Honda Passport vs Mazda CX-90

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 regards 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 adventures in need of a comfortable and spacious crossover.

Available with a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine or as a plug-in hybrid, the CX-90’s powertrains are unique in a segment where turbocharged four-cylinder, V6, and hybrid drivetrains are common. Additionally, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 doesn’t have a touchscreen for the native Mazda Connect infotainment functions, a conversational digital voice assistant, or a hands-free driving-assistance system. Mazda also sets the cabin back on the platform, reducing passenger and cargo space. However, the stylish 2025 CX-90 is entertaining to drive.

Verdict: Can the CX-90’s elegant design, premium interior, unusual powertrains, enjoyable driving dynamics, and impressive safety ratings ensure competitiveness in a family-size SUV segment where the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Kia Telluride dominate? With more attention to detail and better technology, this Mazda SUV could lead instead of follow.