2025 Honda Ridgeline vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

$40,150 · Crossover

$38,045 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and the 2025 Mazda CX-90 boils down to prioritizing utility versus refinement and efficiency. Many buyers are torn between a traditional SUV feel and the versatility of a truck bed, even a small one. The Ridgeline, at 210.2 inches long, offers a unique proposition with its 7.3 cu ft of cargo space, though it sips regular unleaded. Conversely, the Mazda CX-90 focuses on passenger space, boasting nearly double the primary cargo capacity at 14.9 cu ft while achieving a superior 25 MPG combined against the Ridgeline's 21 MPG combined. While both offer 280 hp, the Mazda compensates with significantly more low-end grunt, generating 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Honda's 262 lb-ft. Starting at a slightly lower MSRP of $38,045 versus the Ridgeline's $40,150, the CX-90 presents a compelling value story anchored in better mileage.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 is the clear winner for commuters due to its better fuel economy, achieving 25 MPG combined compared to the Ridgeline's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-90

Families will benefit more from the Mazda CX-90's larger 14.9 cu ft of primary cargo capacity over the Honda Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-90

Enthusiasts will appreciate the Mazda CX-90's substantially higher torque output of 332 lb-ft versus the Honda's 262 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 offers superior fuel economy and greater cargo space for a lower starting MSRP of $38,045.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

You specifically need the unique, easily accessible cargo hauling ability provided by the Ridgeline's small, truck-like bed area.
You prefer the slightly taller stance of the Ridgeline (70.8 inches) for potentially better visibility on the road.
You value the Ridgeline's slightly higher maximum highway fuel economy rating of 24 MPG.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You prioritize running costs, as the CX-90 saves fuel with 25 MPG combined versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG combined.
You require maximum enclosed storage, as the CX-90 provides 14.9 cu ft compared to the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.
You want better initial acceleration thanks to the CX-90's 332 lb-ft of torque, significantly higher than the Ridgeline's 262 lb-ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Ridgeline	Mazda CX-90
Length	210.2"	200.8"
Width	78.6"	78.5"
Height	70.8"	68.2"
Wheelbase	125.2"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear 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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
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	280 hp @ 6000 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	24
Camshaft Type	Single overhead cam (SOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/24 MPG	24/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/468.0 mi.	444.0/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.5 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	215W	—
Speaker System	7	8
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.1 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	59.1 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Rear Head Room	38.8 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.7 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.5 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.6 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	265/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.5 in

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	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Which vehicle is generally more fuel-efficient for daily driving?

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is the more efficient option, boasting a combined rating of 25 MPG and highway numbers of 28 MPG. The 2025 Honda Ridgeline trails slightly with a combined 21 MPG (18 city/24 highway).

How significant is the difference in power output between these two 280 hp models?

While both achieve 280 hp, the Mazda CX-90 delivers significantly more torque at 332 lb-ft, compared to the Ridgeline's 262 lb-ft. This means the CX-90 should feel stronger when pulling away from a stop or climbing grades.

If I carry passengers frequently, which crossover has more space?

The Mazda CX-90 is built for passenger hauling, offering 14.9 cu ft of cargo capacity in the rear area. The Honda Ridgeline's unique utility feature results in only 7.3 cu ft of measurable cargo space.

Are there large price differences between the base models?

The pricing is very close; the 2025 Mazda CX-90 starts at an MSRP of $38,045, whereas the 2025 Honda Ridgeline begins at $40,150, giving the Mazda a slight starting cost advantage.

Does the Ridgeline's truck-like design translate to better utility than the CX-90's SUV cargo hold?

The Ridgeline offers an open-bed design, which can be useful for dirty items, but its 7.3 cu ft space is limited compared to the CX-90's enclosed 14.9 cu ft, which is more practical for securing groceries or luggage.

Which vehicle uses a similar transmission setup?

Both vehicles use sophisticated automatic transmissions, with the Ridgeline featuring a 9-speed shiftable automatic and the CX-90 utilizing an 8-speed shiftable automatic.