27 different lighting themes.

In 2021, the Honda Passport made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard—features that required higher trims in the three-row Pilot. This inclusion alongside the standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system was a significant advantage. However, the Passport’s infotainment system had its downsides, with dated graphics, a complicated menu layout, and a less intuitive volume dial. The 2022 Acura MDX, in contrast, was packed with advanced technology. The ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System, which featured in higher trims, included 16 speakers and used Acoustic Motion Control for high-fidelity sound. The top trim levels offered a suite of technological integrations including a 12.3-inch landscape-oriented infotainment screen, a configurable digital instrument panel, built-in Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Qi-compatible wireless charging, and the CabinTalk public address system for communicating with rear passengers. Also standard on higher trims were a head-up display, HD rearview and surround-view camera systems, and a WiFi hotspot with over-the-air updates for software improvements.

The 2021 Honda Passport came well-equipped with safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control that adapted to traffic flow. Options included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It earned top ratings from NHTSA with five stars overall and received good scores from IIHS, though it received "Acceptable" ratings for specific crash tests and features like headlights. For the 2022 Acura MDX, crash-test ratings were not available, but the outgoing 2020 model had excellent results which the 2022 model aimed to improve. Enhanced safety structures, including a higher percentage of high-strength steel, aimed to improve collision protection. The AcuraWatch suite provided comprehensive safety mechanisms, including collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and more, with additional features like pedestrian safety enhancements and low-speed braking control.