Mazda CX90 vs Honda Pilot: A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to finding the perfect family SUV, the Mazda CX90 vs Honda Pilot are two top contenders that deserve a closer look. As an esteemed automotive brand, Mazda has been known for its sleek design and engaging driving dynamics, while Honda has long been praised for its reliability and practicality.

In this in-depth comparison, we’ll explore the key features, performance, and capabilities of these two SUVs to help you determine which one might be the best fit for your needs. Let’s follow Car Tips & Guide!

Exterior Design and Styling

The Mazda CX-90 boasts a striking and modern exterior design that exudes a sense of elegance and sophistication. Its bold front grille, sculpted bodylines, and available LED lighting elements create a premium, upscale appearance. In contrast, the Honda Pilot maintains a more traditional SUV look, with a boxy, squared-off silhouette that emphasizes its practicality and versatility.

Mazda CX-90 Exterior

The Mazda CX-90 features the brand’s signature “KODO: Soul of Motion” design language, which gives the SUV a more dynamic and athletic stance. The available two-tone color options and 20-inch alloy wheels further enhance the CX-90’s premium aesthetic.

Honda Pilot Exterior

The Honda Pilot’s design is more focused on functionality, with a spacious and accommodating interior. While the Pilot may not turn as many heads as the CX-90, its sturdy and reliable appearance is sure to appeal to those who prioritize practicality over outright style.

Interior and Cabin Space

Both the Mazda CX-90 and Honda Pilot offer impressive interior quality and spaciousness, but with some notable differences.

Mazda CX-90 Interior

The Mazda CX-90 boasts a beautifully crafted cabin that features premium materials, such as available genuine leather upholstery and genuine wood trim. The overall layout and design are focused on driver engagement, with a well-positioned infotainment system and a clean, uncluttered dashboard.

Honda Pilot Interior

The Honda Pilot’s interior is designed with family-friendly versatility in mind. It offers seating for up to eight passengers, with ample legroom and cargo space. The Pilot’s interior may not have the same level of luxury as the CX-90, but it is extremely functional and user-friendly.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance and driving dynamics, the Mazda CX-90 and Honda Pilot take different approaches.

Mazda CX-90 Performance

The Mazda CX-90 is available with a variety of powertrain options, including a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a potent turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six. These engines are paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering a responsive and engaging driving experience. The CX-90 also features Mazda’s renowned handling characteristics, with precise steering and a composed, nimble feel on the road.

Honda Pilot Performance

The Honda Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which provides ample power and acceleration for everyday driving. While the Pilot may not be as sporty as the CX-90, it delivers a comfortable and composed ride, making it an excellent choice for family-oriented tasks, such as commuting and long road trips.

Fuel Efficiency and Towing Capacity

Both the Mazda CX-90 and Honda Pilot offer competitive fuel efficiency and towing capabilities, but with some differences.

Mazda CX-90 Fuel Efficiency and Towing

The Mazda CX-90’s fuel efficiency ratings are quite impressive, with the base four-cylinder engine achieving up to 26 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The CX-90 also boasts a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, making it a capable choice for those who need to haul trailers or boats.

Honda Pilot Fuel Efficiency and Towing

The Honda Pilot’s fuel efficiency is also respectable, with the V6 engine achieving up to 22 mpg in combined driving. The Pilot’s towing capacity is slightly lower than the CX-90, with a maximum of 3,500 pounds, but this should still be sufficient for most family-oriented towing needs.

Safety and Technology

Both the Mazda CX-90 and Honda Pilot are well-equipped with a range of advanced safety and technology features.

Mazda CX-90 Safety and Technology

The Mazda CX-90 comes standard with the brand’s i-Activsense suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The CX-90 also offers a premium Bose audio system and a user-friendly infotainment system with a large, 10.25-inch display.

Honda Pilot Safety and Technology

The Honda Pilot also boasts an impressive suite of safety features, including Honda Sensing, which includes collision mitigation braking, lane keep assist, and road departure mitigation. The Pilot’s infotainment system is easy to use, with available features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

Pricing and Value

When it comes to pricing and overall value, both the Mazda CX-90 and Honda Pilot offer compelling options.

Mazda CX-90 Pricing and Value

The Mazda CX-90 starts at a slightly higher price point than the Honda Pilot, with a base MSRP of around $40,000. However, the CX-90 offers a more premium and engaging driving experience, as well as a more upscale interior, which may justify the higher price tag for some buyers.

Honda Pilot Pricing and Value

The Honda Pilot, on the other hand, starts at a more affordable base price of around $35,000. While it may not have the same level of luxury and performance as the CX-90, the Pilot’s reputation for reliability, practicality, and family-friendly features make it an excellent value proposition in the midsize SUV segment.

Conclusion Mazda CX90 vs Honda Pilot

In the battle of the midsize SUVs, both the Mazda CX-90 and Honda Pilot offer unique strengths and appeal to different types of buyers. The CX-90’s sporty driving dynamics and premium interior make it a compelling choice for those seeking a more engaging and luxurious experience, while the Pilot’s focus on practicality, versatility, and value make it an excellent option for families. Ultimately, the decision will come down to your personal priorities and preferences, but both SUVs are worthy contenders in the highly competitive midsize SUV market.