Mazda CX-90 vs Honda Pilot Comparison | Bob Moore Mazda

Deciding between the Mazda CX-90 or the Honda Pilot? Both SUVs deliver three-rows of seating, plenty of cargo space, and the features your family needs to make it to your destination safely, without too much bickering. Both mid-size SUVs help define a class that continues to grow, as families look for ways to avoid the minivan stigma without breaking the bank on a full-size SUV. Both the Pilot and CX-90 excel in this middle ground, with reasonable MSRPs and a versatile cabin. If you’re not sure which one makes the most sense for your family, Bob Moore Mazda is here to help! In the sections below, we’ll compare everything you need to know about the SUVs, from the powertrains to the safety ratings. We get it, we’re a Mazda dealership, so we have a level of implicit bias, but in our breakdown below, we think you’ll agree there’s no losers here. If you’d like to learn more about our SUVs for sale in OKC, visit Bob Moore Mazda dealership.

Honda Pilot vs Mazda CX-90 Fuel Economy and Engines

We’ll start with the Honda Pilot, where every model comes standard with a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 285 horsepower. Power is delivered through a 10-speed automatic transmission, with standard FWD and optional AWD. It gets 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with FWD, getting 18 and 23 mpg respectively with all-wheel drive. The Mazda CX-90 is equipped with your choice of a gas or hybrid powertrain, though, for simplicity, we’ll keep this breakdown focused on the ICE Mazda CX-90. Every model comes equipped with a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six, which makes 280 horsepower in the base configuration. If you’re looking for some extra ponies, Turbo S models get 350 horsepower, making it one of the most engaging three-row SUVs on the market. It uses an eight-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with all-wheel drive. The AWD CX-90 is more fuel-efficient than the FWD Pilot, getting 24 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, so we’ll chalk that up as a win for the CX-90.

CX-90 vs Pilot Cargo Space and Cabin

Let’s talk cargo space, an area where the Pilot shines. Behind the third row, you’ll find 22.4 cubic feet of cargo volume, but folding both rows opens the cabin up, allowing for a class-leading 113.7 cubic feet of total cargo volume, which rivals some full-size SUVs. The Pilot is a great choice for families who need to be strategic about the cargo volume, making it an ideal partner for road trips. The CX-90 is spacious in its own right, but has a smaller silhouette than the Pilot. Behind the rear row, you’ll find 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, with up to 75.2 cubic feet of total cargo volume. Either way you cut it, both cabins are well-crafted and a place we enjoy spending time in. We won’t try to compare styles, as that’s up to personal taste, but both cabins have technology integrated throughout, from USB ports to large display screens in the middle of the dashboard. Both SUVs earned five-star safety ratings from the NHTSA, making them some of the safest cars on the road. 

Pilot vs CX-90 Pricing Breakdown

Mazda’s CX-90 comes in six trim levels, while the Honda SUV is offered in seven. Let’s compare and contrast the MSRPs to see how they stack up. 

Trim Level:	MSRP:
Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select	$38,800
Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred	$42,950
Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Sport	$46,980
Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus	$50,270
Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Sport	$53,940
Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus	$57,370

Trim Level:	MSRP:
Honda Pilot Sport	$42,195
Honda Pilot EX-L	$44,495
Honda Pilot TrailSport	$50,395
Honda Pilot Touring	$51,095
Honda Pilot Touring Blackout	$52,295
Honda Pilot Elite	$53,495
Honda Pilot Black Edition	$54,995

The Honda Pilot is reliably more expensive than the CX-90 at the bottom end of the trim levels, though Mazda passes it at the top of the lineup. You pay a bit more for the extra size of the Pilot, but the top of Mazda’s lineup delivers more premium materials and luxury amenities than you’ll find in the Honda SUV. If you’re sticking to the lower end of the trim level, you might be comparing models like the Honda Sport and the CX-90 Preferred, both at a similar price point. While comparing two trim levels isn’t prescriptive of every trim level, we think it outlines the differences between the two SUVs well. The CX-90 features heated leather seats in the first two rows, 21-inch wheels, a power-sliding glass moonroof, and a range of other features. The Pilot gets a heated front row, no moonroof, and 20-inch wheels for the same price. Across the lineup, you can expect more and better features when you choose the CX-90.

Should I Buy the Mazda CX-90 or the Honda Pilot?

If cargo space is your big selling point, you’ll want to choose the Pilot. You won’t find much better for the price. Otherwise, we think the Mazda CX-90 is a natural choice, offering standard AWD and more features than you’ll find in a similarly priced Honda. Want to see for yourself? Visit Bob Moore Mazda to learn more about our SUVs for sale in OKC.

 

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