2024 Mazda CX-90 VS 2023 Honda Pilot: Does Honda Even Compete? 

Mazda better milage, more power, 50/50 weight distribution, Kinematic Handling w/ double wishbone suspension, 9" longer wheelbase, wider trac, AWD off of RWD, a better engine (longitudinal inline 6) next generation transmission with integrated 100+lb/ft torque mild hybrid boost. HMMMM

I bought My wife 2023 Honda Pilot EXL and kept My 2005 290,000 Miles still drives Like New ! They are Wonderful Vehicles ❤️😊

Easy. The one made in Japan wins.

For sure the CX90. I'm on a list for one. It's an impressive vehicle. I feel that it will be the most sought after vehicle in its class.

Finally a CX-90 review with the base inline 6, which still seemed best-in-class, and something other than the highest spec interior. Such an impressive vehicle.

The Mazda CX90 for me. The Mazda is made in Japan, there’s a timing chain not a belt. Changing a timing belt is $1,000 every 100,000 miles. It has a nicer interior. Plus better gas mileage. Also the Mazda has a touch screen when you use apple car play and android auto.

I owned four Mazda and they were incredibly reliable, fun to drive, bang for buck... until my 2nd gen cx-9 with less than 50K km had cracked cylinder head. I was gonna go for cx 90, but I would wait at least a year or so to make sure all these new engines, transmission and techs get tested and updated. Or get it and trade in before power warranty ends. :)

Our 1986 Honda Accord went 186K miles for 18 years with only one major repair (cooling system, failed twice). We only spent $600 on repair costs over the 18 years. When we finally decided to get a bigger car, we gifted the Accord to friends who needed a reliable car for their college bound twin sons! Our 2010 Mazda 3 has 115K miles with perfect reliability (zero time in shop, except for tires, oil, tune-up at 90K). Love both companies, but Mazda is the best. I can't wait to test drive the CX-90.

You compared the trailsport and this is made for off-roading, the elite could have competed with the CX-90.

Apples to Oranges comparison....Offroad the Pilot would win, for on road use the Mazda would win unless you like a soft suspension. A more interesting comparison would be between the MDX and the CX-90. Little confused how a nicer interior is harder to clean...

The mazda is more fuel efficient in the city that the honda on the highway

The Honda styling looks toy-like and cartoonish next to the Mazda. Like it was designed in the 1990s.

At the same price, no. You'd have to be insane to pick the Honda over the Mazda.

Mazda has really stepped up and is pushing the entire auto industry to just be better. The drive is fun, materials are quality, and that’s how it should be for car prices today. I’ve had both Toyota and Honda vehicles and the Mazda drive is miles better. I think Toyota and Honda have been resting on their name and will need to step it up.

I gotta say. That Honda V6 is extremely reliable and low maintenance. Mine needed only oil/filter changes until about 100,000 miles where I had the timing chain changed. That was it. Nothing else. For here in Colorado its a tough call. The CX-90 no question if you are more of a city person and wanting more power and luxury and the Pilot if you love long road trips, dirt roads and tend to keep it for many years.

I like the style of the CX9 and CX90 over the Honda, but functionally I bought the pilot over the Mazda. The pilot had better cargo storage and the removable middle section just made the deal.

pilot is still more practical than cx-90..its interior is more spacious than cx-90...

Another great video Ben. Thanks! Mazda all the way!! Automotive Press said the quality on it is the best in the world right now!!

Depends on your priority. If you want luxury, driving dynamics and interior design, go with Mazda. If you want cargo space, offroad capabilities and simplicity with NA V6, go with Honda.

Ben, you’ve quickly become my go to channel for auto content. Are you planning on looking at the new Chevrolet Colorado soon? Would love to see a deep dive into the various trims they’re offering.

CX 90 in Artesion Red is a head turner. I checked Pilot at the dealership and I did not find anything new or unique with the exterior. I have never owned Honda and people praise it for the utility and reliability. I have been driving CX5 (85K) and it is still going strong without any major issues. The interior quality of the CX90 looks way better over Pilot. One of the dealers was asking for 5K for market adjustment + $3100 for dealer accessories. The Pilot Elite door out was in the range of $65K vs. CX90 Premium Plus is ~$60K. I am more inclined towards CX90.

I love both! Also I go with Mazda one Ben.

The CX-90 definitely out classes everything in the segment. The Honda is front wheel drive based and the Korean cousins are overpriced and underpowered. The Enclave does offer adaptive suspension on its highest trim, but it gives up 30hp and sportier driving dynamics to the CX-90.

Cx90 jdm all the way. Can you make grand highlander vs cx90 comparison please?

Both better than the new Highlander with that garbage 4 cylinder engine

is the cx 90s suspension too firm as to make you feel every bump and imperfection on the road?

For me, it's the Mazda 💯. The Pilot is nice, but more utilitarian, understandably for an off-road vehicle. It seems comparable power-wise. I have to zonk the infotainment screen jutting up out of the dash. Honda's got way more console storage. I've been longing for an Acura MDX advance, but the mileage sucks. I'm married to SUVs for ease of entry & exit and better visibility being up higher. Non touchscreen doesn't bother me, I'm an appliance operator. Inline 6 with "mild" hybrid (MPG+) and luxury features pushes me toward Mazda depending on the sound system and voice-recognition accuracy. Mazda hit a home run with the CX90, but both solid vehicles! Great review Ben!

Honda Pilot has way more space in the rear and third row compared to Mazda CX90. It's not even close. You need to show this clearly by keeping the second row in it's place. There's just a marginal improvement in CX90's second row space compared to the CX9.

CX-90 😏

so the Mazda CX90 is a great choice if you want a $60,000+ luxury three row suv that can take fight against the BMW X7, Acura MDX Type S, and Volvo XC90. whilst the Honda Pilot is the choice for a $40,000+ “utilitarian” three row suv that will beat the non-V6 Toyota Highlander, Subaru Ascent, Nissan Pathfinder, Hyundai Telluride, and Kia Palisade. It will give you the “ultimate” suv experience of spacious interior comfort, a strong V6, great AWD systems, and driving pleasure compared to the rivals; but you can save some money if you pick and choose what you value. If you want an interior that looks a bit like an Audi Q7 or Volkswagon Atlas, then get the Hyundai/Kia. If you want two of the best awd systems in mainstream three row suvs get the Subaru or Honda. If you want the lowest entry prices possible, get the Nissan. If you want a cvt and want to replace your expensive hybrid battery in 10 years get the hybrid Highlander.

Mazda cx90! Love my cx5

Two seats in the second row seem like a so much more comfortable driving experience.

That start up sound on the Mazda is 🤤🤤🤤🤤

I like them both actually. The Honda Pilot looks solid. But Mazda looks solid too its basically shooting for low budget customers with high class german car aspirations with that inline six, rear wheel drive biased drive train and in many ways i like it better than the Honda it should drive better than the Honda too. If you remove the Mazda badges you'd think its a new high end BMW X5

Pilot is practical cx90 is just show😂

I'm a Honda fan boy, and I'm telling you, Honda has lost their minds with the new models prices, and trim levels. Plastic fantastic Civic interior and look at this: As of this post, a 5 yr finance for a loaded Pilot touring is 1267.00 per month before taxes. The Mazda, top trim, 1268.00 before taxes. For fun same, term, a CRV touring hybrid (our only touring and hybrid option ) is 1016 per month, and a MDX Type S base model non ultra is 1658 per month before taxes. Why ANYONE would take a CRV over a non top trim CX90, a Pilot top trim, or anything I just mentioned over the new CX90 is just nuts. The only little thing The Pilot can say, is that the engine is proven to be reliable and the Mazda is unknown and all new. But trim, features, interior quality, performance, mpg etc....all Mazda. Now if Mazda raises the prices next year for any reason, that change things. btw, I'm in Canada. Honda shafts us badly up here.

Honda is not a competition in this case. I would say maybe BMW X7

CX-90 All the way for me. It ticks all my boxes. I'm not a fan of a boxy type of car. Reliability of Mazda is on par with the Toyota lately.👍👍🏎🏎

A more accurate comparison would be a CX90 vs Acura MDX

The Madza has more engine options and the pilot has only one engine option. I am not a fan of Madza because of the space at the third row. Honda built quality is more than Madza in terms of Longevity. This new Madza model can still make the difference. Until the third row space is improved, my take is Honda Pilot.

it's rare for semi offroad cars to be compared to luxury cars, the best pilots!

Hi Ben I like to watch your show which car you recommend between 2024 Genesis prestige and 2024 Cadillac xt6

1st baybeeee also that cx90 looks so good

Interesting that you compared the top of the line CX90 to the Trailsport Pilot and not the Elite Pilot.

Why would you compare a luxury suv to a rugged! Makes no sense! U could’ve reviewed the Pilot Touring or Elite!

We're cross shopping the CX-90 and the '23 Pilot Touring/Elite. The Pilot wins on 8 seat configuration for 3 car seats. Hands down. The Pilot seating wizardry competes with the legendary Sienna. It also can fit a Double Bob stroller with the 40% down and a large dog kennel with the 60% down. But the CX-90 3.3l Turbo I6 Hybrid is a BEAST. The motor sounds amazing and has GRUNT. It's a little tighter interior wise but the driving dynamics are #1 and it's more of a driver's car. I think if you have 3 kids under 5 the Pilot wins. But if my kids were in boosters with seat belts (or even high backs that are easy to tighten), I'd go for the CX-90. It's an awesome car, especially in the high power configuration. We spent HOURS in both cars driving and configuring car seats (infant Graco, 3-1 Extend-2-fit, SlimFit, and Tranzitions), and the Pilot will make your life easier every time. Important to note that the TrailSport only comes in 7 seater config (captains chairs/bucket seats).

I owned the CX-9 and I loved the car but I would actually choose the Trail-sport

Ben I would like to see a comparison between the CX90 Turbo S with the 340 hp tune against the Ford Explorer ST. I bought the ST and as a performance car enthusiast who likes good powertrains and good handling vehicles I think it would be a great comparison, focusing on comparing performance and handling. Obviously different priorities with each vehicle. I bought a ST and love it, another car enthusiast friend also bought one after he looked at mine, and I have a few friends considering the CX90. I would never in a million years personally buy a Pilot, Telluride or Palisade but Mazda has done a great job on this vehicle. Especially with rave reviews on the powertrain and handling/ fun to drive aspects. I have no doubt this will be a better rounded vehicle than the ST, especially for the money. But man I still enjoy mine. Keep up the good work, I always enjoy hearing your thoughts!

The inline 6 is a major selling point alone🤠

Altering seeing both these cars on the road, I can easily tell CX90 is premium and looks expensive whereas Pilot looks a little big but cheap!

Anyone knows if Mazda's other Turbo trim with 280 HP increases with premium gas.

Great video but I think it would be better to compare the pilot elite vs cx90

Should've compared it with the Touring/Elite not the Trailsport, it has a bit of luxurious look to it.

which one is quieter？ Telluride or CX-90？

Please state your height to make me better understand your calculation headroom space. Thanks

If you are doing heavy family duty, it really isn't close. The Pilot has a much better third row, the removable center seat on some trims, and has more cargo space. If you don't need maximum utility the Mazda is worth strong consideration.

cx-90是日本工厂下线的，这已经足够了

Which one has the better lane assist

Ben, Would it be more Apple to Apples to compare the Cx-90 to the Pilot Elite or even the MDX? At 55k, it better be nicer.

Cx-90 wins, very easily 😂

I'm waiting for the CX-70

Mazda looks gorgeous. The Honda looks like an aztec in comparison.

Honda old school Bullitt proof and higher resale than Mazda.although the mazda is nice just motor very complicated and down the road maybe big bucks to fix.

Honda looks cheap, but from a utility perspective it seems to outclass the Mazda, if only bc the third row actually seems perfectly usable. Also love the removable middle seat in bench configuration. If the third row wouldn't matter to me id wait for the two row. Either way I welcome more attractive competitors in the class to hopefully address some of the availability and pricing concerns.

Honda quality has been slipping for years. I now see Honda as an American company with vehicles designed and assembled in the states and have almost nothing to do with Japan. Mazda CX-90 on the other hand is still assembled in Hiroshima Japan. Pretty easy choice.

Lol came see me after 3-5 years of owning these two SUV and tell me which one has more reliability, better resale or trade in value, which one served a family of 4-5 better. All of you know the answer to that …Honda all the way!!! Zoom zoom 😂😂😂

I think it would have been better to compare the elite trim in a tread of the trailsport but still I would take the Mazda

I prefer a more truck based SUV so as such I’d go for the Pilot. To me the CX-90 is more of a crossover in my mind. The Pilot based on its boxy design is probably better for younger families with kids, friends, pets, etc yet also offering a nice driving experience

You just can’t use the TrailSport Pilot for this comparison. Yes finding a Pilot might be difficult. But you need to for this comparison to make sense.

some stationary wheel turning is always good.

I don't know how Ben got the 3rd row seat leg room about the same for both, maybe he didn't pull the 2nd row seat back to place. I just sat in the CX90 today, the 3rd row leg room just tight, you can't move the feet around and the seat is lower to the floor due to the power train I guess, it's no comparison that Pilot 3rd row is way roomier

Mazda , as always . Period.

The only and biggest issue I have with CX-90 is the clutch instead of a torque convertor like in the Pilot. It WILL have issues if you are stuck in a uphill bumper to bumper traffic for 1 hour.

I agree that CX 90 is higher end but you should have mentioned the sunroof is a big miss IMO. Not only is it not panoramic but doesnt even open all the way up like a std sunroof.

Mazda has touchscreen in Android auto and Apple carplay

I like the that CX90 has I6 and RWD wish there was a non turbo option, I do like the Honda having driven it.

Mazda Long term reliability is questionable at best, Honda is the winner here. The Pilot is not just more reliable than the Mazda but it's also bigger and spacious than the CX90.

Paying 60k+ for Mazda, Kia, Hyundai is becoming the new norm. The car industry is crazy. Banks have gradually stopped loaning money for inflated prices, it will come crashing in the next few months.

This comparison makes no sense without a Pilot Elite.

The lack of remote start makes the Mazda a no-go for me. I use mine quite a bit.

Sounds like that CX90 needs to go against MDX not Pilot or at least Pilot Elite. Good review.

I think that up and over Park position may come back to haunt Mazda. Like people leaving it in reverse by mistake.

I can just see a lot of people back crashing on walls, other cars and into on going traffic with that park control that needs 1 more step instead of just putting it where it was before.

CX 90 for sure wins

I like Mazda more but it is not wide enough to seat 3 in middle row

You didnt show the backspace in mazda.

Take a shot every time ben says "the Mazda is going more for luxury "

I found the title to hit the nail on the head, guessing my presumption that the Honda Pilot could not compete with a completely new Mazda vehicle, one with an obviously superior power train, and a more expensive look, inside and out. And the powertrain of Mazda is more efficient. If driving 12 K miles a year, the Honda would use 120 more gallons of fuel a year, based on average fuel economy of 20 mpg on the Honda and 25 mpg on the Mazda. Based on current fuel prices in my area, that would mean $400 more a year for the Honda, and in California the difference would be nearly double that. The increased Price of the Mazda would be covered in about 6-8 years in my area. Having said that, there is a lot to be said for a more utilitarian interior, as is described of the Honda, one that does not need so much maintenance to keeping it look nice, and having a good enough powertrain with known long term reliability. I was really surprised that this comparison was not a "runaway." . There is a time value to maintenance, and the Mazda will require the maintenance of interior leather, that most people just don't do, to keep the interior looking as good for more than 4-5 years. I noted tha thte stereo system was not evaluated, and as an audiophile, I would choose the vehicle that had good enough sound, which means neither vehicle is a shoo in. Mazda has Bose, and though Bose is oft criticized, it is still likely to be far better than the Honda Standard system. Unfortunately, Bose is infamous for using proprietary speakers with odd requirements so you are forced to replace parts with more expensive Bose equipment, and that is part ot he higher maintenance for the Mazda. Having had Bose stereo's in two vehicles, i would expect major expenditure for the stereo in 4 years with the Mazda. I had to replace the Bose head unit in an infiniti every 4 years.

Mazda gone crazy reliable for the last 10 years. What a huge step up. Honda lots of issue with oil dilution hope they address that with the new pilot

Rip Honda. Mazda just set the standard for a premium experience. Mazda just out defeats the Honda in design, interior, and performance. Honda might have the edge in size but that’s about it. Pilot looks like a Subaru now. I used to be a Honda fan but what a disappoint. Don’t let me get started on the accord aka ford Taurus 2.0 🤮.

Honda looking very average...same same. Mazda more refined and a big step up and forward

There has to be a remote start on the Mazda. Can someone confirm?

How does a turbocharged in-line 6 have less than 300hp?? That thing should be 350 plus.

I really like the side profile of the CX-90. Especially in the 3.3 Turbo S and above trim without the black on the fenders. Plus the CX-90 wins in fuel economy. Overall I like the CX-90 better. That long hood gives it a muscular look along with the swept-back look. I do like the Pilot but it's a bit too conservative in design I think.

I love my Cx-50 I’m sure driving the Cx-90 most feel better d/t it’s stronger engine. It may just be my taste and I almost bought a Honda since the last car I had was a Honda but there mark up’s are ridiculous. And have no regrets in going into Mazda. But the Honda Pilot needs an update it looks old even do it’s a 2023.

I can tell there's alot of mazda fanatics here. Used to own a mazda very reliable. But I feel like it's more of which you prefer. Both cars are good.

I like the Mazda a lot more.

I don’t like The rear of the Pilot. It looks like it was made in a hurry. The Mazda definitely worth considering, but I’m with Honda because of my great experience with the brand.

Honda is a proven vehicle and Pilot is my choice 🎉

I feel like touchscreen is better than the dial though. I guess if you’ve been driving mazda for awhile it would be good. But it seems like it would be tough to get used to going from touch screens