Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison of two fantastic SUVs: the 2021 Honda Passport and the Acura RDX. If you're in the market for a reliable, comfortable, and stylish ride, you've probably considered both of these contenders. But which one truly comes out on top? Let's break it down and get you the info you need to make the best choice.

Overview of the 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV that offers a blend of practicality, ruggedness, and comfort. It's designed for those who need space and capability without sacrificing on-road manners. Think of it as a more adventurous alternative to the Honda Pilot, with a shorter wheelbase and a focus on off-road readiness.

• Engine and Performance: The Passport comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available for enhanced traction.
• Interior and Technology: Inside, the Passport offers a spacious cabin with comfortable seating for five. The base model includes features like an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims add amenities such as leather upholstery, a premium audio system, and a sunroof.
• Cargo Space: One of the Passport's biggest strengths is its cargo capacity. With the rear seats up, it offers over 41 cubic feet of space. Folding the rear seats down expands that to over 77 cubic feet, making it ideal for hauling gear.
• Safety Features: The Passport comes standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety features that includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist.

Overview of the Acura RDX

The Acura RDX is a compact luxury SUV that emphasizes style, technology, and a premium driving experience. It's aimed at buyers who want a more refined and sophisticated vehicle compared to mainstream SUVs.

• Engine and Performance: The RDX is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It's also mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Like the Passport, front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available.
• Interior and Technology: The RDX boasts a stylish and well-appointed interior with high-quality materials. It features a 10.2-inch infotainment display controlled by a touchpad interface. Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a panoramic sunroof. Higher trims offer upgrades like leather seats, a head-up display, and a premium ELS Studio 3D audio system.
• Cargo Space: While the RDX offers a decent amount of cargo space, it doesn't quite match the Passport. It provides around 29.5 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and about 58.9 cubic feet with them folded down.
• Safety Features: The RDX comes standard with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features similar to Honda Sensing. It includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist.

Performance Comparison

When it comes to performance, both the Honda Passport and the Acura RDX offer satisfying driving experiences, but they cater to different preferences. The Passport's V6 engine provides strong acceleration and a more traditional SUV feel. It's well-suited for towing and off-road adventures. The RDX's turbocharged engine delivers quick and responsive performance, with a focus on agility and handling. The RDX feels more nimble and sporty on the road, making it a fun choice for daily driving.

• Horsepower: The Honda Passport provides 280 hp, whereas the Acura RDX provides 272 hp.
• Torque: The Honda Passport has 262 lb-ft of torque, and the Acura RDX has 280 lb-ft of torque.

Interior and Comfort

The interior of the Acura RDX is generally considered more upscale and refined than the Honda Passport. The RDX features higher-quality materials, more stylish design elements, and a more premium feel overall. The Passport, while comfortable, focuses more on practicality and durability. Both SUVs offer comfortable seating and ample space for passengers, but the RDX provides a more luxurious experience.

• Honda Passport: The interior is practical and durable, with comfortable seating for five. It prioritizes space and functionality, making it suitable for families and those who need to haul gear. The infotainment system is user-friendly, and the overall design is straightforward and easy to navigate.
• Acura RDX: The interior is more upscale and refined, with high-quality materials and stylish design elements. It offers a more premium feel, with features like leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The infotainment system is more advanced, but some users may find the touchpad interface less intuitive than a traditional touchscreen.

Technology and Features

Both the 2021 Honda Passport and the Acura RDX come equipped with a wide range of technology features, but the RDX generally offers more advanced and sophisticated options. The RDX's infotainment system is more visually appealing and offers more customization options. However, some users may find the touchpad interface less intuitive than the Passport's touchscreen.

• Honda Passport: The Passport includes standard features like an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Honda Sensing safety suite. Higher trims add features like a premium audio system, navigation, and a sunroof.
• Acura RDX: The RDX features a 10.2-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, AcuraWatch safety suite, and a panoramic sunroof. Higher trims offer upgrades like a head-up display, a premium ELS Studio 3D audio system, and adaptive dampers.

Cargo and Passenger Space

If cargo space is a top priority, the Honda Passport is the clear winner. It offers significantly more cargo room than the Acura RDX, both with the rear seats up and folded down. The Passport's larger cargo area makes it ideal for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who frequently hauls large items. Both SUVs offer comfortable seating for five passengers, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows.

• Honda Passport: Provides 41.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 77.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Passport's larger cargo area makes it ideal for families and those who need to haul gear.
• Acura RDX: Offers 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. While the RDX's cargo area is smaller, it's still adequate for most daily needs.

Safety Ratings and Features

Both the Honda Passport and the Acura RDX have earned excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both SUVs come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keeping assist

The Acura RDX may have a slight edge in terms of available safety technology, with features like a surround-view camera system and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert offered on higher trims.

Pricing and Value

The Honda Passport typically has a lower starting price than the Acura RDX. However, the RDX includes more standard features and a more luxurious interior. Ultimately, the best value depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize space, capability, and a lower price point, the Passport is a great choice. If you value luxury, advanced technology, and a more refined driving experience, the RDX is worth the extra investment.

Reliability

Both Honda and Acura have solid reputations for reliability. However, some sources suggest that the Honda Passport may have a slight edge in terms of long-term reliability. It's always a good idea to research specific model years and check consumer reviews to get a better sense of potential issues.

Which SUV is Right for You?

Choosing between the 2021 Honda Passport and the Acura RDX depends on your specific needs and priorities.

• Choose the Honda Passport if: You prioritize space, capability, and value. You need a vehicle that can handle off-road adventures and haul large items. You want a straightforward and user-friendly interior.
• Choose the Acura RDX if: You value luxury, advanced technology, and a more refined driving experience. You want a stylish and well-appointed interior. You're willing to pay a bit more for a premium SUV.

Ultimately, the best way to decide is to test drive both vehicles and see which one feels like the right fit for you. Consider your budget, your lifestyle, and your personal preferences. Happy car shopping!