2025 Honda Pilot vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 presented itself as a more rugged alternative to the CX-5, with dimensions that were notably larger and a design that emphasized its broad-shouldered proportions. It featured square wheel arches and faux air vents, giving it a fresh look compared to the older CX-5. Available in eight trim levels, the CX-50 offered a variety of wheel sizes and styling options, with the 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition standing out for its active-lifestyle image, all-terrain tires, and earthy color palette. The interior was well-designed, with a BMW-like infotainment screen and impressive material quality, though it still showed Mazda's ongoing journey toward becoming a more upscale brand.

In contrast, the 2025 Honda Pilot Black Edition was evaluated in Southern California, showcasing a custom look with black wheels, blacked-out trim, and red accents inside. The Pilot aimed for a rugged appearance, especially with the TrailSport trim, but the Black Edition was more suited for suburban environments. The interior featured thoughtful design and quality materials, though the digital displays appeared dated. Despite this, the Pilot maintained a practical and family-friendly layout, with features like a heated steering wheel and panoramic sunroof enhancing comfort.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, offering a base 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while turbocharged versions delivered up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel. All models came with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, with various driving modes including a towing mode for turbo models, increasing towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. The CX-50 provided a good daily driving experience, though it lacked the sporty dynamics of the CX-5. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, making it less ideal for everyday use.

The 2025 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, generating 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed for a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The Pilot offered multiple driving modes and an AWD system with torque vectoring, enhancing its off-road capabilities. While the V6 provided good acceleration, the transmission occasionally felt sluggish. Fuel economy was a concern, with the Pilot averaging 20 mpg, below its EPA rating. The suspension provided a comfortable ride, though it exhibited some body motion on uneven roads.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly more legroom but less headroom compared to rivals. It provided 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with seats folded, trailing competitors in overall cargo capacity. The available power liftgate improved access, but the cargo area lacked functionality for rugged use. The interior layout was sensible, with adequate storage and a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller.

The 2025 Honda Pilot excelled in form and function, with three rows of comfortable seating and thoughtful storage solutions. The Black Edition's front row had a potential drawback with limited passenger seat adjustments, but overall comfort was high. The second row offered removable seats for flexibility, and the third row was suitable for adults on short trips. The Pilot provided 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86.5 cubic feet with seats folded. Features like a hands-free power tailgate and effective climate control added to its family-friendly appeal.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary dial, offering wireless Apple CarPlay but requiring a cable for Android Auto. Higher trims included wireless charging and a Bose audio system. The interface was straightforward but felt dated, appealing to those who preferred simplicity over tech-heavy systems.

The 2025 Honda Pilot featured a 10.2-inch digital gauge panel and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a Bose audio system. However, the wireless CarPlay function was problematic, and the voice recognition system was inconsistent. The Pilot's CabinTalk feature was useful for family communication, but overall, the technology met only basic expectations.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. It offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, with optional enhancements like a 360-degree camera system.

The 2025 Honda Pilot came with standard Honda Sensing safety features, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Black Edition added parking sensors and a multi-view camera system. While the Pilot performed well in crash tests, some safety systems, like adaptive cruise control, showed inconsistencies.