2026 Mazda CX-70 vs. Honda Passport: Which Midsize SUV Is Better?

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Shopping for a midsize SUV means balancing comfort, performance, technology, and practicality. For 2026, the Mazda CX-70 and Honda Passport are both strong options, but the CX-70 stands out with its refined design, engaging performance, and impressive versatility. It offers the capability drivers want without sacrificing the enjoyable driving experience Mazda is known for.

While the Passport emphasizes off-road capability, the CX-70 delivers a more refined mix of power, responsive handling, upscale design, and everyday versatility. For drivers who want an SUV that's enjoyable on the road while still ready for adventure, the CX-70 is hard to overlook.

2026 Mazda CX-70 vs. Honda Passport: Power and Performance Face-Off

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 brings more flexibility and performance than the Honda Passport. Its turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six produces 280 horsepower in base models and an impressive 340 horsepower in Turbo S trims. The Passport offers just one powertrain, a 285-horsepower 3.5-liter V6.

The CX-70's powertrain is smooth and responsive, while its nimble, sure-footed handling makes it genuinely enjoyable to drive. The Passport counters with rugged features such as available all-terrain tires, specialized TrailSport suspension, and multiple drive modes.

For drivers who spend most of their time on the road but still want plenty of capability, the CX-70 strikes the better balance between power, refinement, and driving enjoyment. Its responsive handling and smooth power delivery make everyday driving more engaging, while standard all-wheel drive gives it the confidence to handle changing road conditions and weekend adventures.

Towing Showdown: Mazda CX-70 vs. Honda Passport

Both SUVs can tow up to 5,000 pounds, though the CX-70 Preferred is limited to 3,500 pounds. The Passport TrailSport adds a standard trailer hitch with a seven-pin connector, but the CX-70 offers the stronger overall towing lineup.

For most drivers, that 5,000-pound capacity provides plenty of flexibility for hauling a small boat, camper, or utility trailer. Combined with its strong engine options and standard all-wheel drive, the CX-70 is well equipped for everyday needs and weekend getaways.

Comfort Clash: 2026 Mazda CX-70 vs. Honda Passport

This is another area where the Mazda CX-70 has a clear personality.

Mazda has long focused on making its cabins feel more like the interior of a premium vehicle rather than simply a functional transportation pod. The CX-70 continues that philosophy with available Nappa leather, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, premium audio, and a clean, driver-focused cabin.

Higher trims include features such as a 360-degree View Monitor and Mazda's Driver Personalization System. The CX-70 can also provide up to 75.3 cubic feet of cargo space, along with additional underfloor storage.

The Passport counters with a roomy cabin, comfortable seating, useful storage, and available premium touches. Its higher TrailSport Elite trim adds features including heated and ventilated front seats, Bose audio, a panoramic moonroof, and a multi-view camera system. As far as room is concerned, with the rear seats folded, you can enjoy 104.6 cubic feet on most trims and 104.4 cubic feet on TrailSport Elite models.

Still, the CX-70 feels like the more natural choice for someone who wants practicality without giving up a sense of occasion every time they get behind the wheel. Buyers who want a little more space will prefer the Honda Passport.

Technology Showdown: Mazda CX-70 vs. Honda Passport

The Mazda CX-70 comes standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment display, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and available head-up display. Premium trims add a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

The Honda Passport also features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, 5G Wi-Fi, and Google built-in services. While the Passport offers more standard connectivity features, the CX-70 counters with a more premium, driver-focused cabin experience.

Overall, the Mazda CX-70 offers a more premium and driver-focused technology experience. While the Passport has more standard connectivity features, the CX-70 delivers the upscale feel and thoughtful design many SUV shoppers are looking for.

Safety Face-Off: 2026 Mazda CX-70 vs. Honda Passport

The CX-70 comes standard with Mazda's i-Activsense safety suite, including automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

The Passport's Honda Sensing system offers similar features, including automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Both provide strong standard safety technology, but Mazda makes its core driver-assistance features standard across the CX-70 lineup.

Reliability Battle: Mazda CX-70 vs. Honda Passport

When it comes to reliability, the Mazda CX-70 gets the edge. Mazda has built a strong reputation for dependable vehicles, and the CX-70 combines that reputation with a well-engineered powertrain and solid build quality. For shoppers looking for a midsize SUV they can confidently keep for years, the CX-70 is the better choice.

Mazda CX-70 vs. Honda Passport: Two Different Takes on the Midsize SUV

The Honda Passport is not an easy SUV to dismiss. Its V6 engine, rugged TrailSport models, sophisticated AWD system, and 5,000-pound towing capacity make it a legitimate competitor.

But the Mazda CX-70 feels like the more complete choice for drivers who spend most of their time on paved roads and want their SUV to be enjoyable rather than merely capable.

The CX-70 offers stronger torque, an available 340-horsepower turbocharged inline six, standard all-wheel drive, excellent towing capacity, a refined interior, and the driving dynamics Mazda is known for. It also looks distinctive without trying too hard to look like an off-road vehicle.

The Passport makes sense if rugged trail capability is your top priority. If you want a midsize SUV that can handle family duties during the week, road trips on the weekend, and still make a back road feel like something worth driving, the CX-70 is the more appealing choice.

See the 2026 Mazda CX-70 at Seacoast Mazda

Comparing specifications online is useful, but the 2026 Mazda CX-70 is best experienced behind the wheel. Its comfort, visibility, handling, ride quality, and turbocharged power are difficult to capture on a spec sheet.

Visit Seacoast Mazda to explore the available trims, check out the interior and cargo space, and experience what sets the CX-70 apart.

View Mazda CX-70 Inventory