How Does The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Compare to 2026 Honda Pilot?
2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. 2026 Honda Pilot
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-90 a better 3-row crossover than 2026 Honda Pilot?
Midsize crossovers are popular with Gastonia drivers for hauling family and cargo. It’s difficult to find a 3-row crossover that is designed for both the haul and the driver. The Mazda CX-90, however, fulfills this mission, especially when compared to popular crossovers like the Honda Pilot. While the Pilot is a dependable family transport, the CX-90 is a premium flagship that challenges the status quo of the three-row SUV segment. If you value the art of driving and the feel of a luxury-tier cabin, the CX-90 is a clear standout. Here is how the 2026 Mazda CX-90 outshines the 2026 Honda Pilot.
How much does the 2026 Mazda CX-90 cost?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90’s base price starts at $38,800. Already it’s at a price advantage over Honda Pilot by almost $2,000 dollars. Despite being less expensive, it isn’t at a disadvantage over Pilot in features. In fact, it has some features standard that require moving up to more expensive Pilot trim levels to acquire or not available. For example, CX-90 offers an 8-way power passenger’s seat vs. Pilot’s 4-way power, or available ventilated 2nd row seats and satellite radio – neither of which are available on Pilot.
Perhaps most significant is that Mazda CX-90 features standard i-ACTIV all-wheel-drive, for additional security and peace of mind in slippery conditions and rains. On Honda Pilot, AWD is an additional cost on top of an already more-expensive vehicle.
Verdict: The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offers better overall value, thanks to its lower starting price, standard AWD, and overall value against 2026 Pilot.
| 2026 Mazda CX-90 | 2026 Honda Pilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Base MSRP | $38,800 | $40,735 |
| IIHS Top Safety Pick+ | Yes | No |
| All-Wheel-Drive | Standard | Available |
| Standard Engine | 3.3T I6 | 3.5L V6 |
| Standard MPG (City/Highway/Combined) | 23 / 28 / 25 | 19 / 27 / 22 |
| Max Horsepower & Torque | 340 hp & 369 lb-ft | 285 hp & 262 lb-ft |
| Available Hybrid | Yes | No |
| Standard Ground Clearance | 8″ | 7.3″ |
| SiriusXM® Satellite Radio | Available | Not Available |
| Ventilated 2nd row seats | Available | Not Available |
Is Mazda CX-90 more capable than Honda Pilot?
Performance differences start with the drive wheels as mentioned: while Honda makes you pay extra for AWD on most trims, Mazda includes i-Activ AWD as standard equipment, ensuring every driver benefits from superior traction and stability regardless of the price point.
The most dramatic difference lies in the powertrain. The Honda Pilot relies on a traditional 3.5L V6 as the sole powertrain choice. Mazda CX-90 offers a variety of choices depending on your needs. Its standard powertrain is a 3.3L Turbocharged Inline-6. Depending on configuration the Mazda CX-90 handily outmuscles the Pilot, with up to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque vs. the Pilot’s 285 & 262, respectively. Despite the extra power, Mazda CX-90 achieves better fuel efficiency even in standard form, with an estimated 25 mpg combined vs. Honda’s 22 combined for FWD Pilots, 21 for AWD.
For a greener alternative, Mazda offers a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) version of the CX-90, allowing for an estimated 26 miles of all-electric commuting. Honda still does not offer any hybrid powertrain for the Pilot, leaving you tethered to the gas pump.
Verdict: With more power, efficiency, and standard AWD, Mazda CX-90 offers superior capability over Honda Pilot.
What safety features does the Mazda CX-90 have?
Safety is an area Mazda takes very seriously. Both Pilot and CX-90 have extensive suites of safety technology as standard across all trims. This includes pre-collison system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, and dynamic radar cruise control with stop-and-go. However, a key advantage for Mazda CX-90 over Honda Pilot is that the Mazda was named to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick+ list. In fact, Mazda as a brand has been named by Consumer Reports as its first-ever safest new car brand, thanks to the brand’s reputation in standard safety equipment and historical performance in IIHS testing.
Verdict: The 2026 Mazda CX-90 provides a fresher, safer, and technologically advanced interior, making it the superior choice for drivers in the Gastonia area.
Is Mazda CX-90 the better value in midsize SUVs?
The Honda Pilot is a strong contender among crossovers, but the 2026 Mazda CX-90 is simply a superior option in family SUVs. The CX-90 gives Kings Mountain new car buyers a more refined, technologically advanced, and value-oriented driving experience than Honda Pilot. And just as the Mazda CX-90 goes the extra mile for you, so does Mazda of Gastonia. Call, text or visit us today at 4811 Wilkinson Blvd in Gastonia to see the new CX-90 for yourself!