[Type34]

Hey guys, checking in. Just bought a 2023 EX-L as we wanted a third car. I basically chose the 2023 Passport because both my wife and I loathe the touchpad in the new RDX and MDX. We know it first-hand because we owned a 2021 RDX and traded it in for my wife's non-touchpad 2019 MDX Advance.

We love the Passport 's easy to use touch screen and just logical layout of the interior. We have two active boys, so the plethora of cupholders is a major plus. My wife had a CRX and a Civic many years ago, but this is my first Honda. Loving it so far...

It's been raining constantly here in SoCal...but I managed a few pics today...

This was our 2021 RDX...loved the car; hated the infotainment setup...

The wife's 2019 MDX Advance. This vehicle does a little bit of everything...it's our 5th MDX...

 

[Hubb]

Congrats on the new Passport and welcome to the forum!

 

[ballisticexchris]

Nice looking Hondas. Love the MDX! Welcome.

 

[Tadakatsu]

I really love the late model Acura offerings but that being said there are certain things about them that I absolutely love and the touch pad is NOT at the top of the list. When I worked at the Honda dealership 2 years ago I recall a lady trading in a nearly new RDX A spec for a Passport Touring, that RDX was a little rocket ship to drive but tiny inside and used the dread touch pad.

The newer MDXs are SOOO nice but I think I'll just stick to my super sweet Passport Elite 🤍

 

[ballisticexchris]

My very favorite feature of the MDX (and my Passport) is the IVTM drive system. It's much better than Toyotas DTC in the Highlander. The traction and handling of Honda is phenomenal for what you get at the price point.

 

[ares]

@Type34 Welcome! That looks like a nice neighborhood.

RDX was a little rocket ship to drive but tiny inside and used the dread touch pad.

I didnt realize that the RDX was a lot smaller inside than the PP? I suppose it's closer in interior dimensions to the CRV then?

 

[fx_chip]

Hey guys, checking in. Just bought a 2023 EX-L as we wanted a third car. I basically chose the 2023 Passport because both my wife and I loathe the touchpad in the new RDX and MDX. We know it first-hand because we owned a 2021 RDX and traded it in for my wife's non-touchpad 2019 MDX Advance.

We love the Passport 's easy to use touch screen and just logical layout of the interior. We have two active boys, so the plethora of cupholders is a major plus. My wife had a CRX and a Civic many years ago, but this is my first Honda. Loving it so far...

It's been raining constantly here in SoCal...but I managed a few pics today...
View attachment 17668
View attachment 17669

This was our 2021 RDX...loved the car; hated the infotainment setup...
View attachment 17670

The wife's 2019 MDX Advance. This vehicle does a little bit of everything...it's our 5th MDX...
View attachment 17671

I think your Passport is the cream of this crop. Welcome to the forum.

 

[Type34]

I really love the late model Acura offerings but that being said there are certain things about them that I absolutely love and the touch pad is at the top of the list. When I worked at the Honda dealership 2 years ago I recall a lady trading in a nearly new RDX A spec for a Passport Touring, that RDX was a little rocket ship to drive but tiny inside and used the dread touch pad.

The newer MDXs are SOOO nice but I think I'll just stick to my super sweet Passport Elite 🤍

Yeah the RDX was a rocket for sure. So much fun to drive that 2.0L turbo. It's funny because on the RDX and MDX boards, owners are split pretty evenly on the touchpad versus touch screen debate. Just as I hate it, there's another guy as passionate about it who loves it. I would say, from a product/market perspective, if owners like me are trading in the vehicles because of the disliked feature, then it probably needs a redesign (somewhere in the middle).

And honestly, even if I could get past the touchpad, I'm too frugal with my money and the new MDXes are so expensive right now (man it's a tough time to buy a car). I'm more than happy in my Passport for everyday use.

 

[Type34]

I didnt realize that the RDX was a lot smaller inside than the PP? I suppose it's closer in interior dimensions to the CRV then?

The RDX's first two generations were based on the Civic/CR-V platforms. In it's 3rd generation (2019+), it received it's own platform. Based on size, yes, it's smaller than a Passport inside and I think it's tighter feeling that even a CR-V.

Dynamically, our 2021 RDX felt like a sports car akin to one of my favorite Acura's that I've owned: our 2008 TSX.

 

[ares]

If the wife does not get another Audi, may look into the Acuras.

 

[Driv3r]

Welcome! Nice color choice on all of the above. I love the RDX, MDX, and the Passport (of course), each have their own charm. The RDX is small but nimble with the torque available in the 2.0t. The MDX is luxurios, full of tech and has the 10 speed transmission, but the 3rd row does take away for those of us that don't need it. For the Passport, I have yet to find a wider second row and trunk space in this mid sized suv category. It just feels bigger compared to a highlander, a explorer, or the previous gen MDX because of that 3rd row.
The Passport is right in the middle. Some compromises on tech and paint colors, but many features to enjoy in day to day life without burning a hole in your budget.

100% agree on your comments about the touchscreen.

 

[CC_Marauder]

The Ford Edge seems like the same car. They even have a 3.5L V6 in it.

 

[Type34]

For the Passport, I have yet to find a wider second row and trunk space in this mid sized suv category. It just feels bigger compared to a highlander, a explorer, or the previous gen MDX because of that 3rd row.
The Passport is right in the middle. Some compromises on tech and paint colors, but many features to enjoy in day to day life without burning a hole in your budget.

This is spot on for me. I am fortunate to work from home, but I was still driving my Gladiator as my daily driver. For as fun and unparalleled the Gladiator experience is, it's not a great daily driver. I coach baseball, basketball, and soccer, so if I'm not taking the Glad all the time, I still needed something with a big butt to hold my gear.

For those that haven't shopped recently, it's a terrible time to buy or lease a car. Horrible leases. The inventory is all over the map. I looked at everything. Trucks and SUVs. The Passport wasn't even a consideration until a salesman opened the rear hatch - I was shocked at how much space is in the rear of the Passport. And how wide it feels in the interior. Then it checked most of my boxes (leather, Carplay, touchscreen, LEDs, moonroof, reliability, etc.). Worked a deal. Done!

 

[Type34]

If the wife does not get another Audi, may look into the Acuras.

Ares, I owned a 2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS VR6 and IMO, that was about the pinnacle of VW's engineering footprint in the US. That naturally aspirated VR6 engine was amazing. Today, Audi's design, and specifically it's aggressive exterior and wheel designs (I'm not a huge fan of the interiors), is pretty much top notch in the market. They're gorgeous. But now almost everything in their lineup is turbo-charged. VW/Audi's turbos have never been reliable. So that's why I recommend only to lease an Audi, never to buy.

All that being said, I recommend Acura up one end and down the other. They're the goldilocks of the automotive world. Like I've said, we're on our 9th Acura. I'm an Acura nerd. 🤓

 

[lvdukerider]

The Ford Edge seems like the same car. They even have a 3.5L V6 in it.

Tell this to my wife who insisted on trading in her 2017 Ford Edge platinum for our 2022 PP/TS. I do love the PP/TS but the Edge had a panoramic sun roof, customizable interior mood lighting and was almost paid for. Oh well, I'll just continue to enjoy this Honda, but yes our Edge was a great and reliable vehicle.

 

[CC_Marauder]

Tell this to my wife who insisted on trading in her 2017 Ford Edge platinum for our 2022 PP/TS. I do love the PP/TS but the Edge had a panoramic sun roof, customizable interior mood lighting and was almost paid for. Oh well, I'll just continue to enjoy this Honda, but yes our Edge was a great and reliable vehicle.

Put her on the phone.

I've got this! 😉

 

[stevenD]

Very nice, congrats, looks like you are in OC(?)

 

[Type34]

Very nice, congrats, looks like you are in OC(?)

Guilty as charged. The Passport is kinda rare in the OC, but I'm starting to see more of them in the wild.

 

[ares]

Are we talking about the same OC in CA? Now that I'm staring more, it does look like it. My aunt lived in Garden Grove for the longest time and I had the opportunity to live with them but declined. Kinda regret it just a little.

 

[CC_Marauder]

Are we talking about the same OC in CA? Now that I'm staring more, it does look like it. My aunt lived in Garden Grove for the longest time and I had the opportunity to live with them but declined. Kinda regret it just a little.

There is only one real OC.

Florida and NJ are posers.