Which SUV Fits McKinney, TX Drivers?
The 2026 Mazda CX-70 and the 2026 Honda Passport both target McKinney drivers who want more capability than a typical crossover. Neither asks you to step up to a three-row SUV to get it. Both seat five and come standard with all-wheel drive. Both handle everything from grocery runs on Central Expressway to weekend trips out to Lake Texoma.
The real separation shows up once you compare the numbers side by side. The CX-70 starts lower, delivers more torque, and returns better fuel economy on regular gas. The Passport counters with more cargo room, a taller stance, and a broader set of standard drive modes built around its trail-focused persona.
El Dorado Mazda built this comparison for McKinney, Plano, Frisco, and Allen shoppers cross-shopping these two SUVs before they commit. This guide covers pricing, power, cargo, technology, and safety, so you know exactly where each vehicle pulls ahead before you visit our McKinney showroom.
New Mazda SpecialsWhy Mazda CX-70 Stands Out
SUV Performance in North Texas
The Passport's 3.5-liter V6 makes 285 horsepower, five more than the CX-70's standard turbo six at 280 horsepower. Torque flips the script: the CX-70 produces 332 lb-ft on regular fuel, well past the Passport's 262 lb-ft.
Step up to the CX-70 Turbo S and output climbs to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft, a ceiling the Passport's single V6 cannot reach. The CX-70 also returns an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined, ahead of the Passport RTL's 21 mpg.
Towing lands close to even. Both top out at 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, enough for a boat headed to Lake Texoma.
Fuel type matters here too. The CX-70 Turbo runs on regular gas for daily driving, and only the Turbo S asks for premium to hit its highest output. The Passport's V6 also runs on regular gas day to day, but Honda recommends premium once a trailer tops 3,500 pounds.
Room Where It Matters Most
Honda built the Passport around outright hauling room. It holds 44 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 104.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. Both numbers beat the CX-70.
The CX-70 counters with 39.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 75.3 cubic feet folded, plus an underfloor storage compartment. That still covers a Costco run or bags for a family of five headed to Frisco. The extra room in the Passport matters more to some buyers than others.
Stretch a tape measure and the CX-70 pulls ahead on legroom. Its 122.8-inch wheelbase runs nearly 10 inches longer than the Passport's. The Passport counters with a taller stance, 73.1 inches versus the CX-70's 68.2 inches, matching its trail-ready persona.
Technical Comparison
| Specification | Mazda CX-70 | Honda Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (incl. destination) | $44,395 | $46,200 |
| Max Horsepower | 340 hp (Turbo S, premium fuel) | 285 hp |
| Max Torque | 369 lb-ft (Turbo S / PHEV) | 262 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy (combined, EPA est.) | 25 mpg (Turbo, regular fuel) | 21 mpg |
| Cargo Space (behind 2nd row / seats folded) | 39.6 / 75.3 cu ft | 44.0 / up to 104.6 cu ft |
| Overall Length / Wheelbase | 200.8 in / 122.8 in | 191.5 in / 113.6 in |
| Towing Capacity (max, as equipped) | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Standard Safety Suite | i-Activsense (Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert) | Honda Sensing (collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation) |
| Basic Warranty Coverage | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Starting MSRP shown includes destination and handling charges and excludes options, taxes, title, and dealer fees. Fuel economy figures are EPA estimates as equipped and may vary by trim. Contact El Dorado Mazda to confirm current pricing and incentives.
Both SUVs put a 12.3-inch touchscreen front and center, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard across every trim on both. Neither buyer has to pay extra or step up a trim for basic phone integration.
Where they split is drive mode variety. The Passport offers seven selectable modes standard across the lineup: Normal, ECON, Sport, Snow, Tow, Trail, and Sand. The CX-70's Mi-Drive system offers four: Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing, with Towing mode requiring a Genuine Mazda hitch.
Buyers who spend real time off pavement may lean toward the Passport's broader mode selection. Buyers who want strong on-road performance with enough off-road backup for a gravel ranch road will find the CX-70's four modes cover the basics
The CX-70's standard i-Activsense package includes Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. It's standard on every trim.
Honda Sensing comes standard on every Passport trim too, with collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and road departure mitigation. The Passport backs its structure with Advanced Compatibility Engineering, and both SUVs include a standard rearview camera.
Feature availability can shift by trim and model year. Confirm the exact package on your specific CX-70 or Passport with El Dorado Mazda before you buy.
Based On How You Drive
Deciding Between These SUVs
Weighing the CX-70 against the Passport means comparing two well-built SUVs with real differences, not picking a badge out of habit. Here's what McKinney and DFW shoppers ask most.
Visit El Dorado Mazda in McKinney
El Dorado Mazda has served McKinney, Plano, Frisco, and Allen as a family owned dealership for years. Our bilingual sales and service team is ready to help. We're located at 2150 N. Central Expressway, McKinney, TX 75070.
Browse current CX-70 inventory online or contact our team to schedule a test drive. We can walk you through the CX-70's torque advantage, fuel economy, and current pricing, and show you how it stacks up against the Honda Passport.
Shop 2026 Mazda CX-70 Inventory
