2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Honda Pilot

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 was a standout in the luxury SUV market, challenging traditional luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Mazda had surpassed its Japanese competitors in design and material quality, aligning more closely with luxury brands such as Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus. The CX-90's exterior design was an elegant expansion of Mazda's smaller models, featuring a commanding presence with its large grille, wide front end, and substantial wheels. Inside, the top-tier models offered interiors that rivaled luxury competitors, with options like brown suede upholstery and wood inlays, creating a sophisticated atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2025 Honda Pilot Black Edition was evaluated in Southern California, showcasing a more rugged aesthetic with black wheels and trim. The interior featured black leather seats with red accents and ambient lighting, adding a unique flair. While the Pilot aimed for a rugged look, it was more suited for suburban environments. The interior design was practical, with thoughtful storage solutions, but lacked the "wow factor" found in some competitors. The digital displays appeared dated, though they offered competitive technology.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The Turbo S model delivered 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, providing a thrilling driving experience with its exceptional exhaust note. All models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90 excelled in handling, feeling agile and composed through corners, thanks to its double-wishbone front suspension and precise steering.

The 2025 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It offered multiple driving modes, including Sport and Trail. 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 Pilot's handling was predictable, but the ride quality was soft, and the steering and braking systems were well-calibrated.

The Mazda CX-90 offered various seating configurations, accommodating up to eight passengers. Cargo space varied slightly depending on the seating arrangement, with a maximum of 75.2 cubic feet. While it improved over the CX-9, it still fell short compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot. The interior featured clever storage solutions and high-quality materials, providing a comfortable experience.

The Honda Pilot excelled in form and function, with three rows of comfortable seating and thoughtful storage options. However, the front passenger seat lacked adjustability, which was a drawback for long trips. The second-row seats were spacious, and the third row was suitable for adults on short journeys. The Pilot offered 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. Features like a hands-free power tailgate and effective climate control added to its practicality.

Mazda's approach to technology in the CX-90 focused on minimizing distractions, using a rotary control knob instead of a touchscreen. While the intention was to enhance safety, the system's quirks could be distracting. However, personalization features and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided some relief. The CX-90's technology aimed to balance safety with convenience.

The Honda Pilot's technology appeared dated, with smaller display screens. However, it offered essential features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system, and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was inconsistent, and the wireless phone charging pad needed improvement. The CabinTalk feature was useful for family communication, but overall, the technology met only basic expectations.

The Mazda CX-90 came standard with i-Activsense, a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. While crash test ratings were not yet available, the CX-90 was expected to perform well based on its predecessor's accolades.

The Honda Pilot featured Honda Sensing safety technologies, including forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The Black Edition added parking sensors and a multi-view camera system. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist had some performance issues. The Pilot earned high marks in crash tests, receiving a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.