2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. Honda Pilot

Shopping for a three-row SUV can be quite a challenge, as numerous factors such as cargo space, performance, and budget all collide. The 2026 CX-90 and Honda Pilot take completely different paths to family transportation. Mazda’s approach is to focus on upscale finishes and fuel efficiency, while Honda’s strategy is to concentrate on maximum space and reliability. Each SUV brings solid arguments to the table, but knowing their strengths might save you from buyer’s remorse down the road. Read on to learn more about these SUV contenders.

Pricing and Trim-Level Breakdown

For 2026, Mazda offers nine CX-90 trims. They have starting MSRPs ranging from $38,800 for the base-level 3.3 Turbo Select to $58,500 for the high-end PHEV Premium Plus. Honda keeps it simpler with seven Pilot models. The base-level Pilot Sport has a starting MSRP of $42,195, and the top-tier Black Edition starts at $54,995.

Mid-range CX-90s such as the 3.3 Turbo S Premium Sport come equipped with a power moonroof, a hands-free rear liftgate, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Honda Pilot Touring offers comparable amenities, including a panoramic moonroof, a Bose premium sound system, a hands-free access power tailgate, and a multiview camera system with w/TrailWatch™. For Philadelphia families watching their budgets, the CX-90 delivers more features and performance for less money.

Engine Performance and Powertrain Options

Every standard CX-90 uses the same 3.3-liter turbo inline-six engine. The base models generate 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the S versions get up to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. A 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid option that gets 323 horsepower is also available. The Honda Pilot has just one engine option: a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.

The CX-90 delivers power while remaining fuel-efficient. They can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph between 6.3 and 7.1 seconds, depending on the trim. For instance, the 340-horsepower CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. Pilots, on the other hand, go from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.9 seconds.

Winter weather makes drivetrain differences matter for Pennsylvania families. Every CX-90 comes with i-ACTIV all-wheel drive (AWD) standard and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Pilot comes standard with front-wheel drive unless you pay extra for AWD, though you get a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 2026 Mazda CX-90’s turbo inline-six makes driving fun, and the standard AWD configuration is always important on slushy Conshohocken roads during winter.

Fuel Economy and Efficiency Comparison

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Turbo and Turbo S AWD models get approximately 23 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. In comparison, the 2026 Honda Pilot with AWD has a fuel efficiency rating of about 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. With the CX-90’s better fuel efficiency, trips to Philadelphia or the shore won’t drain your wallet.

If you want even better fuel efficiency, consider the CX-90’s plug-in hybrid configuration, which has three different trims to choose from. With the plug-in hybrid system, you’ll get about 56 MPGe combined with 27 miles of pure electric driving. Imagine your daily Conshohocken commutes without using a drop of gas. If you’re someone who has to deal with Philadelphia traffic during your commute, this can make a real difference.

Interior Space, Seating, and Comfort

As far as cargo space is concerned, the Pilot is the winner in this head-to-head comparison. It offers 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row, whereas the CX-90 provides only 14.9 cubic feet. Behind row two, the Pilot has 48.5 cubic feet, and the CX-90 offers 40.1 cubic feet. The CX-90 fits up to eight passengers and offers up to 75.2 cubic feet of cargo space, depending on how you fold the seats. The Pilot also seats seven to eight passengers but provides up to 113.7 cubic feet of cargo space.

On the inside, there’s a noticeable difference between the CX-90 and other models. With nappa leather and modern styling, the Mazda cabin feels like a luxury brand without the expensive price tag. For Philadelphia families looking for daily comfort with a touch of class during commutes, you may want to consider the CX-90. If you need maximum cargo space and lots of room, the Pilot may be the better option.

Technology, Infotainment, and Connectivity

The CX-90 comes equipped with a 12.3-inch digital display, a 12.3-inch infotainment system with Bose speakers, and a 360-degree camera. The Pilot offers a 12.3-inch infotainment system, CabinTalk, and a 360-degree camera. Every CX-90 except the base 3.3 Turbo Select gets the big 12.3-inch center screen. Upper trims come with navigation, but it’s optional on others.

Base-model CX-90s come with a 7.0-inch gauge screen and eight speakers, while upper trims get the full 12.3-inch display. Both SUVs pack plenty of tech, but music fans will appreciate the CX-90’s Bose setup.

2>Driver-Assistance and Safety Features

The CX-90 was awarded the Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and received 5-Star Overall scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Pilot received the IIHS Top Safety Pick award and matched the 5-Star NHTSA rating. Both made the IIHS’s 2025 safest vehicles list, with the CX-90 and its plug-in hybrid version scoring that top-tier designation.

Every CX-90 comes with the i-ACTIVSENSE suite, which includes automatic braking, blind-spot alerts, and adaptive cruise control, plus bonus tech such as a head-up display and driver attention monitoring that the Pilot doesn’t include standard. Both SUVs offer advanced safety features, but the CX-90’s additional tech and better IIHS marks offer extra peace of mind.

Long-Term Ownership: Reliability, Warranty, and Resale Value

Regarding warranties, they’re a level playing field. Both give you three years/36,000 miles of basic coverage and five years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage. For long-term costs, Honda takes the win thanks to lower maintenance costs, strong resale value, and a proven track record spanning decades. Honda’s reliability history runs deeper, while Mazda gives good coverage but skips free maintenance.

That said, Mazda builds sturdy cars. The CX-90 follows this pattern with solid construction and careful finishing that suggests longevity, and its newer tech and thriftier engines might actually save you money through better mileage and possibly longer service intervals. The Pilot probably wins on total ownership costs, but the CX-90 gives you an upscale feel that might justify slightly higher long-term expenses if you value luxury touches and driving excitement.

Find Your Perfect 3-Row SUV at John Kennedy Mazda Conshohocken

The choice between the 2026 CX-90 vs. Honda Pilot boils down to your family’s needs. For Pennsylvania families facing winter weather and long commutes, the CX-90’s standard AWD, excellent fuel economy, and upscale cabin make sense. The Pilot is for families who need maximum cargo space and lower long-term costs. Want to learn more? Feel free to contact us at John Kennedy Mazda Conshohocken to test-drive a 2026 Mazda CX-90.

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