2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 Honda Passport was essentially a shortened version of the Pilot, featuring two rows of seats instead of three. This similarity was evident in its design, both externally and internally. The Passport’s dashboard layout was visually identical to that of the Pilot, including Honda’s awkward “button shifter” design. Despite these corporate design choices, the Passport boasted a spacious interior with high-quality materials throughout. Trim levels ranged from Sport to Elite, each adding more luxurious features such as leather upholstery, power moonroof, and advanced navigation systems.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and fresh alloy wheel designs. The top-of-the-line Signature trim received body-color lower exterior trim, enhancing Mazda’s premium brand aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The seats were new for 2022, offering improved comfort. Mazda also revamped its trim levels, introducing the CX-5 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo, each with various sub-trims to cater to different preferences and budgets.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The V6 provided strong acceleration, and the automatic transmission managed power well. The Passport’s ride was a blend of comfort and refined handling, with 8.1 inches of ground clearance and Intelligent Traction Management for AWD models. Towing capacity was up to 3,500 pounds for FWD and 5,000 pounds for AWD models.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 26 mpg combined. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo offered a turbocharged engine with 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. It also featured the revised six-speed automatic and standard AWD, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined. The CX-5’s driving dynamics were improved for 2022, offering a quieter, smoother, and sportier ride with less body roll and better handling.

The 2021 Honda Passport provided up to 100.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 50.5 cubic feet with the second row in use. An additional 2.5 cubic feet was available in an under-floor storage tray. The EX-L trim included a power liftgate, while the Touring and Elite trims featured a hands-free power liftgate. The upright seating position offered excellent visibility, and the center console provided ample storage. The rear seats were spacious, with plenty of headroom and legroom, and could both recline and slide.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and front seats with new, more comfortable furnishings. The driving position was sportier, and all trims except the base included a height-adjustable front passenger seat. The 2.5 Turbo test vehicle featured leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat remained snug but included heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents. Cargo space was 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was adequate compared to entry-level luxury SUVs but less impressive against mainstream compact crossovers.

For 2021, the Honda Passport made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard, included with the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. However, the system had dated graphics, a confusing menu layout, and a volume dial that felt like an afterthought. Despite these drawbacks, the inclusion of smartphone connectivity features was a significant advantage over the three-row Pilot.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. Mazda believed touch interfaces caused driver distraction, and the system lacked natural voice recognition. Users had to rely on center console and steering wheel controls. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the system’s usability was limited. Starting with the 2.5 S Premium trim, the CX-5 included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, which performed adequately.

The 2021 Honda Passport came equipped with advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. The Passport received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, with "Acceptable" ratings for headlights and child-seat anchor ease of use.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured the i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS, a distinction few rivals could match.