2023 Honda Pilot vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling not only made it look larger but also increased its dimensions, being 3.4 inches longer, up to 1.5 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller than its predecessor. These changes complemented the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which featured a one-inch taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The interior adopted a more conventional styling, maintaining attractiveness and functionality, with materials meeting elevated class standards. Overall, the new Pilot emphasized function over form, offering a tidy and utilitarian aesthetic.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50, a more rugged counterpart to the CX-5, showcased broader proportions with square wheel arches and fake air vents. It was 1.4 inches lower, 3 inches wider, and 5.7 inches longer than the CX-5, with a 4.6-inch wheelbase stretch. Available in eight trim levels, the CX-50 offered a variety of features, with the 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition enhancing its active-lifestyle image. The interior boasted an earthy color palette and impressive material quality for a non-luxury brand. However, the CX-50 didn’t fully meet Mazda’s upscale aspirations, with standard half-leatherette seats and manually-adjustable front seats on base models.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was equipped with a new 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all models and standard on the Elite and TrailSport trims. The Pilot offered quick acceleration and adequate power, with a soft brake pedal for smooth stops. It cornered well for a three-row SUV, prioritizing comfort over sporty driving. The TrailSport model added an inch of ground clearance and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road comfort.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo engine offered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard, with various driving modes available. The CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5 but offered a different driving experience, focusing more on daily driving than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition’s all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, with the roof platform contributing to wind noise at highway speeds.

The 2023 Honda Pilot’s interior was more conventional, with a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. The entry-level trims featured a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Pilot offered logical placement of primary controls, ample storage, and clever features like the stowable second-row center seat. The second row provided abundant space for adults, while the third row was less inviting. Cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 114.3 cubic feet available, surpassing competitors like the Kia Telluride.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom and more legroom. It provided 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded. The CX-50 trailed competitors in cargo space, with the Subaru Forester offering less space with rear seats up. The available power liftgate eased cargo 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 on the center console.

The 2023 Honda Pilot’s EX-L trim and above offered a larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and USB ports in every row. Higher trims included a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was functional, with quick responses and a logical layout. Features like Honda’s CabinTalk and a navigation system were available on higher trims, with the TrailSport and Elite trims offering the TrailWatch camera system for off-roading.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, operated via a rotary controller and buttons. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, but Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims offered wireless phone charging, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The touchscreen-free interface required adjustment but provided physical feedback. The infotainment system felt dated, with basic functions and plain graphics, appealing to buyers who preferred simplicity over excessive tech.

The 2023 Honda Pilot had not yet received NHTSA crash test results, but Honda expected top scores. It received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims added low-speed automatic braking and parking sensors, with the TrailSport and Elite trims offering surround-view and multi-view camera systems.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. However, it received lower scores for nighttime pedestrian detection and standard headlights. NHTSA ratings were incomplete, with five-star frontal and four-star rollover crash-test ratings. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more, with optional rear automatic braking and a 360-degree camera system.