The 2025 Honda Pilot and 2025 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 boasts 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.
2025 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.
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.
2025 Mazda CX-90
Mazda introduced the CX-90 as the brand’s new flagship 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.
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 horsepower 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 infotainment screen in the base model or a 12.3-inch screen for the rest of the lineup — 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 all-wheel drive 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. They’re also similarly equipped with safety and infotainment tech features and a standard 6-cylinder engine.
Pricing
New 2025 Honda Pilot Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$41,650 |
$39,021 |
|||
$44,950 |
$41,974 |
|||
$48,950 |
$45,616 |
|||
$50,850 |
$47,437 |
|||
$54,530 |
$51,061 |
|||
$56,030 |
$52,214 |
New 2025 MAZDA CX-90 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$39,500 |
$37,762 |
|||
$42,600 |
$40,938 |
|||
$48,055 |
$46,252 |
|||
$51,055 |
$49,141 |
|||
$54,605 |
$52,602 |
|||
$58,105 |
$55,998 |
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 Honda Pilot vehicles and New 2025 MAZDA CX-90 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 Honda Pilot | 2025 MAZDA CX-90 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.5-liter 6-cylinder | 3.3-liter turbo 6-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 pounds | 3,500 pounds |
| 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 | automatic, 10-speed | automatic, 8-speed e-skyactiv-drive w/manual mode |
| Fuel Economy | 19 city/27 highway/22 combined mpg | 24 city/28 highway/25 combined mpg |
| 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 | 113.8 inches | 122.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 199.9 inches | 201.6 inches |
| Width | 78.5 inches | 84.9 inches |
| Height | 71.0 inches | 68.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.8 feet | 38.1 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 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.0 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 40.8 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 32.5 inches | 30.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 61.9 inches | 59.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 61.7 inches | 58.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 59.5 inches | 53.3 inches |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | 21.8 feet | 14.9 feet |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | 59.5 feet | 40.0 feet |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 111.8 feet | 74.2 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
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.
