2025 Honda Pilot vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$40,200 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Honda Pilot and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 often comes down to balancing maximum utility against refined driving dynamics and efficiency. If you need sheer cargo room, the Pilot leads easily, offering 18.6 cu ft behind the third row compared to the CX-90’s 14.9 cu ft. However, the Mazda fights back with a significant torque advantage; the CX-90 boasts 332 lb-ft, handily beating the Pilot's 262 lb-ft, suggesting a punchier feel despite slightly lower horsepower (280 hp vs 285 hp). Fuel economy is another major split: the CX-90 achieves a superior combined 25 MPG, whereas the Pilot lands at 22 MPG. Price is close, but the CX-90 has the edge at an MSRP of $38,800 versus $40,200 for the Pilot. For those prioritizing overall space and traditional FWD practicality, the Pilot is solid, but the CX-90 seems better equipped for highway cruising thanks to its efficiency and torque.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-90

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 wins for commuters due to its better combined fuel economy of 25 MPG versus the Pilot's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Honda Pilot

The 2025 Honda Pilot is the family pick because it offers substantially more rear cargo space at 18.6 cu ft compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

Enthusiasts will prefer the CX-90 because it offers significantly higher torque, delivering 332 lb-ft versus the Pilot's 262 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 provides better efficiency and more torque for a lower starting price of $38,800 compared to the Pilot's $40,200 MSRP.

Choose the Honda Pilot if...

You prioritize maximum hauling capacity, as the Pilot offers 18.6 cu ft of cargo space versus 14.9 cu ft in the CX-90.
You prefer the familiarity and proven nature of front-wheel drive standard configuration.
You want marginally more horsepower, as the Pilot provides 285 hp compared to the CX-90’s 280 hp.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

Saving on gas is crucial, given the CX-90’s superior 25 MPG combined rating.
You want a punchier acceleration feel from the excellent 332 lb-ft of torque.
You want to save money upfront, as the CX-90 starts $1,400 cheaper at $38,800.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Pilot	Mazda CX-90
Length	199.9"	200.8"
Width	78.5"	78.5"
Height	71.0"	68.3"
Wheelbase	113.8"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	285 hp @ 6100 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/27 MPG	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/499.5 mi.	425.5/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Driver Vanity Mirror	✓	—
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	240W	—
Speaker System	7	8
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.5 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	58.4 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Rear Head Room	40.2 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.8 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.7 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.4 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	20 x 8.0 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/50R	265/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Pilot and 2026 Mazda CX-90.

Which crossover is more powerful in terms of outright acceleration feel?

While both vehicles are closely matched in horsepower (Pilot at 285 hp, CX-90 at 280 hp), the 2026 Mazda CX-90 should feel punchier due to its significantly higher torque output of 332 lb-ft versus the Pilot's 262 lb-ft.

How does the difference in fuel economy affect yearly costs?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 achieves 25 MPG combined, which is 3 MPG better than the 2025 Honda Pilot's 22 MPG combined. Over a year of driving, this difference can translate to noticeable savings at the pump.

If I frequently use the rear for cargo, which vehicle is better?

The 2025 Honda Pilot is the clear winner for cargo space, offering 18.6 cu ft behind the rear seats. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is noticeably tighter in this regard, providing only 14.9 cu ft.

What is the price difference between these two models?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 has a lower entry price at $38,800 MSRP, making it $1,400 less expensive than the 2025 Honda Pilot, which starts at $40,200.

Is there a big difference in how they transmit power (transmission/drive type)?

Yes, the Pilot comes standard with front-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the CX-90 utilizes an 8-speed automatic standard with all-wheel drive, offering better traction in slippery conditions.

Are these vehicles similar in physical size?

They are similarly sized overall, though the Pilot is slightly taller at 71.0 inches compared to the CX-90's 68.3 inches. The CX-90 is marginally longer overall at 200.8 inches compared to the Pilot's 199.9 inches.