Acura RDX vs. Honda Passport: Which SUV takes this shared platform to higher heights? We'll take a look at key factors every SUV driver considers, like performance, fuel efficiency, available features, interior comfort, and more, to demonstrate why the RDX is the superior option. Once you're ready to find your next SUV, visit Muller Acura of Merrillville for an up-close look.
Acura RDX vs. Honda Passport at a Glance
- The Acura RDX features a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine that provides 18 pound-feet more torque than the Passport engine.
- With a 6.4-second 0-60 mph acceleration time, the RDX is ever-so-slightly quicker than the Honda Passport.
- As a compact SUV, you'll find the Acura model to be more maneuverable compared to the midsize Honda vehicle.
- Choose the RDX for luxury amenities like 16-way power front seats and available perforated premium Milano leather upholstery.
| 2025 Acura RDX | 2025 Honda Passport | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl | 3.5L V-6 |
| Horsepower | 272 | 280 |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic w/ sequential SportShift paddles shifters | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | SH-AWD | AWD |
| Max. EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb): | 21 / 27 / 231 | 19 / 24 / 212 |
| 0-60 Acceleration Time | 6.4 seconds3 | 6.5 Seconds4 |
| Length | 187.4 in | 189.1 in |
| Body Width | 74.8 in | 78.6 in |
| Height | 65.7 in | 72.2 in |
| Exterior Ground Clearance | 8.2 in | 8.1 in |
| Turning Circle Diameter (Curb-to-Curb) | 38.9 ft | 39.3 ft |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Headroom | 40 in | 39.5 in |
| Front Legroom | 42 in | 40.9 in |
| Moonroof | Standard panoramic roof w/ tilt & slide | Standard one-touch power moonroof w/ tilt |
| Standard Front-Seat Adjustability | 12-way power |
|
| Standard Sound System | 9 speakers | 7 Speakers |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard w/ Low-Speed Follow | Standard |
| Collision Mitigation Braking System | Standard | Standard |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | Standard | Standard |
| Standard Technology Features |
|
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Acura RDX vs. Honda Passport: Performance & Specs
When we look under the hood of a 2025 Acura RDX, we find something very different from the Honda Passport: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Honda Passport has a larger 3.5-liter V-6 engine. You'd think that the bigger engine is more powerful, and while the Passport has an eight-horsepower advantage over the RDX, the Acura model launches off the line slightly faster thanks to an 18-pound-feet torque advantage.
You'll find 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque in the 2025 Honda Passport specs, and 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque when you take command of an Acura RDX. The RDX also has a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, while the Honda model has a more limited nine-speed automatic transmission.
The 2025 Acura RDX vs. Honda Passport 0-60 mph times reflect this, as despite having less horsepower, the Acura RDX ran a 6.4-second 0-60 mph time, according to MotorTrend testing.3 Meanwhile, the new Honda Passport was a bit slower while making the same 0-60 mph sprint – it took 6.5 seconds.4 While a 0.1-second difference doesn't look like much on paper, why settle for reduced performance?
The Acura RDX is more fuel-savvy, too. Thanks to its efficiently engineered four-cylinder engine, the RDX can deliver up to an EPA-estimated 21/27/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1 On the other hand, the Passport delivers up to an EPA-estimated 19/24/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2
The Acura RDX vs. Honda Passport specs comparison draws a clear conclusion: For a more fun and efficient SUV, choose the Acura RDX.
Acura RDX vs. Honda Passport: Dimensions
Both models are five-seat, two-row SUVs designed to take on tighter roads and parking spots while being spacious and stable vehicles on long highway drives.
When we look at the Acura RDX vs. Honda Passport exterior dimensions, we see that the Acura RDX design has a major advantage for maneuverability, as the Passport is 3.8 inches wider and 6.5 inches taller than the RDX. Interestingly, the Honda Passport design is aimed more at off-road adventures, but the vehicle only offers 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The Acura RDX offers 8.2 inches of ground clearance, exceeding its rugged cousin from Honda, even in the areas you might think are a shutout.
Whether on a tight trail or a tight city street, the Acura model also exceeds the Honda Passport for maneuverability. The RDX has a 38.9-foot curb-to-curb turning circle diameter. In comparison, the Honda Passport needs 39.3 feet.
Moving inside, the Acura RDX interior negates its smaller body, offering 0.5 inches of extra front headroom and 1.1 inches of extra front legroom vs. the new Honda Passport interior. Drivers who choose a new Acura RDX will get a spacious 104 cubic feet of passenger volume to keep everyone comfortable. The model can also store a maximum of 79.8 cubic feet of cargo in its interior, letting you bring along plenty of gear or even some furniture in this luxurious SUV.
Acura RDX vs. Honda Passport: Trim Levels & Features
Acura RDX vs. Honda Passport trims see the Acura RDX for sale offer more configuration options. For this Acura luxury SUV, you can choose from the following tiers:
- Acura RDX (Base)
- Acura RDX Technology
- Acura RDX A-Spec
- Acura RDX Advance Package
- Acura RDX A-Spec Advance
The 2025 Honda Passport only comes in the following three trims:
- Honda Passport EX-L
- Honda Passport TrailSport
- Honda Passport Black Edition
While the Acura RDX trims do have a slightly higher starting price than the Honda Passport, the additional standard features they provide more than make up for the difference. With our new Acura deals, standard advantages include more front-seat adjustability, more speakers in the sound system, extra Adaptive Cruise Control functionality, wireless Apple CarPlay®, wireless Android Auto™, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and other appointments that we simply don't have the space for here – call us anytime during regular business hours, and we'll give you the full amenities list for the 2025 RDX.
With available features that can't be found in the Honda Passport, like 16-way power front seats that include heating, cooling, thigh supports, perforated premium Milano leather upholstery, contrast stitching, and other benefits, Acura RDX vs. Honda Passport features show another clear winner: The Acura RDX offers more.
Discover the New Acura RDX at Muller Acura of Merrillville
From fun to features, the RDX is a luxury SUV offering more. For further details on how the Acura RDX vs. Honda Passport comparison plays out or to compare other Acura SUVs like the Acura RDX vs. Acura MDX, our Acura dealership team is happy to help. Our staff loves the Acura vehicle lineup and will be just as excited to assist you in conducting more Acura model research. When the time comes to maintain your vehicle, our service center's competitive pricing and convenience will keep things as enjoyable as can be.
Contact Muller Acura of Merrillville today to set up a test drive of an Acura RDX SUV. If you plan to get financing for the new Acura RDX, submit your finance application online and swing by to find the ideal ride for your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Acura RDX and Honda Passport?
The differences between the Acura RDX and Honda Passport include more torque, higher MPG ratings, and faster acceleration3,4 in the RDX. The luxury Acura RDX SUV also has a more agile exterior with extra front legroom and headroom, more ground clearance, more luxury features as standard, premium available amenities its competitor does not offer, and unique styling compared to the Honda Passport.
Which one has better performance: the Acura RDX or the Honda Passport?
Acura RDX vs. Honda Passport performance is won by the Acura RDX. The model goes from zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds,3 while the Honda Passport takes 6.5 seconds.4 Plus, the Acura RDX delivers up to an EPA-estimated 21/27/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),1 while the Honda Passport delivers up to an EPA-estimated 19/24/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2
Which one is better for off-roading: the Acura RDX or the Honda Passport?
Despite being tailored to off-roading, the Honda Passport has lower ground clearance than the Acura RDX. Even without considering its SH-AWD, which can intelligently maintain traction with powerful vehicle dynamics, the Acura RDX has 8.2 inches of ground clearance. In comparison, the Honda Passport is limited to 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The Acura RDX specs also include a smaller turning circle than the Honda Passport.
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1Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.
2Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors.
3This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.motortrend.com/cars/acura/rdx/
4This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.motortrend.com/cars/honda/passport/2025/