2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Honda Pilot had been fully redesigned with a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling not only made it appear bigger but actually increased its dimensions. The new Pilot was 3.4 inches longer, up to 1.5 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller than the previous model. These changes fitted perfectly with the Pilot's all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which gained legitimate off-road parts like a one-inch taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates that could support the vehicle's entire weight.

The interior of the 2023 Honda Pilot took a more conventional styling route but remained attractive, functional, and versatile. The materials quality met the elevated standards of its class. Overall, the new design emphasized function over form, resulting in a tidy and more utilitarian aesthetic that was preferred over the last generation.

Conversely, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered a distinct luxury feel previously associated with more premium brands. The all-new CX-90 took the elegant design language of smaller Mazda models like the CX-30 and CX-5 and expanded it. Stretching over 200 inches, the CX-90 had a big grille, wide-set front end, and large wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches, all demanding attention. Tasteful chrome trim added to its elegant yet imposing look.

Inside, the top-shelf models of the CX-90 boasted an interior that could match some high-end luxury brands, featuring brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic bits. Even the lower trims benefitted from the stylish design and comfortable layout. The CX-90 was sold in 11 different trim levels across three powertrains, providing a range of options to fit various budgets and preferences.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a new 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 initial acceleration response was quick, and the engine emitted a pleasant hum when pushed hard. The brake pedal was soft but easy to modulate for smooth stops. While it cornered well for a three-row SUV, the Pilot prioritized comfort over sporty driving, with feather-light steering that felt somewhat vague on the highway.

The TrailSport trim increased ground clearance and added all-terrain tires, providing moderate off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road composure and comfort. The Pilot was well-suited for families who needed a vehicle that could handle daily duties and occasional off-road adventures.

Mazda's 2024 CX-90 introduced two new powertrains: a plug-in hybrid option and an all-new turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The base turbo I6 delivered 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the Turbo S version upped the power to 340 horses and 369 pound-feet of torque. All CX-90 models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The CX-90 Turbo S impressed with its aggressive engine note and three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Off-Road. The engine roared at high revs in Sport mode, although the transmission behavior was sometimes inconsistent. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 17.8-kWh battery, delivering 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque and achieving an EPA-estimated 56 MPGe in combined driving.

Both CX-90 models displayed excellent handling through corners, aided by a larger platform, double-wishbone front suspension, and transverse engine layout, making the vehicle feel agile and lithe despite its size.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior design was more conventional but practical. The base trims included a seven-inch infotainment screen, with higher trims featuring a nine-inch display. The Elite trim's touchscreen size felt small for the space available, yet the controls for climate and drive modes were well-placed. Storage options were plentiful, including a large center console bin, dash shelf, cupholders, and door pockets.

A standout feature was the stowable second-row center seat, which could be removed to provide a pass-through for third-row passengers. The second row offered ample space for adults, while the third row was less generous but adequate for short trips. The Pilot provided up to 114.3 cubic feet of cargo space, significantly more than the Kia Telluride's 87 cubic feet.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 was available in multiple trims and seating configurations. The lower-level trims seated eight passengers, while mid-level trims had captain's chairs, and the Turbo S could seat six or seven. Cargo space varied slightly depending on the configuration, with a maximum of 75.2 cubic feet for the two-seat third-row models. Although the CX-90 improved on the CX-9's cargo capacity, it fell short compared to the Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota Highlander. Despite this, the CX-90 featured abundant storage options, comfortable seats, and premium materials, adding to its overall appeal.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's technology package benefitted from stepping up to at least the EX-L trim, which included a larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and USB ports in every row. Higher trims added features like a multi-view camera system, head-up display, fully digital instrument panel, and Honda's CabinTalk interior PA system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick responses and a logical layout.

Mazda aimed to reduce driver distraction with the CX-90's technology setup. The Mazda Connect infotainment system used a rotary control knob and hard buttons instead of a touchscreen. While beautifully engineered, the system had quirks that made it less intuitive. The personalization software that adjusted driving settings based on facial recognition was a welcome feature, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto employed touchscreen controls in higher trims, providing a familiar interface for most users.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was expected to receive top scores from the NHTSA and had already earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, traffic-jam assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims added low-speed automatic braking, parking sensors, and advanced camera systems. During testing, all advanced safety features functioned well, enhancing the overall driving experience.

Mazda's i-Activsense suite of advanced driver assistance systems came standard on the 2024 CX-90, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The top-spec CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus included cruising and traffic support, blending lane-centering with adaptive cruise control. Although the CX-90 had not yet been crash-tested, it was expected to perform well, given the previous accolades of the CX-9.