2024 Honda Passport vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its familiar design from the second-generation model introduced in 2017, maintaining a modern and appealing look. The U.S. version of the new Suna trim featured exclusive Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats with black artificial suede inserts, adding a touch of luxury. Mazda improved the fuel economy for the base engine, removed a machined-finish 19-inch wheel design, and added wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to several trims. The CX-5 offered a base 187-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a 256-hp turbocharged 2.5-litre four, both paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. In Canada, the CX-5 was available in various trims, with prices ranging from $35,476 to $48,276, including fees. The Suna trim, similar to the test unit, came with the Turbo engine as standard and was priced at $47,026. The CX-5's interior materials, seating, technology, drivetrain, and suspension upgrades over the years resulted in an upscale crossover SUV at a mainstream price.

The 2024 Honda Passport maintained its familiar design, with minor tweaks in 2022, such as a more upright grille and squared-off corners. The Passport's trim levels in Canada included Sport, TrailSport, and Black Edition, all featuring a power moonroof, identical touchscreens, and all-wheel drive. The TrailSport trim, tested, was the most rugged, equipped with genuine all-terrain tires and standard roof rails and LED fog lights in Canada. While the Passport TrailSport appeared rugged, it lacked metal skid plates and recovery points, but its approach and departure angles were more aggressive than some competitors. Inside, the Passport featured old-school physical controls and an 8-inch touchscreen, with TrailSport trims offering black leather upholstery with orange contrast stitching. The interior was simple and unassuming, with resilient but inexpensive plastic integrated with softer materials, emphasizing a utilitarian design.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo delivered 256 hp at 5,000 rpm and 320 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm on premium gas, while regular gas provided 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain was more rewarding with a slower and steadier acceleration, allowing revs to build before utilizing the torque. However, the CX-5 Turbo was not fuel-efficient, with a combined rating of 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, and observed 10.3 L/100 km. The base engine offered better fuel efficiency at 9.3 L/100 km combined. The CX-5 felt tall and narrow from the driver's seat, with excellent outward visibility. Mazda's re-tuned suspension, stiffer frame, and standard all-wheel drive improved the ride and handling. The CX-5 was quiet on the highway, firm and connected in the city, and zippy on twisty roads. It could tow up to 900 kilograms (2,000 pounds).

The 2024 Honda Passport featured a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Passport accelerated well, with the nine-speed transmission being unobtrusive. Peak torque arrived at 4,700 RPM, requiring higher revs for 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 had wider tracks, 18-inch wheels, and off-road-tuned suspension. All Passports came with Honda's torque-vectoring iVTM4 all-wheel-drive system and a traction-management system with various settings. The Passport had elevated road and wind noise at highway speeds but was quieter in town. Its steering was well-balanced and accurate. The Passport's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds), surpassing some competitors but falling short of others.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 featured standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with redesigned seats offering comfort and support. The driver's seat had six-way power adjustment, and passengers could manually adjust seat height. Leather was standard on all trims except the base GS and GX, with premium Nappa leather on the Signature trim. Heated rear seats and ventilated front seats were available on the GT grade. The CX-5 was smaller in interior room but comfortable for four adults. The rear seat offered good support, and passengers had rear air conditioning vents and a centre armrest with cupholders. The cabin design and quality elevated the CX-5, with good storage space. The cargo area provided 871 litres behind the back seat and 1,680 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2024 Honda Passport excelled in cargo capacity, offering 1,430 litres behind the rear seats and additional underfloor storage. With 60/40-split folding rear seats, cargo space expanded to 2,854 litres. The Passport was comfortable for five adults, with rear-seat legroom on par with the segment. The front featured a taller and deeper centre console bin with a padded armrest, providing more storage. Cupholders were abundant, with six in the back seat alone. The Passport's interior was spacious, with a focus on practicality and storage.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 featured traditional switchgear for various controls, with a classic gear shifter. While Mazda's approach differed from the touchscreen norm, it offered touchscreen operation for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity in several trims. The 10.25-inch display was navigated using a large knob and surrounding buttons. Mazda Connected Services provided remote engine starting and more. Some trims had a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, enhancing the premium interior.

The 2024 Honda Passport had an 8-inch touchscreen, smaller than competitors, but with sharp resolution and response speed. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a wireless charging pad were standard. The system pushed turn-by-turn directions to the driver's display, which could be annoying in city driving. The TrailSport trim had a seven-speaker audio system, while the Black Edition offered an upgraded 10-speaker system. Audiophiles might prefer other options for better sound quality.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 came with advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive headlights, traffic sign recognition, and more. The CX-5 had a five-star rating from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2024 Honda Passport included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic monitoring, and adaptive cruise control as standard. Despite these features, the Passport received lower ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with an "Acceptable" rating in the passenger-side small overlap crash test and a "Marginal" rating in the updated side-impact crash tests. The NHTSA gave it five stars overall, with four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests.