Midsize SUV buyers often want a vehicle with plenty of capability; however, the definition of capability varies from consumer to consumer.
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offers plenty of space, good power, and a slew of near-luxury touches. If you’re looking for a midsize SUV that borders on a premium or luxury model, the CX-70 provides a good starting point.
However, if you need space to haul five passengers and a lot of cargo while being able to tow 5,000 pounds and head off-road, the new 2025 Honda Passport should be on your list of SUVs to consider. Let’s check out these vehicles.
2025 Mazda CX-70
Casual observers often describe the CX-70 as the CX-90 without the third row of seats. The upside is plenty of room for the five passengers and all the stuff they’re carrying with them.
Mazda’s new SUV gets around town courtesy of a 280-horsepower turbocharged inline 6-cylinder; however, a more powerful version puts out 340 hp. It enjoys good fuel economy, boasting a combined average of 25 mpg, plus all-wheel drive (AWD) remains standard.
A hybrid is the roster but not part of this comparison. Prices start at $41,900, including destination charges.
Mazda CX-70 Highlights
Stepping up: Mazda walks the line of a premium vehicle with the CX-70 using high-end materials and technology. Convenience features such as remote-folding second-row seats, a rear cargo area with ample storage, and an underfloor compartment for out-of-sight storage are standard. A rear power liftgate will make filling the cargo space easier.
Safety first: Standard for every grade is a bundle of advanced safety and driver-assist technologies such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more.
Mazda Connect: This standard array includes voice control for the infotainment system, Pandora integration, and automatic emergency notifications.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-70 models near you.
2025 Honda Passport
The Honda Passport proves it’s still possible to get more than you pay for in a vehicle. This 2-row, 5-passenger SUV comes in just three trim levels — EX-L, TrailSport, and Black Edition — because the content level is so high on the entry-level EX-L. Out of the gate, the Passport comes equipped with all-wheel drive and leather seating, which are typically upgrades for vehicles in this class.
Powered by a 280-hp, 3.6-liter 6-cylinder mated to a 9-speed automatic means plenty of power — it’ll tow 5,000 pounds — but you’ll pay the price if you have a heavy right foot. The Passport’s combined fuel economy rating is 21 mpg, better than others in the segment. However, if you’re tooling around off-road in the TrailSport package, there will be times when the extra oomph comes in handy.
The cabin offers space for five people, plus the cargo area behind the second row. It also provides plenty of legroom for those in the second row. Pricing begins at $43,795, including destination fees.
Honda Passport Highlights
Locking technology: With the Smart Entry with Walk-Away Auto Lock technology, Passport owners don’t have to worry about security, as this system locks the vehicle automatically as you walk away with the key fob.
Honda Sensing: A suite of safety and assistance technology designed to improve safety and performance. It includes Road Departure Mitigation System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Collision Mitigation Braking System.
Highly contented: Every Passport has leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, wireless charging, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and AWD.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Passport models near you.
Similarities
The CX-70 and Passport enjoy attractive exterior styling, a spacious interior cabin, impressive technology, and strong powertrains.
Conclusion
While they’re slightly different vehicles with similar price tags, the CX-70 and Passport are great for daily commuting and family errands. Each features all-wheel drive, but the Passport is better equipped to handle off-road treks. If you want an off-road-ready vehicle, get the Passport; otherwise, drive them both and pick the one you like best.
| 2025 Mazda CX-70 | 2025 Honda Passport | |
| Starting Price | $43,795, including destination fees | $43,795 including destination fees |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.3-liter turbo 6-cylinder | 3.5-liter 6-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 280 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic/AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 24 city/28 highway/25 combined mpg | 19 city/24 highway/21 combined mpg |
| Also Available | ||
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | N/R | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 110.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 189.6 inches | 189.1 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 78.6 inches |
| Height | 66.7 inches | 72.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.9 feet | 39.3 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.7 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.3 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.4 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.2 inches | 62.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 58.1 inches | 61.9 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 39.6 cubic feet | 41.2 cubic feet |