2024 Honda Passport vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, continued to be a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV market. It was praised for its stylish design and high-quality materials, which gave it the feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the model boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, the CX-5 had its drawbacks, such as a small back seat, limited cargo space, and a frustrating infotainment system. Mazda's decision to eventually replace the CX-5 with the CX-50 was part of a broader marketing strategy, similar to Infiniti's renaming of its G37 sedan and coupe. Despite these changes, the CX-5 remained a vehicle that exuded quality, refinement, and sophistication.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Passport retained much of its previous design, despite Honda's updated design language across other models. The Passport's rugged appearance was more about aesthetics than functionality, with features like plastic skid plates and no lift kit. However, it offered a simple trim lineup with standard features like a power moonroof, identical touchscreens, and all-wheel drive. The TrailSport trim, tested for its ruggedness, came with all-terrain tires and standard roof rails and LED fog lights in Canada. Inside, the Passport featured old-school physical controls and an 8-inch touchscreen, with a simple and unassuming interior design. The Passport's utilitarian design was underscored by its large air vents, simple controls, and ample storage space.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base model featured a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. It had a fuel economy rating of 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The more enticing option was the 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular fuel. This engine also used the six-speed automatic and AWD system, with a combined fuel economy of 9.8 L/100 km. The turbo engine's power increase was complemented by structural and suspension improvements, enhancing the CX-5's driving dynamics. The CX-5 delivered a firm, connected ride, with responsive steering and brakes, making it a delight to drive on various road surfaces.

The 2024 Honda Passport, on the other hand, came with a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Passport offered smooth acceleration and unobtrusive gear shifts. The torque peaked at 4,700 RPM, requiring higher revs for quick acceleration. The Passport's fuel economy was rated at 12.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.8 on the highway, and 11.3 combined. The TrailSport trim featured mechanical changes for off-road capability, including wider tracks and tuned suspension. The Passport's steering was well-balanced and accurate, with minimal play off-centre. It had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, surpassing some competitors but falling short of others.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 received updates for improved comfort, including modified front seats and height-adjustable options. Higher trims offered power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated seats, along with premium Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with small storage areas, cramped rear seats, and modest cargo capacity. It provided 871 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the seats folded down. The infotainment system lacked a conversational voice recognition system, making it less user-friendly compared to competitors.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Passport excelled in cargo capacity, offering 1,430 litres behind the rear seats and 2,854 litres with the seats folded. The rear seats folded flush with the trunk floor, facilitating easy loading of long items. The Passport comfortably accommodated five adults, with ample cupholders and a redesigned centre console for increased storage. The front-seat environment felt less airy due to the console changes, but storage space was enhanced.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was frustrating to use. It lacked a helpful voice recognition system, and the physical controls on the centre console were awkward. The system required memorization and focus, making it distracting. Despite these issues, Mazda Connect offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. The test vehicle included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system for easier parking.

The 2024 Honda Passport, in comparison, had an 8-inch touchscreen, which felt small in its spacious cabin. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a wireless charging pad. The screen offered sharp resolution and quick response, but the tech had some faults. The navigation system's turn-by-turn directions were persistent, and the seven-speaker audio system was thin. Audiophiles might prefer competitors with better sound systems.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety features, with most technology offered as standard under the i-Activsense banner. Exclusive features for the 2.5 Turbo Signature included a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The i-Activsense tech operated smoothly, with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick ranking from the IIHS. However, it lacked a warning message for driving without headlights at night.

The 2024 Honda Passport came with standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Despite these features, the Passport received an "Acceptable" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests.