When it comes to choosing a midsize 3-row SUV, the 2024 Honda Pilot and 2024 Mazda CX-90 are two strong contenders. Both vehicles have been designed to offer an impressive blend of style, performance, technology, and practicality. In this detailed comparison, we will take a closer look at the key features and differences between the Honda Pilot and the Mazda CX-90 to help you make an informed decision.
2024 Mazda CX-90
>All-new midsize 3-row SUV from Mazda
>Seating for up to eight occupants
>Premium design and luxurious interior
>Turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engines with mild-hybrid system
>Advanced technology and safety features
>Refined driving dynamics with sophisticated suspension and all-wheel drive
2023 Honda Pilot
>Fully Redesigned Midsize 3-row SUV with seating for up to eight passengers.
>Refined and comfortable ride quality.
>Standard V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
>Available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features comes standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and collision mitigation braking.
| Feature/Aspect | 2023 Honda Pilot | 2024 Mazda CX-90 |
| Starting Price | $39,200 | $39,595 |
| Seating Capacity | Up to 8 | Up to 8 |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 3.3L Turbocharged Inline 6-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 280 HP | 280 HP (Turbo) / 340 HP (Turbo S) |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft (Turbo) / 369 lb-ft (Turbo S) |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive (standard), | All-wheel drive (standard); Rear-wheel-based Architecture. |
| all-wheel drive (optional) | ||
| Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 mpg (FWD), 19/26 mpg (AWD) | 24/28 mpg (Turbo), 23/28 mpg (Turbo S) |
| Cargo Space | 16.5 – 83.9 cu.ft. | 14.9 – 75.2 cu.ft. |
| Infotainment Screen | 8-inch (standard), | 10.25-inch (standard), |
| 10.2-inch (available) | 12.3-inch (available) | |
| Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | Standard (wireless) | Standard (wired) |
| Assembly Location | Alabama, USA | Japan |
| Warranty | 3-Year/36,000-Mile | 3-Year/36,000-Mile |
| New-Vehicle Warranty | New-Vehicle Warranty | |
| 5-Year/60,000-Mile | 5-Year/60,000-Mile | |
| Powertrain Warranty | Powertrain Warranty |
These key differences highlight the main distinctions between the 2023 Honda Pilot and the all-new 2024 Mazda CX-90. While the starting prices are similar, the Mazda CX-90 offers a more powerful turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine and a standard all-wheel-drive system. On the other hand, the Honda Pilot offers more cargo space and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as standard. The fuel economy, seating capacity, and warranty terms are comparable between the two SUVs.
Exterior Design
The 2024 Honda Pilot features a rugged and refined exterior design that reflects its adventurous spirit. With a bold front grille, sculpted body lines, and prominent wheel arches, the Pilot is both attractive and functional. LED headlights and taillights are standard, adding a touch of modernity to the SUV’s overall appearance.
In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 boasts a more elegant and sophisticated design, inspired by Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy. The CX-90 features a long hood, sleek body lines, and a premium-looking front grille. The LED headlights and taillights are slimmer and more stylized than those on the Pilot, giving the CX-90 a more upscale appearance.
Interior Design and Features
Inside the 2024 Honda Pilot, you’ll find a spacious and comfortable cabin with seating for up to eight passengers. The materials used are high-quality and durable, with soft-touch surfaces throughout. The Pilot offers practicality and functionality with features like a large center console, multiple storage compartments, and an available rear entertainment system.
The Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, takes interior design and luxury to a higher level. The cabin is well-appointed, featuring high-quality leather, meticulous craftsmanship, and Japanese-inspired design elements. The CX-90 offers seating for up to eight passengers, with optional captain’s chairs in the second row for added comfort. Available Nappa leather and real wood trim further elevate the interior experience in the top trims.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2024 Honda Pilot comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, the Pilot offers a smooth and responsive driving experience. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option for those seeking enhanced traction and off-road capabilities.
The 2024 Mazda CX-90 is powered by a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline 6-cylinder engine, available in two output levels. The Turbo models deliver 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the Turbo S models generate 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is all-wheel drive. The CX-90 also benefits from a mild-hybrid system that improves fuel efficiency and provides limited electric-only driving capabilities.
For the 2024 Mazda CX-90, other than the PHEV there are two powertrain options available, both based on a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine. These engines are part of Mazda’s push towards premium performance and refinement in the CX-90.
3.3-liter Turbocharged Inline 6-cylinder (Turbo):
- Horsepower: 280 HP @ 5,000 rpm
- Torque: 332 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
- EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: 24/28 mpg (city/highway)
3.3-liter Turbocharged Inline 6-cylinder (Turbo S):
- Horsepower: 340 HP @ 5,000 rpm
- Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
- EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: 23/28 mpg (city/highway)
Safety and Technology
Both the Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-90 come well-equipped with advanced safety and driver assistance features. Standard features on both SUVs include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display are also available on both models.
When it comes to infotainment, the Pilot features an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with a 10-speaker audio system. The CX-90, meanwhile, offers a standard 10.25-inch screen or an available 12.3-inch unit with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connect. The CX-90 also has an available 17-speaker Bose audio system for a more immersive audio experience.
Fuel Economy
The 2024 Honda Pilot, with its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivers respectable fuel economy for a midsize SUV. EPA estimates are 20 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined for the front-wheel-drive models. All-wheel-drive Pilots see a slight decrease in fuel efficiency, with EPA estimates of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.
The 2024 Mazda CX-90, thanks to its turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid system, achieves slightly better fuel efficiency. The Turbo models are rated at 24 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined, while the more powerful Turbo S models deliver 23 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.
Cargo Space and Practicality
When it comes to cargo capacity, the Honda Pilot has the edge over the Mazda CX-90. With all three rows of seats in use, the Pilot offers 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and a generous 83.9 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.
The Mazda CX-90 provides 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, which can be expanded to 38.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.2 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. While the CX-90’s cargo area is still quite usable, those needing maximum cargo capacity might prefer the Honda Pilot.
Reliability
As the 2024 Mazda CX-90 is an all-new model, it is difficult to provide definitive information about its long-term reliability. However, Mazda as a brand has built a reputation for producing reliable vehicles, and the previous generation of Mazda’s midsize SUV, the CX-9, typically received above-average reliability ratings from various sources.
The Honda Pilot, on the other hand, has a long-standing reputation for reliability, as Honda is known for producing vehicles that are built to last. The 2024 Honda Pilot should continue this tradition, providing buyers with peace of mind when it comes to the vehicle’s dependability.
While both brands have a history of producing reliable vehicles, it’s essential to keep in mind that the reliability of individual models can vary. Since the 2024 Mazda CX-90 is an all-new model, it might be worthwhile to wait for some real-world data and owner feedback to determine how its reliability compares to the already-established Honda Pilot.
In any case, it’s always a good idea to stay up-to-date with maintenance and repairs, as following the recommended maintenance schedule can help ensure the longevity and reliability of any vehicle.
The 2024 Honda Pilot is manufactured in the United States at Honda’s plant in Lincoln, Alabama. Honda has been producing vehicles in Alabama since 2001, and the facility also manufactures other models such as the Honda Odyssey, Passport, and Ridgeline.
The 2024 Mazda CX-90 is assembled at Mazda’s plant in Hofu, Japan. Mazda has a long history of manufacturing vehicles in Japan, and the Hofu plant is one of its primary production facilities. This plant also produces other Mazda models, including the Mazda6 and the CX-5.
Both Honda and Mazda have a history of producing high-quality vehicles at their respective manufacturing facilities, and buyers can expect the same level of quality and attention to detail in the assembly of the 2024 Honda Pilot and 2024 Mazda CX-90.
Conclusion
Both the 2024 Honda Pilot and 2024 Mazda CX-90 are exceptional choices in the midsize SUV segment, offering a mix of style, performance, and practicality. The Honda Pilot may be more appealing to families that prioritize cargo space and a durable interior, while the Mazda CX-90 offers a more luxurious experience with its upscale design, premium materials, and advanced powertrain. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Test-driving both vehicles will give you a better sense of which one is the best fit for your needs.
