2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo featured a distinctive design with shiny black 18-inch wheels, a black grille, black side mirror housings, and matte black body cladding. This combination gave the vehicle a unique, almost floating appearance, as if it were cresting a hill at speed. The CX-30 stood out from its Mazda3 hatchback roots, offering a higher ground clearance and a more SUV-like stance. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Mazda3 with high-quality materials, complementary tones, and stitched chocolate brown surfaces, providing an upscale vibe. The Premium Plus trim added chrome accents and a frameless rearview mirror, with options for black or Griege leatherette upholstery, or black or white leather in higher trims. Prices ranged from about $31,000 to $35,745 for a fully loaded model.

The 2021 Honda Passport, essentially a shortened version of the Pilot, shared many styling cues with its larger sibling. Inside, the dashboard layout was nearly identical to the Pilot, including the somewhat awkward button shifter design. Despite this, the Passport offered a spacious interior with high-quality materials. Trim levels ranged from Sport to Elite, with the base Sport featuring 20-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, and a seven-speaker audio system. Higher trims added amenities like leather upholstery, a power moonroof, and advanced tech features. The Passport's design choices made it a practical and comfortable option for families, with prices reflecting its range of features.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo came equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower depending on the fuel octane. Torque was impressive, measuring 310 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm or 320 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm. The six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ all-wheel-drive system contributed to a smooth and responsive driving experience. Fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg combined, though real-world testing averaged 24.1 mpg. The CX-30 Turbo's acceleration was effortless, thanks to Mazda's focus on g-force calibration for a satisfying driving experience. The vehicle's handling was enhanced by G-Vectoring Control Plus technology and a robust rear differential mount, though its added height and weight made it less agile than the Mazda3. The CX-30 Turbo also featured an Off-Road mode for improved traction on rough terrain.

The 2021 Honda Passport was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Passport offered both front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive, with the latter including Intelligent Traction Management with Snow, Sand, and Mud modes. The V6 provided strong acceleration, and the automatic transmission managed power effectively, though the stop-start system could be abrupt. The Passport's ride quality balanced comfort and handling, making it suitable for both commuting and weekend adventures. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance, the AWD model could handle light off-roading. Towing capacity was up to 3,500 pounds for FWD models and 5,000 pounds for AWD models.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered a comfortable and driver-focused interior with eight-way power adjustment for the driver's seat and heated front seats. The cabin's organic shapes and high-quality materials created a sense of spaciousness, though the rear seats were cramped for adults. Storage space was generous, but the location of the wireless smartphone charger in the center console storage bin was inconvenient. Cargo capacity was 20.2 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 45.2 cubic feet with them folded down.

The 2021 Honda Passport excelled in cargo space, offering 100.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded and 50.5 cubic feet with the second row in use. An additional 2.5 cubic feet of under-floor storage added to its practicality. The EX-L trim and above featured a power liftgate, with hands-free operation on the Touring and Elite trims. The upright seating position provided excellent visibility, and the center console offered ample storage. The rear seats were spacious, with plenty of headroom and legroom, and could both recline and slide for added comfort.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via physical controls and voice commands. While the system required acclimation, it included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Premium trims added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. While these features were a welcome addition, the system's dated graphics and confusing menu layout detracted from the overall experience. The volume dial felt like an afterthought, and the lack of a tuning dial was noticeable.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a Top Safety Pick+ designation and five-star ratings in most categories. It came equipped with a full suite of i-ActiveSense advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive front lighting, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The mobile 9-1-1 automatic emergency notification system added an extra layer of safety.

The 2021 Honda Passport also scored well in safety evaluations, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores from the IIHS in most crash tests. It came standard with advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and front-and-rear parking sensors.