2024 Honda Passport vs 2023 Acura MDX

2023 Acura MDX
2023 Acura MDX
$49,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2024 Honda Passport
2024 Honda Passport
$41,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2023 Acura MDX
$49,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Honda Passport
$41,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2023 Acura MDX is 6.2 out of 10, while the 2024 Honda Passport scores 7.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Honda Passport emerges as the more recommended vehicle. It offers robust safety features, satisfactory performance, and significant cargo capacity, packaged in a more straightforward and user-friendly interface than the Acura MDX. For those seeking a blend of practicality, reliability, and comfort, without the complexities and price-tag of a luxury model, the Passport proves to be a better choice.

Overview

MSRP

$49,550

MSRP

$41,900

Average price

$46,787

Average price

$41,626

Listings

441

Listings

780
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

6.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10
Pros
  • Super Handling All-Wheel Drive
  • Stylish design
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Poor ergonomic design
  • Cramped third-row seat
Pros
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Comfortable
  • Standard all-wheel drive
Cons
  • Not very fuel efficient
  • Pricing starts higher than the competition

2023 Acura MDX Reviews Summary

Guided by a new "Precision Crafted Performance" ethos, Acura has come a long way in the past six years. Though it canceled its NSX sports car and eliminated the sport-hybrid powertrain from its vehicles, Acura’s four remaining cars and SUVs boast appealing designs, satisfying driving character, and modern technologies. The 2023 Acura MDX is the midsize three-row crossover SUV of the lineup, last redesigned just one year ago. This year, Acura improves the 2023 MDX with a complimentary three-year subscription to AcuraLink connected services and scheduled maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles.

2024 Honda Passport Reviews Summary

While many automakers resort to daring designs or flashy tech in their efforts to stand out amid a crowded midsize SUV market, Honda takes a different approach. The 2024 Honda Passport has been refreshed for this year, but few would notice. There are no big-screen TVs in this SUV, no futuristic materials or shocking styling choices. Instead, the Passport goes simple: a proven engine, easy-to-use technology, and enough (but not too much) capability to make it appealing in all weather.

Verdict: The Honda Passport’s V6 engine makes impressive power, and the TrailSport trim level tested in this review adds extra capability courtesy of some all-terrain tires and an off-road-tuned suspension. Although its 2024 refresh doesn’t make the Honda Passport a segment leader in any specific category, it will still find plenty of buyers who want a practical, spacious, safe, and reliable crossover SUV.

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 290 hp V6

Engine

3.5L 280 hp V6

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

290 hp @ 6200 rpm

Horsepower

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

MPG City

19

MPG City

19

MPG Highway

26

MPG Highway

24
2023 Acura MDX
2023 Acura MDX
$49,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Honda Passport
2024 Honda Passport
$41,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Acura MDX
$49,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Honda Passport
$41,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2023 Acura MDX is 6.2 out of 10, while the 2024 Honda Passport scores 7.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Honda Passport emerges as the more recommended vehicle. It offers robust safety features, satisfactory performance, and significant cargo capacity, packaged in a more straightforward and user-friendly interface than the Acura MDX. For those seeking a blend of practicality, reliability, and comfort, without the complexities and price-tag of a luxury model, the Passport proves to be a better choice.

Overview
MSRP
$49,550
$41,900
Average price
$46,787
$41,626
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
5.0
Expert reviews

6.2 out of 10

Read full review

7.2 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Super Handling All-Wheel Drive
  • Stylish design
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Poor ergonomic design
  • Cramped third-row seat
Pros
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Comfortable
  • Standard all-wheel drive
Cons
  • Not very fuel efficient
  • Pricing starts higher than the competition
Summary
Guided by a new "Precision Crafted Performance" ethos, Acura has come a long way in the past six years. Though it canceled its NSX sports car and eliminated the sport-hybrid powertrain from its vehicles, Acura’s four remaining cars and SUVs boast appealing designs, satisfying driving character, and modern technologies. The 2023 Acura MDX is the midsize three-row crossover SUV of the lineup, last redesigned just one year ago. This year, Acura improves the 2023 MDX with a complimentary three-year subscription to AcuraLink connected services and scheduled maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles.

While many automakers resort to daring designs or flashy tech in their efforts to stand out amid a crowded midsize SUV market, Honda takes a different approach. The 2024 Honda Passport has been refreshed for this year, but few would notice. There are no big-screen TVs in this SUV, no futuristic materials or shocking styling choices. Instead, the Passport goes simple: a proven engine, easy-to-use technology, and enough (but not too much) capability to make it appealing in all weather.

Verdict: The Honda Passport’s V6 engine makes impressive power, and the TrailSport trim level tested in this review adds extra capability courtesy of some all-terrain tires and an off-road-tuned suspension. Although its 2024 refresh doesn’t make the Honda Passport a segment leader in any specific category, it will still find plenty of buyers who want a practical, spacious, safe, and reliable crossover SUV.

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.5L 290 hp V6
3.5L 280 hp V6
Drive Train
FWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
7
5
Horsepower
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
280 hp @ 6000 rpm
MPG City
19
19
MPG Highway
26
24
Look and feel
2023 Acura MDX
7/10
2024 Honda Passport
6/10

Previously, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S Advance made a striking presentation with its Apex Blue Pearl paint and Orchid interior. Priced at the higher end, the expectations were set for premium luxury and a dynamic driving experience. The updated Type S could be described as subtle, favoring chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets that added a touch of refinement. The interior boasted perforated Milano leather and aluminum trim, complemented by open-pore wood in the Advance package. However, some design choices like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard presented usability issues. The electronic switchgear also proved confusing despite prolonged use.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Passport retained a familiar appearance from previous iterations, despite minor tweaks like a more upright grille added in 2022. The tested TrailSport, equipped with all-terrain tires and standard LED fog lights, favored form over extreme functional shifts. Its interior featured an arrangement of physical controls paired with trail-oriented design elements, such as black leather upholstery with orange stitching. Although simpler, the Passport's interior efficiently combined utilitarian elements with modern comforts.

Performance
2023 Acura MDX
4/10
2024 Honda Passport
7/10

The MDX Type S carried an upgraded 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. However, weighing more than its lighter AWD variants, performance felt uncoordinated, especially in handling and brake modulation. Despite various driving modes, its fuel consumption was high, and ride quality was compromised by larger wheels that poorly absorbed road imperfections.

Conversely, the Honda Passport remained equipped with a reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine that provided 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Its nine-speed automatic transmission handled gear shifts smoothly, enhancing a straightforward driving experience without the modern complexities of turbochargers or hybrid systems. Despite facing some road and wind noise at higher speeds, the Passport's handling was precise, and its all-terrain capability was commendable though not extreme.

Form and function
2023 Acura MDX
7/10
2024 Honda Passport
10/10

Interior space in the MDX catered to luxury and versatility, providing three-row seating and considerable cargo capacity ranging from 18.1 to 71.4 cubic feet, dependent on seat arrangement. It featured advanced comforts like triple-zone climate control and extensive seat adjustability including heating, ventilation, and massage functions in premium trims.

The Passport, though limited to two rows, excelled in cargo capacity with a spacious 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 77.7 cubic feet. Its interior layout was practical, with increased storage adjustments made for the 2024 model year, including a redesigned center console. While not as lush as the MDX, the Passport offered ample space and comfort for its class.

Technology
2023 Acura MDX
5/10
2024 Honda Passport
6/10

Acura's MDX provided an advanced dual 12.3-inch display setup operated through a True Touchpad Interface, which, while sophisticated, had a steep learning curve and reduced physical storage space near the driver. It featured comprehensive connectivity options including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, integrated Amazon Alexa, and a premium ELS Studio 3D audio system.

The Passport kept technology straightforward with an 8-inch display supporting touch input, which seemed underwhelming given its cabin size. Standard tech amenities included smartphone integration and Bluetooth, with navigation offered in higher trims. Audio quality in non-premium trims didn't impress when compared to competitors' offerings.

Safety
2023 Acura MDX
7/10
2024 Honda Passport
7/10

MDX boasted a suite known as AcuraWatch, offering numerous driving aids like forward-collision warnings and lane-keeping assist. Despite a comprehensive set, certain autonomous features behaved erratically under specific driving conditions.

Safety features in the Passport were substantial with standard Honda Sensing technologies that performed reliably. However, crash-test ratings highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in passenger-side and rollover crash scenarios.

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By: CarGurus + AI

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