2021 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 embraced a design approach that set it apart from the overly aggressive styling trends prevalent among many SUVs at the time. It opted for a more elegant, less angular look that seemed fluid and dynamic, even at a standstill. The CX-5's strategy did not result in significant exterior differentiation across its trims, but the levels of comfort and luxury distinctly escalated with each upgrade. The higher trims, notably from the Grand Touring onwards, introduced more premium touches such as leatherette upholstery, enhanced lighting features, and larger, more visually striking wheel designs.

In contrast, the visual essence of the 2021 Honda Passport strongly mirrored that of its larger sibling, the Honda Pilot, featuring a two-row seating configuration. The Passport adopted a more utilitarian but robust aesthetic, which complemented its positioning as a versatile SUV. Interior similarities with the Pilot extended into the layout and build quality, though the Passport suffered from the same controversial gear selection interface. On the upside, its spacious cabin lined with high-quality materials contributed to an enhanced passenger experience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine choices; a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a more powerful turbocharged variant. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and maintained decent fuel efficiency, delivering up to 31 mpg on the highway. Opting for the turbocharged engine brought a significant power increase to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, providing a more spirited driving experience particularly noticeable when the vehicle was in Sport mode. However, the sporty ride came with a stiffer suspension which, while fun, might not appeal to those seeking a more relaxed cruising experience.

The Honda Passport featured a single engine across all trims—a 3.5-liter V6 pushing out 280 horsepower. This engine offered robust acceleration and was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that generally managed power effectively, despite some jerkiness noted with the stop-start system. FWD models could tow up to 3,500 pounds, while AWD versions could handle up to 5,000 pounds—ample for most recreational towing needs. The ride was finely tuned for comfort, making it suitable for daily driving and light off-road adventures.

The interior layout of the CX-5 was efficiently designed to accommodate family use, though it was slightly cramped for rear passengers when compared to competitors. Storage capacity was notably less robust than some rivals, offering 59.6 cubic feet with rear seats down, which lagged behind the segment leaders. The design remained user-friendly, with conventional climate controls and a modestly sized shifter.

Conversely, the Honda Passport excelled in providing a spacious interior environment with up to 100.8 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats were folded. This generous space, coupled with the practical placement of compartments and the usability of the rear seats, underscored the Passport's capability as a family-friendly SUV. It also provided good visibility and a more commanding driving position.

Mazda's CX-5 sported a large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that, despite its size, was hampered by a less intuitive user interface and an inconvenient control knob placement. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration helped mitigate some of the system's shortcomings.

The Passport's infotainment offerings, including a standard 8-inch touchscreen for 2021, also featured Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system’s interface and user controls, however, fell short of contemporary standards, suffering from dated graphics and an awkwardly implemented volume control. The overall technological experience in the Passport was functional but lacked finesse.

The Mazda CX-5 boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features leading to high safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA. Optional equipment such as a surround-view camera and traffic sign recognition further enriched its safety profile.

The Honda Passport also came well-equipped with essential safety functionalities and achieved commendable safety ratings. It included essential driver aids and offered additional options like blind-spot monitoring for enhanced security on the road.