The Mazda CX-90 is a relative newcomer to a competitive class of midsize 3-row SUVs. Meanwhile, the Honda Pilot is a stalwart veteran in this segment, now in its fourth generation with over 20 years of service to American families.
Let’s take a closer look at how these two midsize family SUVs compare to each other and find the right one for you.
2025 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 is on the more refined side of this class but isn’t priced like a luxury SUV. In typical Mazda fashion, it’s also one of the more fun to drive with the handling of a smaller vehicle. In addition to the standard turbocharged 6-cylinder engine, an efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain is also available. Pricing starts at $39,300.
Mazda CX-90 Highlights
Powertrain options: The Honda Pilot only has one engine option, but the Mazda CX-90 has three. Two different tunings are available for the standard turbo inline-6 engine, with the Turbo S models making a healthy 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. There’s also a plug-in hybrid option that can go up to 26 miles on electricity alone.
Standard AWD: All-wheel drive is optional in the Honda Pilot, but it’s standard in every Mazda CX-90. This confidence-inspiring system improves traction in slippery conditions and grip in spirited driving on dry pavement.
Classy interior: Although we like the Honda Pilot’s interior, too, the Mazda CX-90’s cabin feels a little nicer. The upscale design, quality materials, and modern technology combine to deliver a more premium experience than you might expect at this price point.
Read our Mazda CX-90 Expert Review or see 2025 Mazda CX-90 models for sale near you.
2025 Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is a trusted name in family SUVs. It has a well-earned reputation for minivan-like practicality in the form of a versatile and stylish SUV. With modern tech, impressive capabilities, and a roomy and comfortable cabin, the Pilot is at the top of its game. Pricing starts at $41,295
Honda Pilot Highlights
More interior space: The Honda Pilot has two more inches of third-row legroom and four additional cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row than the Mazda CX-90. If you regularly have third-row passengers, they’ll appreciate the extra room in the Pilot.
Family-friendly features: The Honda Pilot shows its lineage with the Honda Odyssey minivan with some of its family-oriented features. CabinTalk is a built-in intercom system that makes it easy to talk to your passengers, and a removable middle second-row seat gives you the versatility of seating for eight or the comfort of captain’s chairs.
Rugged TrailSport trim: The capable Honda Pilot TrailSport has standard all-wheel drive, hill descent control, the TrailWatch camera system, all-terrain tires, and steel skid plates, making it up for off-road adventures. The Mazda CX-90 doesn’t have a comparable off-road trim.
Read our Honda Pilot Expert Review or see 2025 Honda Pilot models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Mazda CX-90 and Honda Pilot are both midsize SUVs with three rows of seats. They’re also both recipients of the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.
Pricing
New 2025 MAZDA CX-90 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$39,500 |
$37,991 |
|||
$42,600 |
$41,019 |
|||
$48,055 |
$46,363 |
|||
$51,055 |
$49,155 |
|||
$54,605 |
$52,770 |
|||
$58,105 |
$55,879 |
New 2025 Honda Pilot Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$41,650 |
$39,046 |
|||
$44,950 |
$42,001 |
|||
$48,950 |
$45,645 |
|||
$50,850 |
$47,468 |
|||
$54,530 |
$51,094 |
|||
$56,030 |
$52,247 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 MAZDA CX-90 vehicles and New 2025 Honda Pilot vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Mazda CX-90 | 2025 Honda Pilot | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.3-liter turbo 6-cylinder | 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 285 hp @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic/AWD | 10-speed automatic/FWD |
| Fuel Economy | 24 city/28 highway/25 combined | 19 city/27 highway/22 combined |
| Also Available | 340-hp turbo 6-cylinder; plug-in hybrid | AWD |
| 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 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 122.8 inches | 113.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 201.6 inches | 199.9 inches |
| Width | 77.6 inches | 78.5 inches |
| Height | 68.2 inches | 71 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 41.2 feet | 37.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.7 inches | 40.5 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.3 inches | 40.2 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 36.9 inches | 39.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 41 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.4 inches | 40.2 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 30.4 inches | 32.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.2 inches | 61.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 61.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.3 inches | 59.5 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 14.9/40/74.2 cubic feet | 18.6/48.5/87 cubic feet |
Conclusion
With a roomier third row and more cargo space, the Honda Pilot makes a strong case as the more practical of these two family SUVs. However, the Mazda CX-90 is more exciting to drive in the Turbo S variants, plus it offers an efficient plug-in hybrid option. If you want minivan-like practicality in an SUV, you’ll be served well by the Pilot. If you want a hybrid or want to enjoy the daily commute a little more, check out the more engaging and upscale Mazda CX-90.
