The 2024 Honda Pilot and 2024 Mazda CX-90 compete in the midsize 3-row SUV class but have a few distinct differences. The Pilot is an old and trusted name in this class, while the CX-90 is a relative newcomer. Both SUVs carry the virtues associated with their respective brands. The Honda is family-friendly and has excellent resale value, while the Mazda brings engaging driving dynamics and an upscale interior.

Let’s compare the Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-90 and find the right SUV for your family.

2024 Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is still fresh from its complete redesign in 2023, and it’s earned a spot on our list of Best Family Cars. It’s a great family SUV improved with updated styling inside and out, new tech features, and an off-road-ready TrailSport model with the capabilities to back up its tough aesthetics. Pricing starts at $38,485, including the destination charge.

Honda Pilot Highlights

Rugged TrailSport model: The Pilot TrailSport is more than just an appearance package. This rugged family SUV has upgrades like taller ground clearance, skid plates, an off-road suspension system, and the TrailWatch camera system, giving it off-road chops that the CX-90 can’t match.

Roomier interior: If you’ll use the third row regularly, your passengers will appreciate the extra space in the Honda compared to the Mazda. The Pilot also has more cargo room than the CX-90 by a considerable margin.

Removable second-row seat: One of our favorite optional features in the Honda Pilot is the removable middle second-row seat. If you opt for captain’s chairs, you can get a third removable seat for the second row that stows under the cargo area’s floor when not in use. This feature is borrowed from the Odyssey minivan, giving the Pilot extra credit for family friendliness.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Pilot models for sale near you.

2024 Mazda CX-90

2024 Mazda CX-90 in Artisan Red Metallic on GMR.

The Mazda CX-90 is the brand’s all-new midsize 3-row SUV for 2024. As the biggest Mazda SUV, it translates the brand’s reputation for upscale cabins and surprisingly fun driving manners into a practical family hauler. The CX-90 is also available as a plug-in hybrid, but we’re focusing on the non-hybrid variant for this comparison. Pricing starts at $39,220, including the destination charge.

Mazda CX-90 Highlights

Gutsy turbo engine: The base engine in the Mazda CX-90 has about the same amount of horsepower as the trusty V6 in the Honda Pilot, but it has much more torque. It gets even better with the Turbo S models that make up to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Either engine option delivers delightfully quick acceleration, making the Mazda one of the sportiest SUVs in its class.

Upscale interior: There’s nothing wrong with the interior of the Pilot, but the CX-90’s cabin is nicer. A classy design and lovely materials make the CX-90 feel like a more expensive SUV. The Mazda is available with a 10.3-inch or 12.3-inch infotainment screen, which is bigger than the 7-inch and 9-inch screens available in the Honda.

Standard AWD: All-wheel drive is optional in the Pilot, but it’s standard in every Mazda SUV, including the CX-90. This makes the Mazda CX-90 an easy SUV to shop for if you live in a snowy climate and need the extra traction that AWD provides.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-90 models for sale near you.

Similarities

The Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-90 are similar in size and price, and they’ve both earned the prestigious IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. They’re also similarly equipped with safety and infotainment tech features, as well as a standard 6-cylinder engine.

Conclusion

These SUVs have different personalities. The roomier Honda Pilot is the family-friendly minivan alternative; it’s the one to get if you’ll use the third row daily. Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-90 is the sportier option that legitimately competes with luxury SUVs in its upper trims. The right SUV for your family depends on your priorities.

2024 Honda Pilot 2024 Mazda CX-90
Starting Price $38,485 $39,220
Popular Powertrains
Engine 3.5-liter V6 3.3-liter turbo 6-cylinder
Horsepower 285 hp @ 6,100 rpm 280 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Torque 262 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm 332 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
Transmission 10-speed automatic/FWD 8-speed automatic/AWD
Fuel Economy 19 city/27 highway/22 combined 24 city/28 highway/25 combined
Also Available AWD 340-hp turbo 6-cylinder; plug-in hybrid
Specs
Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles 3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles 5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Overall Safety 5-Star TBD
Max Seating Capacity 8 8
Wheelbase 113.8 inches 122.8 inches
Overall Length 199.9 inches 201.6 inches
Width 78.5 inches 77.6 inches
Height 71 inches 68.2 inches
Turning Diameter 37.8 feet 41.2 feet
Headroom, Front 40.5 inches 39.7 inches
Headroom, 2nd Row 40.2 inches 39.3 inches
Headroom, 3rd Row 39.3 inches 36.9
Legroom, Front 41 inches 41.7 inches
Legroom, 2nd Row 40.2 inches 39.4 inches
Legroom, 3rd Row 32.5 inches 30.4 inches
Shoulder Room, Front 61.9 inches 57.2 inches
Shoulder Room, 2nd Row 61.7 inches 58.1 inches
Shoulder Room, 3rd Row 59.5 inches 53.3 inches
Cargo Volume 18.6/48.5/87 cubic feet 14.9/40/74.2 cubic feet

The two newest designs in the mainstream 3-row SUV class are the Honda Pilot and the Mazda CX-90.

You’ve been hearing about the Pilot for many years, of course. But a recent redesign has radically changed its character. The 2024 Pilot is boxy in a handsome way and has off-road skills earlier Pilots lacked.

You may not have heard of the CX-90. It’s entirely new, replacing the CX-9 with something more sophisticated and flexible. It’s available with a gas-only powertrain common to the luxury classes or a fuel-saving plug-in hybrid setup.

Let’s see how these two compare.

2024 Honda Pilot

2023 Honda Pilot Elite AWD in grey near hills.





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