In our head-to-head Mazda CX-90 vs. Honda Pilot battle, there's simply no contest. The Mazda CX-90 dominates in engine performance, fuel economy, mild-hybrid capability, and more. If your search for the ultimate three-row SUV has led you to choose between the Mazda CX-90 and the Honda Pilot, we're glad you're here because the Mazda vehicle is ready to shine.
Dive into the juicy details of this 2025 rivalry with an overview of Mazda CX-90 vs. Honda Pilot performance specs and dimensions. We look forward to seeing you soon for a test drive of the SUV we consider the winner: the Mazda CX-90.
Today's SUVs should deliver top-notch performance – we are, after all, living in one of the most innovative automotive eras. When you experience the robust yet efficient power of the Mazda CX-90, you'll know you've joined the SUV revolution.
All six stunning trims of the new Mazda CX-90 pair a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a mild-hybrid boost system that not only helps reduce emissions but also save you money at the pump. Feel the power of 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in any of the first four Mazda trim levels, or select one of the top two variants for an increase to 340 maximum horsepower and 369 maximum pound-feet of torque.
The Honda Pilot also comes in six trims, and each is fitted with the same 3.5-liter V-6. This unit generates just 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Although the Pilot engine uses an Eco Assist System, it struggles to hold a candle to the Mazda CX-90 engine in terms of fuel economy. When we compare the Mazda CX-90 vs. Honda Pilot MPG, the Mazda model comes out ahead.
Thanks to its mild-hybrid capabilities, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 produces up to an EPA-estimated 24/28 MPG (City/Highway).1 Meanwhile, the Honda Pilot only manages to give drivers a maximum EPA-estimated 19/27 MPG (City/Highway),2 which is its best gas mileage rating.
To round out this specs and performance discussion, let's examine how each SUV handles terrain. The Honda Pilot is marketed as an off-road SUV, but its ground clearance tells a different story. The Mazda CX-90 provides between 8 and 8.1 inches of ground clearance in every trim, whereas the Honda Pilot sits only 7.3 inches off the ground in all but the TrailSport trim, which provides 8.3 inches of ground clearance. Even though the Pilot model is listed as the trail-worthy option, the Mazda CX-90 puts it in its place. Plus, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 comes standard with i-Activ AWD®, whereas the Honda Pilot requires you to upgrade to obtain AWD capability.
Unlock the exceptional power of this Mazda SUV when you sign a competitive Mazda CX-90 lease or loan at our dealership.
Moving on to the new Mazda CX-90 vs. Honda Pilot size, we see that the Mazda SUV is the longer of the two. It measures 200.8 or 201.6 inches in length and sits on a 122.8-inch wheelbase. Meanwhile, the Honda SUV is 199.9 or 200.2 inches long and features a wheelbase of just 113.8 inches. These SUVs have similar width and height measurements.
The Mazda and Honda models possess a similar standard trunk volume: Mazda trims offer 14.9 or 15.9 cubic feet, and the Honda variants have 18.6 cubic feet. The Honda Pilot does have more maximum cargo space, but it's not often that drivers fold both back rows to transport items instead of people. Additionally, the Mazda CX-90 offers seating configurations for six, seven, or eight people, while the Honda Pilot has options for just seven or eight.
When it comes to towing power, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and 2025 Honda Pilot share the same maximum capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. However, only the Mazda CX-90 offers Trailer Stability Assist for a smooth haul; the Pilot fails to provide such a feature.
| 2025 MAZDA CX-90 | 2025 Honda Pilot | |
| Engine | 3.3L turbo I-6 | 3.5L V-6 |
| Horsepower | 280 - 340 | 285 |
| Torque | 332 - 369 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | i-ACTIV AWD® | 2WD or AWD |
| Max EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy) | 24 / 281 | 19 / 272 |
| Max Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs3 | 5,000 lbs4 |
| Seating Capacity | 6, 7, or 8 | 7 or 8 |
| Max Cargo Capacity | 75.2 cu ft | 87 cu ft |
| Length | 200.8 - 201.6 in | 199.9 - 200.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 122.8 in | 113.8 in |
In more ways than one, we deem the 2025 Mazda CX-90 the winner in this comparison against the 2025 Honda Pilot. We invite you to visit us to experience it in person with a test drive!
Chat with our finance team about new vehicle specials to maximize potential savings, and be sure to visit our comprehensive service center for all your oil change, battery replacement, and other car care needs as you rack up miles and miles of driving pleasure.
The Mazda CX-90 and Honda Pilot are both three-row SUVs, but they differ in various ways. For instance, the Mazda SUV provides more overall horsepower and torque, better fuel economy, a mild-hybrid system, higher standard ground clearance, and more length. Find your ideal Mazda CX-90 when you visit our dealership and see why this SUV is the clear winner.
When viewing the exteriors, the Mazda CX-90 is bigger than the Honda Pilot. Specifically, the Mazda SUV is up to 201.6 inches long and has a 122.8-inch wheelbase, while the Honda SUV is up to 200.2 inches long and features a 113.8-inch wheelbase. Explore the size of the 2025 Mazda CX-90 in person today!
These three-row SUVs have similar trunk space, with the Mazda CX-90 offering up to 15.9 cubic feet of cargo volume and the Honda Pilot featuring 18.6 cubic feet. The Honda Pilot has more maximum cargo space, but the Mazda SUV still provides 75.2 cubic feet of cargo room with both back rows down. It also offers more seating versatility.
1EPA-estimated mileage. Actual results will vary.
2Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors.
3Towing capacities shown are maximums and must be reduced by the weight of any passenger, cargo hitch or optional equipment in the towing vehicle. Please refer to vehicle Owner's Manual for details regarding towing capacities and other valuable information. Towing a trailer may have an effect on vehicle's handling, braking, durability, performance and driving economy. For specific information on recommended or required equipment, see your Mazda Dealer. Hitches are available through manufacturers other than Mazda.
4Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
