In the highly competitive midsize SUVs category, discovering a clear winner is hard. One of the latest additions is the 2024 Mazda CX-90. This fresh new option outranked even the longstanding favorite, the 2023 Honda Passport. What sets the Mazda CX-90 apart, earning it high marks months after its market debut? Check features and innovations that Mazda incorporated into the 2024 CX-90 to make it a winner over the popular Honda SUV. We compare price, performance, reliability, safety, and more.

2024 Mazda CX-90: Price, performance, reliability

In the most recent rankings from U.S. News, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 landed pretty high in the midsize SUV category. There were a lot of positives to report, like the engaging performance and luxurious interior. Mazda offers several engine choices and trim levels, but pricing ranges from $39,595 to $59,950.

There are two turbo six-cylinder engines to choose from, between 280 and 340 horsepower. Additionally, there is a CX-90 PHEV with more fuel efficiency. Drivers can choose from seating for six up to eight passengers, and all trim levels get all-wheel drive.

Right off the production line, the 2024 CX-90 has elicited a positive response from media outlets. Check out MotorBiscuit’s review of the three-row SUV. There is no reliability score yet, which is typical for a brand-new vehicle. Reliability and safety scores from the IIHS and NHTSA will come at a later date.

A brand-new SUV outranked the Honda Passport

The case for the 2023 Honda Passport remains strong despite its new rival. The 2024 Mazda CX-90 scored slightly higher for a few reasons. One is the higher MSRP range of $41,100 to $46,560. After a refresh last year, the 2023 Passport improves upon the most recent model. All-wheel drive comes standard across all trim levels.

Even though it qualifies as a midsize SUV, the Passport only has five seats. Those who want a third row might be happier with the Honda Pilot, which came in just below the Passport in rankings. Many midsize SUVs offer a third row, especially those geared toward families. All trim levels get the same V6 engine with 280 horsepower, getting 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

After many years on the market, the 2023 Honda Passport has a predicted reliability score of 83 out of 100. It isn’t the most exciting model on the market, but it does have a long and positive history following it. It also earned high marks from the IIHS.

Mazda CX-90 vs. Honda Passport

With the new 2024 Mazda CX-90, the technology is a bit different than what is in the 2023 Passport. Honda will likely update the Passport for next year, but it might not see such a drastic change. The CX-90’s newness is one of its strong suits, along with a very upscale interior. Those who have an older vehicle and want to upgrade to something with the freshest tech will appreciate the CX-90. The Passport has plenty of updated technology, but it doesn’t look nearly as new as Mazda’s latest offering.

For a family SUV, the 2024 CX-90 has a little more to offer. More charging ports, more space for passengers, and more safety tech to keep everyone safe. That doesn’t negate the fact that the Passport has been around for a long time and excels in safety too. As more 2024 vehicles hit the dealership, there is bound to be some reshuffling of the top midsize SUVs.