Not every buyer of a midsize SUV wants or needs a third row, and for them there are excellent alternatives like the 2026 Mazda CX-70 and 2026 Honda Passport. Each boasts room accommodations for five people and more than enough cargo room for all their gear. And that’s just the start.
For all they have in common, the Mazda CX-70 and Honda Passport represent two different 2-row midsize SUV personalities. Here’s how they compare.
2026 Mazda CX-70
The 2026 Mazda CX-70 brings premium looks and amenities to the table, and like a luxury SUV costing tens of thousands of dollars more, comes with a turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine. The CX-70 debuted just last year, so it’s still fresh going into the 2026 model year. The CX-70 spans five trims, comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), and offers two outputs from its 6-cylinder engine: 280 horsepower or an even more potent 340 hp. The Mazda CX-70 is also available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which we review separately.
Mazda CX-70 Highlights
Luxurious interior: Step into the CX-70’s spacious cabin and you might think you’re in a German luxury SUV. With premium materials, sleek design, and a host of amenities, it really is that good.
Special engine: Speaking of German luxury vehicle’s, the Mazda CX-70 uses a type of engine usually reserved for them: a turbocharged inline 6-cylinder. In addition to its potent power, this engine is super smooth. We recently drove a CX-70 from Colorado to California, and this Mazda simply ate up the miles.
Cargo space galore: With similar size as the CX-90 but one less row of seats, the CX-70 can hold a lot of gear. It boasts 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats, or 75.3 with them folded. That’s just a few shy of the similarly spacious Passport.
Read our Mazda CX-70 Expert Review or see 2026 Mazda CX-70 models for sale near you.
2026 Honda Passport
The Honda Passport is all-new for 2026, and it brings more capability and off-road chops than ever. Like the CX-70, the Passport also comes standard with a 6-cylinder engine, in this case Honda’s robust, 285 hp V6. And like the CX-70, the Passport has all-wheel drive standard.
Honda Passport Highlights
Off-road focus: The Passport has not just an adventurous vibe, but the goods to back it up. From the suspension to the software, the Passport is equipped to take you off the beaten path. For even more capability, there’s the TrailSport trims with skid plates, all-terrain tires, and more.
V6 engine: The Honda bucks the turbo 4-cylinder trim for a stout, naturally aspirated V6 that makes 285 hp.
Seven trims: The Passport offers a wide selection of trims to meet a variety of buyers, from the base RTL to the range-topping TrailSport Elite Blackout.
Read our Honda Passport Expert Review or see 2026 Honda Passport models for sale near you.
Similarities
For all their differences, the Mazda CX-70 and Honda Passport have commonalities: They both come with a 6-cylinder engine, can tow 5,000 pounds, have all-wheel drive standard, and both boast large cargo bays.
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 MAZDA CX-70 vehicles and New 2025 Honda Passport vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
New 2026 MAZDA CX-70 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$43,780 |
$42,200 |
|||
$47,810 |
$46,100 |
|||
$51,100 |
$49,400 |
|||
$54,770 |
$52,900 |
|||
$58,200 |
$56,100 |
Specifications
| 2026 MAZDA CX-70 | 2026 Honda Passport | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.3-liter turbo 6-cylinder | 3.5-liter 6-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 pounds | 5,000 pounds |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 285 hp @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 8-speed e-skyactiv-drive w/manual mode | automatic, 10-speed |
| Fuel Economy | N/A | 19 city/25 highway/21 combined mpg |
| 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 | 5 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 122.8 inches | 113.6 inches |
| Overall Length | 201.6 inches | 191.5 inches |
| Width | 84.9 inches | 79.4 inches |
| Height | 68.2 inches | 73.1 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.1 feet | 39.0 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.7 inches | 40.5 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.3 inches | 40.7 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 41.1 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.4 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.2 inches | 61.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 61.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | 39.6 feet | 44.0 feet |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 75.3 feet | 104.6 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
New 2026 Honda Passport Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$46,200 |
$45,100 |
|||
$46,200 |
$45,900 |
|||
$46,200 |
$45,900 |
|||
$49,900 |
$49,100 |
|||
$49,900 |
$49,700 |
|||
$53,900 |
$52,600 |
|||
$53,900 |
$53,500 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 MAZDA CX-70 vehicles and New 2026 Honda Passport vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Conclusion
The Mazda CX-70 and Honda Passport represent two distinct attitudes among 2-row midsize SUVs. If you’re seeking a premium SUV with a potent powertrain, svelte design, and eager on-road manners, the CX-70 is a must-drive. If you’re more the adventurous type and seek an off-road-capable machine for weekend adventures along with the daily commute, the Passport might just be the ticket. Examine your budget and lifestyle, then take each for a test-drive to see which captures your heart.
