2019 Acura RDX vs 2020 Honda Passport

The 2019 Acura RDX showcased a bold new exterior design, drawing inspiration from its larger sibling, the Acura MDX. The front end featured angular headlights and a broad grille, a significant improvement from the previous "shield" grille. The RDX's upright layout promised more cabin space, and the A-Spec trim added dark accents reminiscent of the Porsche Macan. Inside, the RDX boasted soft-touch surfaces, unique stitching, and brushed aluminum accents. The interior was well-equipped with features like a panoramic moonroof, heated seats, and a 10.2-inch HD monitor with Apple CarPlay integration.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Passport was a practical midsize SUV with a rugged exterior, positioned between the Honda Pilot and CR-V. The Passport's design emphasized its athletic stance, with a matte black grille, 20-inch alloy wheels, and increased ground clearance. Inside, the Passport offered a spacious cabin with comfortable seating for five, perforated leather upholstery, and a user-friendly layout. The Elite trim featured heated and ventilated seats, a moonroof, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The Passport excelled in cargo space, offering 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and ample small-item storage.

The 2019 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's SH-AWD system, which could divert torque between the front and rear wheels for improved handling. The RDX offered four drive modes: Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to adjust throttle response and steering feel. Fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive model was 22 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined, while the AWD version achieved 21/27/23 mpg.

The 2020 Honda Passport came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Passport offered smooth performance across various driving conditions. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The Passport's AWD system provided torque-vectoring capabilities, enhancing stability on challenging terrains. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 20 mpg city, 25 highway, and 22 combined, while the AWD version achieved 19/24/21 mpg. The Passport could tow up to 5,000 pounds with the available towing package.

The 2019 Acura RDX offered 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The interior was spacious, with ample head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The RDX featured a floating center stack design, providing additional storage space and USB ports. The cabin included multiple trays and cubbies for everyday storage, along with cupholders in the center console and rear armrest.

The 2020 Honda Passport excelled in practicality, with a roomy interior and comfortable seating for four adults. It offered 41.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with the most under-floor storage in its class. The Passport's interior featured height-adjustable seatbelts, tri-zone climate control, and second-row sunshades. The SUV provided ample small-item storage, with a large center console and additional shelf space in the front doors. The Passport's hard plastic surfaces were easy to clean, while the piano black trim required occasional dusting.

The 2019 Acura RDX came standard with the True Touchpad infotainment system, featuring a high-definition screen and touchpad interface. While the system offered sharp icons and a unique layout, it had a steep learning curve, requiring multiple steps for simple tasks like changing radio stations. The RDX included Apple CarPlay integration, but users had to navigate icons manually. Despite its challenges, the system provided a modern infotainment experience.

The 2020 Honda Passport featured a standard 5.0-inch display on the base model, with an 8.0-inch Display Audio system on higher trims. The larger screen supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with pinch, swipe, and tap functionality. The Passport's infotainment system was practical and easy to navigate, with a manual power button and volume knob. Higher trims offered additional features like a 10-speaker audio system, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2019 Acura RDX included a reversing camera, tire pressure monitoring, and a full array of airbags. The AcuraWatch suite provided driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Technology Package added parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring, while the Advance trim offered a head-up warning system.

The 2020 Honda Passport prioritized safety, earning high scores from the IIHS and NHTSA. It came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, featuring collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Passport also included a rearview camera with a birds-eye view. Higher trims offered dynamic gridlines, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic detection.