2022 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2022 Honda Passport

The 2022 Honda Passport is moderately sized with a roomy cabin, superb off-roading capabilities and standardized safety gear. But can it compete with the 2022 Mazda CX-9, a swanky SUV with a classy appearance, exceptional safety scores and standardized AWD?

Design & Style

The CX-9 can seat 7 people and is one of the largest SUVs sold by Mazda. It offers three row seating and its handling has been immaculately tuned. The front end has been slimmed down and displays a nice sized corporate insignia on the grille. Its exterior curvature is elegant, and passengers inside will sit on soft leather seats covered in nappa leather while receiving their infotainment on ten inch touch displays.

The Honda Passport offers two row seating and only seats five. Unlike the CX-9, it has rugged styling which is a testament to its off-road capability, which is the result of an elevated suspension with greater departure/support angles. Its newest features for the year include frontal revisions designed to make it appear more like a truck, with a fresh hood and grille that is squared off. A new bumper has also been added to the rear along with bigger exhaust tips.

Technology & Safety

The Honda Passport only got a four star rating from the NHTSA thanks to its less than perfect frontal collision performance. The IIHS bestowed a good review for its protective features, with the exception of the overall frontal test where its score was only acceptable. It is equipped with most modern features such as adapted cruise control, forward emergency brakes and blind area monitoring. Cabin perks include leather upholstery, wireless charging, eight inch touch display and powered lift gate.

The Mazda CX-9 has captured the auto industry's highest safety awards, namely the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA five star rating. It is equipped with all the same features as the Honda and its cabin perks include powered seats that can be cooled or heated, climate control, keyless start and the option of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Performance

The Mazda CX-9 is powered by a turbo 4, 2.5 liter engine that can generate 227 horsepower that is wedded to an automatic six speed transmission. It can cruise from zero to sixty in about 7.2 seconds. The Honda Passport is powered by a V6, 3.5 liter engine that can generate 280 horsepower with the ability to accelerate from zero to sixty in 6.4 seconds.

The Bottom Line

While the Honda might have an advantage in horsepower and acceleration, this is completely negated by its lower seating capacity and inferior safety credentials. And when you consider its confusing nine speed automatic and lack of lower ratio 4 wheeling, all these factors make the Mazda CX-9 the better SUV.

Ready to Schedule a 2022 Mazda CX-9 Test Drive Today?

Do you want to discover more about this Mazda car model can do on the road? Come and visit us at Riley Mazda today! Our dedicated team of customer service representatives will assist you in meeting all your car purchasing, financing, and servicing needs. Call us today and book an appointment for your 2022 Mazda CX-9 test drive now!