2024 Mazda CX-90 vs. 2023 Honda Pilot

If you are looking for a stylish and versatile people carrier but need some off-road capability thrown into the mix, then have a look at these two desirable Japanese SUVs. Both these vehicles are the largest SUVs on offer from these well-known Japanese brands, and they both offer seating up to 8 people.

So how similar are these two vehicles, and what do they have to offer prospective owners?

Read on as we take a closer look at what each of these modern SUVs has to offer.

2024 Mazda CX-90

Debuting as a brand new nameplate and the larger replacement for Mazda's discontinued CX-9 crossover, the now decidedly more premium 2024 CX-90 has become Mazda's largest SUV product offering.

New on this 2024 Mazda CX-90 is a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six gasoline engine, a mild hybrid, and a plug-in-hybrid powertrain option.

With 11 trim and powertrain options, there is plenty to choose from.

2023 Honda Pilot

Now in its fourth generation, the Mid Sized Honda Pilot CrossOver SUV was last updated towards the end of 2022 and is available with six distinct trim levels for 2023: LX, Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and the range-topping Elite.

Performance

The 2024 CX-90 is Mazda's first production model available with a hybrid powertrain for the North American market with a mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid option.

Inside is a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six gasoline engine known as the e-Skyactiv G powertrain with a 48-volt M-Hybrid Boost system. The system produces power of 280–340 horsepower and 332–369 lb-ft of torque in non-S and S trim, respectively, when powered with premium 93 AKI octane fuel.

The second powertrain is the plug-in hybrid marketed as the e-Skyactiv PHEV. This powertrain uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 323 horsepower mated to an electric motor powered by a 17.8 kWh battery. When running on premium fuel, the combined power figures are 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. All 2024 Mazda CX-90 models feature a longitudinally mounted engine with standard fitment of all-wheel-drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Honda Pilot continues with a revised 3.5-liter V6 engine with direct injection and a start-stop system being trim dependent. This Honda power unit produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque and is fitted to a 6-speed automatic transmission as standard. A ZF 9-speed automatic transmission is standard fitment on the top two trim levels.

To aid off-road grip and ability, Honda Pilot models are fitted with the optional all-wheel drive that can vary the torque sent to each back wheel when necessary.

Exterior

Completely new and built on a new, longer, and wider platform, the CX-90 measures 200.8 inches in length, with the Honda at 200.2 inches, with little difference between the two. Trim dependent, all variants from both manufacturers get alloy wheel treatments with sizing and tire fitment being trim dependent.

Styling is always subjective, and Mazda's sleek Kodo styling is a slightly different approach in the looks department to the Honda's chunkier and squared-off front and rear treatment.

Interior and Cargo Space

The two top trim levels on the Mazda are six-passenger only, with lower trim packages offering up to eight seats. In contrast, the Honda is standard with an eight-passenger seating arrangement, with the second-row center seat removable.

One drawback to this removable second-row seat is its weight and, at times, awkward shape to store under the rear cargo floor.

Cargo space in the Mazda is significantly smaller, with 14.9 – 75.2 cu. ft. compared to the Honda's 16.5 – 83.9 cu. ft. for a combination of seats folded down configurations.

So while the newer CX-90's cargo area is still useful, the Honda caters best to those seeking maximum cargo hauling capacity.

Safety and Technology

The newer design of the Mazda is evident in the extensive list of standard and optional safety features. However, both these vehicles are well equipped with standard advanced safety and driver assistance features.

Such standard fitment items include an automatic emergency braking system, allied to the adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning, plus lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist.

Trim package dependent other features available as options include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and head-up displays.

The Mazda has one party trick that the Honda is missing: its coasting feature that will shut off the engine when going downhill or stopping to enhance fuel consumption.

Interior

The Mazda's newer interior offers a slightly more luxurious cabin environment which is well-appointed and features high-quality leather, meticulous craftsmanship, and Japanese-inspired design elements. With optional Nappa leather and real wood trim in the top trims, the Mazdas cabin is a luxurious affair.

The Honda offers durable, high-quality materials as standard, along with soft-touch surfaces throughout.

Regarding infotainment, the Honda Pilot offers an 8-inch touchscreen display compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and fitted with a 10-speaker audio system.

The CX-90 is available with a standard 10.25-inch screen or an optional 12.3-inch unit with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connect as standard. On top of this, the CX-90 also offers an optional 17-speaker Bose audio system giving an elevated audio experience.

Value Packages

Both these Japanese vehicles are excellent purchases in the midsize SUV segment, offering a desirable combination of style, practicality, and both on and off-road performance.

Prospective owners of the Mazda will find the more luxurious CX-90 an excellent buy and discover the great value in seeking a newer upmarket design, along with the premium materials used and advanced hybrid powertrain options.

In contrast, prospective owners of the Honda Pilot may find a better fit in the lower pricing of the Honda Pilot and the value found in the increased cargo space allied with a comfortable and durable interior.

Get your next vehicle at Seacoast Mazda.

We put our customers first, and our friendly and knowledgeable staff are ready to find just the right vehicle for you.

Visit us at our dealership Seacoast Mazda in Portsmouth, NH, or conveniently browse our inventory of Mazda Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles online.