Mazda CX-90 vs. Honda Pilot: Which 3-Row SUV is Best?

If you’re looking for a reliable three-row SUV, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and 2025 Honda Pilot are two strong options. To help you decide which is best for you, our team at John Kennedy Mazda Conshohocken has put together this automobile comparison outlining these SUVs’ features, performance, and value.

Comparing the Mazda CX-90 and Honda Pilot

If you have a family or are someone who needs extra space for work or longer road trips, you may be considering a midsize SUV. The Mazda CX-90 and the Honda Pilot are great options for everyday use and the occasional weekend adventure. But they cater to different needs, so it’s important to choose the right one. At a glance, the Mazda CX-90 is more fuel-efficient, has more engine options, and offers a more affordable price point, but the Honda Pilot offers slightly more cargo space. Choosing between them depends on your priorities, which we’ll discuss below.

Performance and Engine Options

The new Mazda comes with various CX-90 engine options. The base is a turbo 3.3-liter I-6 engine that pairs with a 48-volt hybrid powertrain and produces 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque in lower trims and 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque in the S models. Every CX-90 comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The S models, equipped with the 340-horsepower powertrain, can speed from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds.

The Honda Pilot has just one engine option: a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a 10-speed automatic and standard front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is optional. The TrailSport is the faster of the trims, with a 6.9-second sprint time vs. 7.9 seconds for the Elite, but it still lags behind the Mazda.

Interior and Comfort Features

Inside, the Mazda CX-90 has a sophisticated interior with a second-row bench seat that seats up to eight. Second-row captain’s chairs are available on some models but drop seating to seven. Higher trims have fabric inserts on the dashboard and door panels. You can upgrade to the Preferred model to enjoy leather seating or the Premium Plus models for Nappa leather upholstery. Cargo space is reasonable, with 16 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, 40 cubic feet behind the second, and 75 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The Honda Pilot is family-focused and offers space for up to eight across three rows. If you want second-row captain’s chairs, the EX-L has them as a paid extra, while the TrailSport has them as standard. The Elite and Touring trims have a removable middle seat if you need to carry more cargo. There are 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 49 cubic feet behind the second, and 87 cubic feet with all seats folded.

Safety Gear and Crash Testing Results

When it comes to safety, you can’t go wrong with either model. Both have been rated five stars overall in crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Mazda, in particular, has been declared a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety; the Honda has earned Top Safety Pick status. Both models feature driver-assistance technology. The Mazda CX-90 comes equipped with i-Activsense, while the Honda comes with Honda Sensing. Both include standard automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

Technology Features

Except for the base trim, the CX-90 features a 12.3-inch central display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the board, and all but the base enjoy this tech wirelessly. Higher trims come with navigation and wireless charging, but lower trims have them as an option. Lower trims include a 7-inch digital gauge display and an eight-speaker sound system, while the Premium Sport trim and above enjoy a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system.

Honda’s tech drops the standard to a 7-inch infotainment touch screen and a 7-inch digital gauge cluster on the base trim. All other trims get a larger 9-inch touch screen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Opting for Elite or Black Edition trims adds a 10.2-inch gauge cluster. While lower trims get a standard seven-speaker sound system, Touring and Elite trims add a 12-speaker Bose sound system.

Pricing, Fuel Economy, and Overall Value

The Mazda is available in a choice of six trims. The MSRP ranges from $39,300 for the base Select trim and moves up to $57,905 for the S Premium Plus. The Honda also offers eight trim levels but starts at a slightly higher entry-level price of $41,650 for the base Sport. It increases to $56,030 for the top-of-the-range Black Edition.

When equipped with the base engine, the Mazda CX-90 has an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency of 24 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Stepping up to the 340-horsepower engine drops the numbers to 23 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The Honda Pilot is rated at 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, making it the slightly less efficient option. For more information on either model’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Which SUV Is Right for You?

Deciding between the Mazda CX-90 and the Honda Pilot comes down to your needs. Both offer excellent standard safety features and technology. If cargo space is a priority, then the Honda Pilot is a decent option. If you want more engine options, better safety ratings, and better fuel efficiency at a more affordable entry price, the Mazda CX-90 is the easy winner. The best way to decide if the latest Mazda is for you is to take it for a ride. Visit our Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, dealership or contact us online to arrange a test-drive today.

Posted in Mazda CX-90 | No Comments »