Mazda CX-90 vs. Honda Pilot

The Mazda CX-90 and Honda Pilot are large three-row crossover competitors and both have recently launched new generations that include new engines, more traditional cab-rearward styling, and an emphasis on design simplicity with details that are easy to appreciate. The Mazda has extended its top-end price into the near-luxury level while there is still plenty of overlap with the mainstream moguls such as the Honda Pilot. Which one of these two cars best meets today's expectations for a crossover?

Mazda CX-90 vs. Honda Pilot Price

The CX-90 starts at about $41,000 and can extend upward to past $60,000 which includes an exceptional amount of features and premium materials but also a plug-in battery pack that is good for a Mazda-estimated 26 miles of EV range.

It may be difficult to find a particularly-equipped Honda Pilot, however, they are becoming more available as production of the new model is underway. Pricing for the Pilot ranges from about $40,500 to $53,400. Honda is not offering any attractive lease or financing options for the Pilot.

Mazda CX-90 vs. Honda Pilot Size

The Mazda CX-90 is slightly larger than the Honda Pilot at 201 inches compared to 200 inches, however, the CX90’s 123-inch wheelbase is nine inches more than what is found on the Pilot. The resulting short front overhang is made possible by the new chassis configuration which is suited for a longitudinal layout compared to the lateral position of the Pilot’s V6. The Pilot is wider by an inch at 78.5 inches and ground clearances are about the same at eight inches.

Mazda CX-90 vs. Honda Pilot Interior

Neither interior will cause a visual stir of excitement and each share the horizontal lines mindset for a wider appearance that serves to create a sense of openness along with the impression of being wider than it actually is. The Mazda CX-90 offers unique textiles on the doors and dash panels that incorporate Japanese-inspired stitching, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, and Nappa leather seating surfaces.

Second-row passengers are provided nearly 41 inches of room in the Honda while those in the Mazda are dealt a still-roomy 39.5 inches of legroom. The Pilot also offers slightly more hip room, headroom, and shoulder room by one to three inches. In the third row, the Pilot’s 32.5 inches of legroom is about two more than in the CX-90, the shoulder room is about six inches greater (59.5 inches), and the headroom and hip room are about an inch more than what is found in the Mazda.

Mazda CX-90 vs. Honda Pilot Cargo Space

The CX-90 offers 15 cubic feet of cargo room versus the 19 cubic feet found in the Pilot with the third row up. With the third row folded, the Pilot’s 49 cubic feet is notably more than the Mazda’s 40 cubic feet and with both rows folded, the Pilot offers an impressive 87 cubic feet of space versus the CX-90’s 74 cubic feet.

Mazda CX-90 vs. Honda Pilot Towing

The CX-90 is rated with a 5,000-pound towing rating as is the Pilot. Neither offers an integrated brake controller or auxiliary camera integration. The Pilot is available with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that is mated to a 10-speed automatic that produces peak figures of 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Despite the same displacement and peak power figures, the engine is essentially all-new and integrates several design upgrades to enhance cooling performance. The Mazda is offered in two output levels of the 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six that is also all new. The uprated version of this engine puts out 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque compared to the 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque of the standard CX-90 engine.

Which Is The Better SUV: Mazda CX-90 or Honda Pilot?

Both of these vehicles are excellent at performing the work expected of a crossover which can essentially be anything and everything. The Honda Pilot wears a more rugged shape and chunky styling details such as inset window surfaces, black fender trim, and molded-in black lower bumpers. The TrailSport takes the adventure even farther into the woods with off-road tires, skid plates, and a 110-volt outlet. Its naturally aspirated engine delivers a predictable response however, it is easily outpaced by the top Mazda.

If your preference is for the utility which might include using the third row from time to time, then the Honda Pilot gets the nod for its flexibility and capability. For those looking to weigh the performance side of things, the CX-90’s high-power six-cylinder engine delivers impressive power and efficiency thanks to its integrated mild-hybrid system. Once the price is factored in, the Honda Pilot provides a better solution for the wide span of crossover performance expectations.

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