Gurgie's new grey appliance

[Gurgie]

Now that you've had it for a while, how is the CX-70 to live with compared to the Passport?  It (or the CX-90) is pretty high on my list to replace the Highlander when I no longer trust it.

I've had it for just over 4 months and I think it's got about 5,500kms on it or so roughly, still getting used to it though. I get in the 997 and it's like an old friend, the CX-70 is still like a mistress, discovering new things    Overall, it feels a lot more substantial than the Passport, just a more weighty feeling on the road, smoother overall ride and definitely less body roll when taking a corner at a higher speed. You can feel the rear tires pushing it around, compared to the Passport pulling from the front. Power wise the inline 6 hauls the mail better than the Passport, it doesn't rev out as high as the VTEC 6 did in my Passport, but the turbo shove is significant. Fuel mileage is surprisingly MUCH better with my brutal short trips and shitty driving habits. The Mazda in house transmission does still have some quirks to it at low speeds, I've gotten used to it, and I know they've updated the software for it already, but I'm anticipating future updates on it. Interior wise, it's just as spacious for leg room, but shoulder room wise it's a bit more narrow, had all 3 of the boys (young men I suppose since the youngest is now 20) in the back seat a few weeks ago & while they still fit comfortably, they did notice it being a bit tighter. Interior materials are a big step up from my Passport, the layout, softer touch surfaces, less hard plastics, etc.

Two gripes with it though, the remote start is stupid, only can use it with the app, and it's only free for 2yrs... and when you start it through the app, then open the door, it shuts the car off. It also doesn't automatically turn on the defrost, heated seats & heated wheel... my 2015 Grand Cherokee used to do all of that with the remote start. Maybe a future software update will address this, or maybe I need to adjust something in the settings, but I haven't found anything yet. Next up is the wireless Android Auto, I have it set to "always ask" before connecting, once I confirm the connection it changes to "automatically connect", so I have to go back into the settings & change it back. Again, possibly an update required, or a re-configuration at the dealership,

In summary, I do like it, I find it luxurious for the cost and where it sits in the market, plenty of power & space. Will see how it treats me.

[Johnnymac]

I would say if those are the two biggest annoyances, that's not too bad at all.  There are no perfect vehicles (at least in these price ranges).

Would you consider the Mazda more "Euro" feeling and the Honda more "Japanese"?