[josechaney]

I just came from a Honda dealership (and a Acura dealership). The guy there said the Passports will start coming in in January. Still no price.

 

[josechaney]

The shorter Passport does bring some added features...

Such as what?

 

[josechaney]

Any new speculation on pricing?

Yep. Lots of speculation.

 

[josechaney]

You can build your own Pilot on the Honda Website and then deduct $4,000 ($2,000 less + $2,000 MSRP discount)

I don't think they'll be discounting the Passport anytime soon.

 

[josechaney]

I can definitely do better with another brand.

Which one?

 

[josechaney]

I have been seriously test driving a lot of competition in this segment. Tomorrow I will drive a passport.

What have you driven? More importantly, what have you liked, and why?

 

[josechaney]

RDX, Audi Q5, Highlander, CRV, Rav 4, Pilot and Highlander. Also a VW Golf Alltrak.

How would you rank these? Which did you like / not like?

 

[josechaney]

So far for me the Highlander and Pilot are neck and neck. I like the Highlander for the more luxury ride and engine. The pilot has a little better tech with Apple car play.

If the Highlander had Android Auto I would seriously consider it.

Highlander is getting ready to unveil a big redisign for 2020. It will likely match or exceed Honda Pilot Tech.

Any idea when it will be released?

So today I will finally see and drive the Passport. Let's see how it goes.

Good luck. Keep us posted on your thoughts on Passport vs Highlander and Pilot.

 

[josechaney]

Thanks. Keep warm and have fun!

EDIT - By the way, I love the RDX. If not for the infotainment system issues -- and the lack of Android Auto -- I think I'd be sold.

 

[josechaney]

Thanks for the write-up!

 

[josechaney]

I may just buy a 2018 RDX for under 40k and be done with it.

The 2019 RDX is sooooo much better than the 2018 RDX.

 

[josechaney]

Some great features (head-up display, bird's eye view, etc.). But for 50K, I'd expect Android Auto (dealer says it's coming). It also has a very weird-feeling brake pedal. The turbo four doesn't thrill me. Nor does the requirement for premium fuel.

But the deal-breaker for me might be all of the problems being discussed on the Acura forum regarding the transmission, infotainment system and poor response from Acura service departments.

Yep, that was the deal-breaker for me. Too many issues. Sounds like the infotainment system is a freakin' nightmare. AND there's no Android Auto (Acura has no idea when or if it might get added). By the way, not that it matters, but premium fuel is only recommended, not required.

 

[josechaney]

When you remove all the hype, it really is just a shorter pilot.

With or without the hype. It's a shorter Pilot.

(I wasn't kidding when I said they should have called it a Co-Pilot )

 

[josechaney]

It's a nice car... so is the Pilot.

I don't know what the hell car I'm gonna buy....

 

[josechaney]

Acura for one. Volvo and even a Mazda (bang for the buck)

Again...this is my own criteria that am pretty sure will be different for other folks.

I'm back to wondering about the RDX. Too many bugs for me to be comfortable though. It would be great if the 2020 was due out sooner, but I won't be able to wait for it's release.

 

[josechaney]

So, for about the same price as a Passport Elite, I can get a new Jaguar F-Pace. Hmm

The price of the Passport Elite is making me reconsider the Acura RDX.

 

[josechaney]

Either way, honds will be happy

Tis true.

 

[josechaney]

Also plan to check out the RDX.

I am 99% sure I'm going this route. It's kinda funny, I waited a really long time for the Passport and I was sure I was gonna buy one (just ask my wife )... but once it finally came out I changed my mind. Oh well.