What To Know
- In terms of fuel efficiency, the Honda Pilot with front-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive model delivers 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
- The Mazda CX-90 with the four-cylinder engine returns an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the six-cylinder engine achieves 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
- The Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-90 come equipped with a range of advanced technology and safety features to enhance your driving experience and protect you on the road.
The Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-90 are two highly regarded SUVs that cater to families seeking a combination of practicality, comfort, and performance. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, advanced technology features, and capable powertrains. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of these SUVs to determine which one emerges as the superior choice for discerning drivers.
Performance and Efficiency: A Battle of Power and Economy
Under the hood, the Honda Pilot boasts a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission that delivers power to the front wheels or all four wheels, depending on the chosen drivetrain. The Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, offers a choice of two powertrains: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, or a potent turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine that generates 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and offer all-wheel drive as standard.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Honda Pilot with front-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive model delivers 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The Mazda CX-90 with the four-cylinder engine returns an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the six-cylinder engine achieves 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Interior Space and Comfort: Room for the Whole Family
Both the Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-90 offer three rows of seating, providing ample space for up to eight passengers. The Pilot’s cabin is known for its generous headroom and legroom in all rows, making it a comfortable choice for long road trips. The CX-90, while slightly smaller than the Pilot, still offers impressive legroom and headroom, even in the third row. Both SUVs feature comfortable seats, with the CX-90 offering slightly more supportive seats with adjustable lumbar support.
In terms of cargo space, the Honda Pilot offers 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet with all seats folded down. The Mazda CX-90 provides 12.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 36.1 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 76.3 cubic feet with all seats folded down.
Technology and Safety Features: Keeping You Connected and Protected
The Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-90 come equipped with a range of advanced technology and safety features to enhance your driving experience and protect you on the road. The Pilot features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a suite of Honda Sensing safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
The Mazda CX-90 boasts a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a comprehensive suite of i-Activsense safety features, including radar cruise control, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring.
Driving Dynamics: Handling and Performance on the Road
The Honda Pilot offers a comfortable and composed ride, with a suspension that absorbs bumps and road imperfections effectively. The steering is responsive and provides good feedback, making the Pilot easy to maneuver in urban environments and on winding roads. The Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, offers a more engaging driving experience, with a stiffer suspension that provides better handling and agility. The steering is also more precise, giving the CX-90 a sportier feel.
Price and Value: Weighing the Options
The Honda Pilot has a starting price of $38,450 for the base LX trim and can go up to $52,250 for the top-of-the-line Black Edition trim. The Mazda CX-90 starts at a slightly higher price of $39,590 for the base S trim and can reach up to $56,250 for the top-of-the-line Premium Plus trim.
When it comes to value, the Honda Pilot offers a more affordable starting price and a generous list of standard features, making it a good choice for budget-conscious buyers. The Mazda CX-90, while slightly more expensive, offers a more luxurious interior, a more engaging driving experience, and a comprehensive suite of technology and safety features, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium SUV experience.
Verdict: Choosing the Right SUV for Your Needs
The Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-90 are both excellent choices for families seeking a spacious and versatile SUV. The Pilot offers a more affordable price, a comfortable ride, and a generous list of standard features, making it a practical choice for everyday driving. The CX-90, on the other hand, offers a more luxurious interior, a more engaging driving experience, and a comprehensive suite of technology and safety features, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium SUV experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget.
What You Need to Learn
1. Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
The Mazda CX-90 with the 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six engine produces more horsepower and torque than the Honda Pilot’s 3.5-liter V6 engine.
2. Which SUV has better fuel efficiency?
The Mazda CX-90 with the four-cylinder engine achieves better fuel efficiency than the Honda Pilot, both in the city and on the highway.
3. Which SUV has more cargo space?
The Honda Pilot offers more cargo space than the Mazda CX-90, with a maximum cargo capacity of 83.9 cubic feet compared to the CX-90’s 76.3 cubic feet.
4. Which SUV has more advanced technology features?
The Mazda CX-90 offers a larger infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a more comprehensive suite of safety features compared to the Honda Pilot.
5. Which SUV is more fun to drive?
The Mazda CX-90 offers a more engaging driving experience, with a stiffer suspension, more precise steering, and a sportier feel compared to the Honda Pilot.