When Honda introduced Acura in 1986, it become the primary Eastern automaker to introduce a devoted top rate and comfort emblem in america, beating Lexus and Infiniti to marketplace by way of 3 years. The theory used to be to create a separate emblem with higher-end fabrics, extra tough engines, and a definite identification that Honda’s mainstream lineup may just no longer supply. For just about 4 many years, that separation has held company.
The 2026 Honda Passport checks that boundary, and, in some cases, will even go it.
At $44,950, the Passport sits $150 underneath the bottom 2026 Acura RDX. Each come with same old all-wheel force. Each proportion the similar ACE frame construction for larger crash coverage. However the Passport provides a V6 engine, extra shipment house, and a towing capability greater than thrice that of the RDX.
The query this comparability solutions is whether or not the Acura badge justifies opting for the RDX over the Honda. Here’s how the 2 stack up.
- Base Trim Engine
-
3.5L V6 Gasoline
- Base Trim Transmission
-
10-speed computerized
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
All-Wheel Force
Identical mum or dad corporate, just about the similar value
Key variations transcend the beginning MSRP
Just a mere $150 separates those two cars at their base costs, more or less what maximum will spend on ground mats when they get house from the dealership.
At $44,950, the Passport RTL contains Honda Sensing with an expanded suite of driver-assistance options, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google integrated, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a ten.2-inch virtual software cluster.
At $45,100, the bottom RDX contains AcuraWatch (additionally a driver-assistance suite), a ten.2-inch show with Acura’s True Touchpad Interface, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated seats, a wide ranging moonroof, and a nine-speaker top rate sound machine.
Neither car is underequipped with regards to same old options and kit, however there are a couple of variations price noting in the case of the powertrain and inside.
- Base Trim Engine
-
2L I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
10-speed computerized
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
All-Wheel Force
Powertrain and gasoline economic system
Two other engines, two other functions
The Passport is powered by way of a three.5-liter V6 generating 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft. of torque, paired with a 10-speed computerized transmission. All-wheel force is same old.
Against this, the RDX makes use of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder generating 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft. of torque, additionally paired with a 10-speed computerized with same old all-wheel force.
Whilst each the Passport and RDX are all-wheel force, energy supply differs between the 2 cars. The Passport makes use of a standard all-wheel force setup that distributes torque between the entrance and rear axles in line with the street stipulations. Acura’s SH-AWD machine (brief for Tremendous Dealing with All-Wheel Force) is going additional by way of additionally distributing torque left-to-right on the rear axle, sending extra energy to the out of doors rear wheel via a nook.
Acura’s machine ends up in a car that rotates extra naturally via turns and resists the understeer that standard all-wheel-drive methods could cause. Those that prioritize sporty using dynamics along with extra traction in dangerous climate, Acura’s SH-AWD machine is a real differentiator. Then again, the extra rugged nature of the Passport makes it superb for delicate off-roading, one thing the RDX isn’t absolutely geared up for.
In the case of each and every and their respective engines, the Passport has extra height horsepower; the RDX has extra torque. Each are succesful engines for on a regular basis using, however they constitute other philosophies. Honda selected a naturally aspirated V6 for the Passport for smoothness and outright pulling energy. Acura selected a smaller turbocharged four-cylinder for the RDX to prioritize potency and a extra sport-oriented really feel.
On gasoline economic system, the RDX has the benefit accordingly, with EPA scores of 21 within the town, 27 at the freeway, and 23 mixed. The Passport is somewhat at the back of with its EPA scores at 19 within the town, 25 at the freeway, and 21 mixed.
The one conceivable offset is that the RDX calls for top rate 91 octane, while the Passport can run common unleaded. Gasoline mileage beneficial properties in prefer of the RDX over the Passport may well be inappropriate, for the reason that top rate gasoline is dearer.
Those that prioritize conventional SUV software will need to take a look at the Passport over the RDX. For instance, the Passport is rated to tow as much as 5,000 lbs. when correctly geared up, while the RDX is rated for just one,500 lbs. That difference won’t topic such a lot for consumers who by no means plan to tow the rest. For households who tow a fishing boat, a pop-up camper, or a small software trailer, the RDX merely can’t do the task.
I ran a dealership categorical lube—those 4 services and products assist your automotive ultimate 200,000 miles
With new automotive costs at an all-time top, I’ve resolved to stay my present car so long as conceivable.
Protection scores and lines
Identical basis, other results
Each the Passport and the RDX are constructed round Honda’s Complex Compatibility Engineering frame construction.
All through a frontal collision, ACE channels crash power to each higher and decrease structural parts, together with the ground body rails, facet sills, and A-pillars. In impact, those “pathways” distribute frontal affect forces all through a better share of the car’s general construction, lowering the possibility that the ones forces will input (or interfere) the auto.
From there, the 2 SUVs diverge somewhat on scores. The Passport underwent a complete redesign for the 2026 style yr, one who helped it earn an trade designation as some of the most secure cars for households with a teenager motive force. As well as, the 2026 Passport earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the IIHS, the group’s perfect designation, along side a five-star total protection ranking from NHTSA.
The 2026 RDX earned Excellent scores in IIHS crash checks and a five-star total ranking from NHTSA, however does no longer lift a TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation for 2026.
On driver-assistance era, Honda Sensing at the Passport and AcuraWatch at the RDX duvet identical flooring, which once more displays their shared starting place. Each come with collision-mitigation braking with pedestrian detection, road-departure mitigation, lane-keeping help, adaptive cruise regulate, ahead collision caution, visitors signal reputation, and blind-spot tracking.
The 2026 Honda Passport provides traffic-jam help, which maintains lane place in stop-and-go visitors to a whole quit. The RDX provides rear cross-traffic tracking on all trims. Low-speed self sustaining emergency braking isn’t same old at the base RDX; consumers want the Era trim to get it. At the Passport, alternatively, the identical characteristic is same old.
For many consumers, protection is probably not the deciding issue between those two SUVs. Each are well-engineered, well-equipped, and constructed at the similar structural philosophy. Then again, the Passport holds the more potent IIHS ranking for 2026, which is price flagging.
- Subject matter
-
Oxford
- Particular Function
-
Foldable
This 13.5-gallon trunk organizer options compartments to prepare and retailer groceries, sports activities apparatus, emergency provides, and different day-to-day necessities.
Internal era and load house
The place each and every SUV makes its most powerful case
Some of the promoting issues of the Acura RDX is inside era and total refinement.
The True Touchpad Interface, ambient lights with 27 subject matters, and to be had fabrics together with Milano top rate leather-based and open-pore picket trim at the Advance grade give the RDX a definite upmarket really feel. The audio steps up meaningfully throughout trims, too: 9 audio system at the base style, a 12-speaker ELS Studio machine at the Era trim, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio three-D machine at the A-Spec and Advance.
In the meantime, the Honda Passport makes its case on to be had shipment house. Whilst it seats 5, similar because the RDX, its better footprint interprets into extra usable house for the ones at the transfer. With 44 cubic ft at the back of the second one row, the Passport provides greater than the RDX’s 29.5 cubic ft. That distinction will topic when hauling groceries for the week or tenting apparatus for a a laugh weekend away.
Moreover, the Passport’s 12.3-inch touchscreen is bigger than the RDX’s 10.2-inch show, and its integrated Google integration offers it a extra fashionable infotainment revel in. The RDX’s True Touchpad Interface, which controls the show via a bodily pad at the console, has divided consumers since its advent. Some to find it intuitive, others stressful. Both manner, it’s a non-public desire price bearing in mind sooner than a purchase order.
RDX for the force, Passport for the software
The Acura RDX is perfect for consumers who desire a extra driver-focused SUV with a polished cabin and a emblem identification that can set them except the mainstream. The SH-AWD torque-vectoring machine, the sport-tuned variants within the A-Spec lineup, and the inner high quality justify the RDX as a real luxurious car somewhat than a rebadged Honda.
The Passport, alternatively, is a robust mainstream choice, even though from the similar producer. Beginning at $44,950 with same old all-wheel force, it provides extra shipment house, extra towing capability, and a bigger touchscreen than the RDX. For consumers who prioritize off-road capacity and load house over game luxurious, the Honda Passport is the easier car for the cash.
