2023 Mazda CX-50 vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured a blunt nose, long hood, rakish windshield, and a cabin pulled back toward the rear wheels, embodying the subtle allure that had become characteristic of Mazda's designs. The CX-50, however, took on a more rugged appeal with its blistered and boxed fender swells, extensive lower body and wheel arch cladding, and simulated skidplates at both the front and rear. An oversized air intake and vent designs gave a performance vibe and somehow managed not to offend aesthetics.

This rugged vibe was enhanced when matched with the standard black grille, black mirror caps, and the optional 20-inch wheels. Notably, the new CX-50 Meridian Edition, available later in the model year, included exclusive wheels, all-terrain tires, splash guards, and a roof-mounted load platform designed to accommodate a rooftop tent.

Physically, there were two engine variants: the 2.5 S with a 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and the 2.5 Turbo model generating up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. Prices started at $26,800 and could go up to $41,550, excluding a $1,225 destination fee. Our test vehicle, the top-trim 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, had an MSRP of $43,170.

Inside, the CX-50 exhibited Mazda’s driver-centric design, with high-quality materials, round analog and digital gauges, and an elegant blend of black leather with caramel-colored accent stitching. The interior also showcased polished metallic trim and a range of controls. However, the lone off-center vertical air vent in the middle of the dashboard seemed a bit conspicuous and poorly integrated.

On the other hand, the 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a significant redesign to adopt a more rugged and substantial look. The new Pilot, 3.4 inches longer, up to 1.5 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller than its predecessor, benefited significantly from these modifications. The Pilot’s new dimensions lent themselves well to its all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which added a one-inch taller ride height, 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and robust underbody skid plates.

Internally, while the new Pilot’s design was more conventional, it was attractive, functional, and versatile. Materials quality met the rising expectations of its class due to strong competition. The overall design smartly emphasized function over form without sacrificing attractiveness.

Mazda CX-50 buyers looking for affordability and fuel economy likely leaned toward the 2.5 S model, which featured a 187-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Mazda predicted this version would achieve 27 mpg combined. For stronger acceleration and greater towing capacity, the 2.5 Turbo model offered between 227 hp and 256 hp and 310-320 lb-ft of torque, depending on the octane of the fuel used. We noted an average fuel economy of 23.4 mpg for the Turbo.

The CX-50 impressed with smooth acceleration across a broad power curve, courtesy of its turbocharged engine. The absence of turbo lag and the deliberate power build provided an enjoyable driving experience. With four drive modes (Normal, Sport, Off-Road, Towing), the G-Vectoring Control technology ensured natural vehicle behavior across different terrains, though the differences between the modes were subtle.

Comparatively, the 2023 Honda Pilot came equipped with an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, mated to a new 10-speed automatic transmission. Most models featured FWD, with AWD available and standard on Elite and TrailSport trims.

The Pilot's initial acceleration was responsive, and the power seemed adequate. With soft brake pedals ensuring smooth stops, the Pilot emphasized comfort over sporty performance. Its handling, fit for a three-row SUV, inspired confidence for conservative driving yet didn’t encourage aggressive maneuvers.

The TrailSport edition offered an inch more ground clearance and all-terrain tires, facilitating off-road capabilities without compromising on-road composure. The combination showcased the Pilot's surprising capacity for family duties and off-road adventures alike.

For colder climates, the Mazda CX-50 offered heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated side mirrors and windshield wipers. Ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control were also available. The driver's seat and front passenger's seat were found to be comfortable for extended durations, although additional side bolstering would have been beneficial. Rear seating was spacious and allowed easy ingress and egress thanks to rear doors that nearly opened to a 90-degree angle.

Storage within the CX-50 was adequate but could have been improved with additional bins in the door panel armrests and a shelf across the dashboard. The cargo space behind the rear seats was 31.4 cubic feet, expandable to 56.3 cubic feet with rear seats folded.

Contrastingly, the 2023 Honda Pilot’s interior was more conventional. While it lacked the new horizontal mesh dash trim from other Honda models, it offered practical functionality with a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. The Pilot featured a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen in lower trims, upgrading to a nine-inch display in higher trims.

Interior controls for climate and drive modes were logically placed, and a large rubberized shelf accommodated smartphones, complemented by a wireless charging pad. Clever storage features and well-placed cupholders ensured functional convenience. A standout feature was the Pilot's stowable second-row center seat, which could be removed to provide a pass-through for third-row passengers. This center seat could also be stashed under the cargo floor for added flexibility.

In terms of space, the second row boasted plenty of room for adults over six feet tall, while the third row, though less spacious, could accommodate average-sized adults for short trips. Cargo capacity varied from 22.4 cubic feet behind the third row to a maximum of 114.3 cubic feet with all rows folded, substantially more than the CX-50 and other competitors like the Kia Telluride.

The Mazda CX-50 came with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services, which included a WiFi hotspot and remote engine start. While the base model had an 8.8-inch display, other trims featured a larger 10.25-inch screen.

Historically, Mazda Connect lacked touchscreen functionality, relying instead on center console buttons, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. In 2023, touch control functionality was introduced for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not fully integrated into the Mazda Connect system. An upgraded 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system and an Active Driving Display (head-up display) were available, projecting critical data within the driver’s line of sight.

On the Honda Pilot, moving up to the EX-L trim or higher provided a larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and USB ports in every row. Higher trims also featured a multi-view camera system, a head-up display, and a fully digital instrument panel.

The Pilot’s infotainment touchscreen offered quick responses and a logical layout, with large on-screen buttons prioritizing functionality. Additional features included Honda's CabinTalk PA system, navigation, Bose premium audio, a remote monitoring and control app, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and the multi-view TrailWatch camera system in off-road capable trims.

Mazda vehicles usually rated high for safety, and though crash tests for the CX-50 hadn't been performed at the time, expectations were high. Mazda included a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features as standard, with additional options on the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus model. These included Traffic Jam Assist, active blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors with reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera.

Honda anticipated top safety ratings for the Pilot, which received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard Honda Sensing safety features covered a wide range, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, traffic-jam assist, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims incorporated low-speed automatic braking and parking sensors, while the TrailSport and Elite trims featured surround-view and multi-view camera systems.