For shoppers comparing the 2026 Mazda CX-70 vs 2026 Honda Passport, the difference comes down to depth of engineering and breadth of choice. Mazda’s two-row CX-70 blends sophisticated aesthetics with a longitudinal platform, standard i-Activ AWD, and three compelling powertrains, including a refined e-Skyactiv-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo offered in two outputs and an e-SKYACTIV PHEV that adds meaningful electric-only driving capability. Honda’s all-new Passport focuses on rugged design and trail confidence with the second-generation i-VTM4 AWD system and available TrailWatch multi-view camera technology. Both SUVs seat five and can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, but the CX-70 elevates daily driving with Kinematic Posture Control, Mi-Drive modes, and available features such as a power panoramic sunroof, 21-inch wheels, and Nappa leather. At Russ Darrow Mazda of Milwaukee, our team highlights how the CX-70’s chassis tuning, cabin craftsmanship, and advanced tech stack serve commuters near Milwaukee, WI, who want an SUV that feels premium without giving up utility. From refined highway manners to responsive dynamics around town, the CX-70 simply does more, and does it with poise shoppers from Greenfield and Oak Creek will appreciate.
| Feature | 2026 Mazda CX-70 | 2026 Honda Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) option | Yes | No |
| Approx. 30-mile EV driving range (PHEV) | Yes | No |
| Turbocharged Inline 6 engine available | Yes | No |
| Kinematic Posture Control handling tech | Yes | No |
| 360° View Monitor with See-Through View and Trailer Hitch View | Yes | No |
| Power panoramic sunroof | Yes | No |
| Nappa leather seating available | Yes | No |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Yes | Yes |
| All-wheel drive (AWD) standard | Yes | Yes |
| Up to 5,000-lb towing when properly equipped | Yes | Yes |
The CX-70’s proportions communicate purpose. A long hood and rear-drive stance give it a planted look, with a tasteful blackout theme for 2026 that includes gloss black Mazda emblems and badges. On 3.3 Turbo Preferred, 21-inch black metal finish aluminum alloy wheels, a black honeycomb grille, and a rear roof spoiler underscore its athletic presence. Automatic on/off LED headlights with auto-leveling, LED DRLs and taillights, rain-sensing wipers, and High Beam Control come standard. Higher trims layer in a hands-free power liftgate, auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors, and a contrasting silver valence for added polish. Premium Plus and above bring a power panoramic sunroof and Adaptive Front-lighting System, while PHEV models add distinctive gray metallic 19-inch wheels and a “PHEV” fender badge. The Passport carries bolder off-road styling, accessory potential, and available packages that suit trail exploration. It projects capability well, particularly in TrailSport configurations. Yet the CX-70’s cohesive KODO design language and understated details create a more refined curbside impression near Milwaukee, WI, appealing to those who value both drama and discretion in equal measure.
Step inside and the CX-70 sets an upscale tone that feels a class above. The wide dashboard integrates a 12.3-inch Mazda Connect center display with touch functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Alexa Built-in for easy voice control. Preferred trims now include heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel, complemented by power-adjustable seating for both driver and front passenger. Storage is thoughtfully optimized: remote-folding rear seats, a power liftgate, compartment hooks, and a sub-trunk that hides valuables out of sight. Premium and above add a fully digital 12.3-inch driver display, Active Driving Display, Bose 12-speaker audio, and touches like a frameless auto-dimming mirror and upgraded lighting. On top trims, Nappa leather in Black, Red, or quilted Tan with elegant dash suede elevates the ambience, while a power panoramic sunroof expands light and space. By contrast, the Passport emphasizes durability and an adventure-ready vibe. It offers rugged design cues, generous cargo space, and family-friendly tech with Honda Sensing standard. The difference? Mazda leans into precision-crafted materials, intimate ergonomics, and rich audio-visual integration, creating a calming, driver-centric environment that turns commutes near Milwaukee, WI into a more serene experience.
Under the skin, Mazda engineers sweat the small stuff. The CX-70’s longitudinal architecture and rear-biased standard i-Activ AWD underpin a balanced, responsive chassis. Kinematic Posture Control subtly applies braking to help reduce body lift in corners for a flatter, more composed feel without compromising ride quality. Mi-Drive lets drivers select modes such as Sport and Off-Road, and, on select trims, Towing mode helps manage power delivery and shifting when hauling. The available 360° View Monitor with See-Through View and Trailer Hitch View adds clarity when aligning a trailer or navigating tight spaces. By comparison, the 2026 Passport prioritizes trail confidence with a second-generation i-VTM4 AWD system and available off-road tuned suspension, supported by TrailWatch for camera-aided maneuvering. Both SUVs bring genuine capability; the difference is how that capability is tuned. Mazda makes everyday dynamics more fluid and intuitive, blending precise body control with calm, quiet refinement on broken pavement. For drivers who value on-road sophistication and a rewarding steering feel with the security to handle Midwest gravel or slush, the CX-70’s fundamentals stand out.
Choice defines the CX-70 lineup. The standard e-Skyactiv-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo delivers smooth, confident acceleration; S trims step up to a more powerful tune for effortless passing. Both pair with an eight-speed automatic and standard i-Activ AWD. For those who want electrified flexibility, the e-SKYACTIV PHEV produces robust system output and adds an EPA-estimated 30 miles of electric-only range, ideal for short errands or a commute that can be covered on battery power when charged. With Mi-Drive, throttle mapping and shift logic align to the selected mode, while available Towing mode on specific trims helps the CX-70 confidently manage up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Honda’s Passport is now billed as its most powerful yet and continues to be a towing-ready, adventure-friendly SUV; however, it does not offer a plug-in hybrid option. If your priorities include refined torque delivery, the sophistication of an inline-six, or the ability to drive electric for local trips, Mazda’s powertrain menu clearly gives you more ways to match performance with lifestyle.
Safety and awareness are foundational in the CX-70. Standard i-Activsense® technologies include Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Driver Attention Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Vehicle Exit Warning, and a Rear View Monitor. Moving up the trims, the suite expands with Cruising & Traffic Support, Emergency Lane Keeping with Blind Spot Assist, Road Keep Assist, Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Speed Limit Assist, a 360° View Monitor with See-Through View and Trailer Hitch View, Front Cross Traffic Alert, and Smart Brake Support Rear and Front Crossing. The result is confident assistance in busy parking lots, on crowded expressways, or while hitching up a trailer. Honda Sensing is standard on the Passport and brings its own robust set of driver-assist features to the party. Both manufacturers take safety seriously; Mazda’s expanded camera views and nuanced lane and cross-traffic aids provide excellent situational clarity. At Russ Darrow Mazda of Milwaukee, we showcase these systems so shoppers can see how seamlessly they support confident driving during rush-hour merges and lane changes.
Our team at Russ Darrow Mazda of Milwaukee recommends a tailored test drive so you can feel the CX-70’s balance of composure, power, and upscale detail in real time.
Set the 2026 Mazda CX-70 vs 2026 Honda Passport side by side and it becomes clear: both are capable five-seat SUVs, but Mazda stacks the deck with a more refined chassis feel, richer cabin execution, and broader powertrain strategy, including a plug-in hybrid with genuine electric range. The CX-70’s standard i-Activ AWD, Kinematic Posture Control, and available 360° View Monitor with See-Through View and Trailer Hitch View help make tough tasks easier, while touches like Nappa leather, a panoramic sunroof, and Bose audio elevate routine drives. Honda’s Passport leans into trail-ready character and technology that supports adventure, yet it cannot match the CX-70’s combination of premium polish and versatile propulsion. If you spend your week commuting and your weekends hauling, the CX-70 adapts seamlessly. Visit Russ Darrow Mazda of Milwaukee to compare trims and features in person and see why so many shoppers near Milwaukee, WI choose Mazda for a more rewarding drive.
