2023 Acura MDX vs 2024 Honda Passport

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.