2025 Mazda CX-70 vs 2026 Honda Passport

The CX-70 midsize SUV mimics the Lexus RX by offering two rows of seats, seating for five people, distinctive styling, an upscale interior, and gas or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. If this new Mazda model looks familiar, you’re not mistaken. The 2025 CX-70 is the same as the CX-90, but without a third-row seat. Subtle styling changes help it to stand apart from its family-friendly sibling in the Mazda SUV lineup.

Verdict: Mazda envisions itself as a premium brand and makes the necessary investments in its products to ensure credibility in that respect. However, its vehicles also cost less than luxury-badged alternatives, adding value to the equation. That value makes it easier to forgive the 2025 Mazda CX-70’s few shortcomings.

Redesigned for the 2026 model year, the Honda Passport now targets aspirational lifestyle SUVs such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Toyota 4Runner. While the Passport name remains, nearly everything else is new, from the exterior to the interior and the engine to the trunk. Honda’s two-row SUV is virtually unrecognizable compared with the outgoing generation.

Verdict: The 2026 Honda Passport is a well-rounded crossover SUV that shines with regard to cargo space and user-friendly tech. However, while the new Passport aims to be more capable off-road than its predecessor, it still lacks key features such as a locking differential and low-range 4WD, not to mention it carries a high price tag. While not ideal for hardcore off-roaders (it is, after all, a unibody construction), the 2026 Honda Passport is a solid choice for family adventurers in need of a comfortable and spacious crossover.