In Columbia, SC, a vehicle does more than get you from one meeting to the next. It becomes part of your daily rhythm, if that means commuting down I-26, driving clients through downtown, or escaping to Lake Murray for a quick recharge. For many professionals in the area, the decision often comes down to two strong midsize SUVs: the 2025 Mazda CX-70 and the Honda Passport. Both deliver comfort, space, and capability, but they serve slightly different personalities. Understanding those differences helps busy drivers figure out which one makes the most sense for their lifestyle.
Pulling into a parking space in the Vista or heading up Gervais Street for a lunch meeting, first impressions matter. The 2025 Mazda CX-70 leans into a clean, almost European-inspired aesthetic. Its sharp LED lighting, sleek body lines, and available 21-inch wheels create the feel of a refined professional space on wheels. Parked in front of a law office or a coffee shop in Five Points, it communicates sophistication without shouting.
The Honda Passport strikes a different character. It is bold and rugged, especially when dressed in TrailSport trims on the Honda Passport. You notice the thicker body cladding, the more upright stance, and the adventure-ready accessories. It’s the SUV that looks prepared for a gravel road or a last-minute trip to Congaree National Park. While the Mazda speaks to polish, the Honda leans on toughness.
Inside, the 2025 Mazda CX-70 feels like a modern lounge built for five. Soft-touch materials, available quilted Nappa leather, and large dual 12.3-inch displays dominate the cabin. It is an environment that feels carefully designed for drivers who spend a lot of time in their vehicles. The layout is straightforward and intuitive, which makes it easy to transition from work calls to weekend drives without distraction.
The Honda Passport takes a more functional approach. Its cabin is roomy, with wide seats and simple controls, but its personality emerges through clever storage solutions. Honda Genuine Accessories highlight features such as MOLLE panel sets, cargo nets, and tailgate tables on the Honda Passport. These touches show how it emphasizes flexibility for people who carry gear or need to adapt their SUV for both daily use and weekend getaways.
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 leans heavily into technology that enhances the workday. Features such as a head-up display, wireless charging, and connected services keep everything within easy reach. The available Bose® 12-speaker audio system transforms routine commutes into something far more pleasant. You can picture a driver heading down I-77 with a podcast running clearly through the cabin, navigation guiding the route, and texts read aloud without ever reaching for a phone.
The Honda Passport’s story is less about advances in-cabin tech and more about practical add-ons that make life easier for active professionals. Roof platforms, cargo trays, and scuff plates on the Honda Passport keep the SUV prepared for bikes, kayaks, or even muddy boots after a trail day. The tech inside is reliable, but the marketing focus shows that Honda prioritizes versatility and protection over digital convenience.
Mazda has built a reputation for making SUVs that don’t feel heavy or clumsy, and the 2025 Mazda CX-70 continues that tradition. Its turbocharged inline-six engine and mild hybrid system bring smooth acceleration and a composed highway feel. The steering feels precise, and the suspension handles rough Columbia roads with control rather than bounce. It is the kind of SUV that makes an early-morning commute to Fort Jackson less stressful and even a bit enjoyable.
The Honda Passport stays loyal to its V6 roots. It is straightforward, durable, and built for long-term reliability. On city streets, it feels steady and predictable, but its real personality shows up when the pavement ends. The Honda Passport shines on unpaved paths and outdoor excursions, which makes sense given Honda’s emphasis on rugged accessories. For professionals who want one SUV to take from downtown Columbia to a campsite near Dreher Island, the Honda Passport has appeal.
Even the most refined SUV still has to be practical. The 2025 Mazda CX-70 delivers nearly 40 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. Fold those seats down, and the figure expands to more than 75 cubic feet. That’s enough space for everything from presentation materials to home improvement supplies. It feels generous without being oversized, striking a balance that works for busy city living.
The Honda Passport approaches storage differently. While it has plenty of space, its advantage comes from how it can be outfitted. Tailgate tables, MOLLE panels, and roof attachments make the Honda Passport a vehicle that adapts quickly to outdoor gear or group trips. It’s easy to see why this appeals to professionals who trade their office shoes for hiking boots on weekends.
Mazda outfits the 2025 Mazda CX-70 with an extensive suite of driver assistance features. Blind spot monitoring, smart brake support, lane keeping, and traffic sign recognition, give it a technology-driven safety edge.
The Honda Passport leans more toward rugged durability. Honda Genuine Accessories highlight physical protection, like rock sliders and scuff plates for the Honda Passport. The safety is still there, but it takes a more traditional approach. The contrast shows how Mazda and Honda prioritize two different definitions of protection: one through advanced systems, the other through sturdy design.
For working professionals, the decision comes down to lifestyle. If your daily schedule involves a mix of commuting, client meetings, and social evenings downtown, the 2025 Mazda CX-70 feels like a natural fit. It is refined, calm, and designed to support the pace of city life. It becomes more than transportation, it feels like an extension of your professional identity.
The Honda Passport appeals to professionals who want their vehicle to be a bridge between office life and outdoor adventure. It’s the SUV that feels as comfortable parked outside a downtown office as it does loaded with gear near the Saluda River. Its accessories show a focus on flexibility, making it the choice for those who view their SUV as a multi-tool for both work and play.
Both the 2025 Mazda CX-70 and the Honda Passport offer real value for professionals in Columbia. The Mazda leans into refinement, advanced technology, and driving enjoyment, while the Honda emphasizes rugged adaptability and weekend-ready durability. Neither is the wrong choice, but each sends a different message about the driver behind the wheel.
Reading about these SUVs only goes so far. The real decision comes when you take the driver’s seat and feel how each one fits into your daily life. Visit McKinney Mazda near Columbia, SC, and schedule your test drive of the 2025 Mazda CX-70. Compare it directly with the competition, and discover why so many local professionals choose Mazda for a blend of style, capability, and confidence.
