• The new 2024 Mazda CX-90 is more powerful than the 2023 Honda Pilot
• Mazda delivers opulence in the new CX-90
• The Honda Pilot doesn’t include hybrid powertrains; the Mazda CX-90 does

Mazda introduced a new SUV to take on the three-row midsize crossover market. This new 2024 Mazda CX-90 replaces the CX-9 as the largest SUV in the Mazda lineup. How does the new Mazda SUV compare to the 2023 Honda Pilot? Let’s find out.

	2024 Mazda CX-90	2023 Honda Pilot
Price Range	$40,970-$61,325	$39,150-$52,030
Engine Options	3.3-liter e-Skyactiv 6-cylinder/2.5-liter 4-cylinder PHEV	3.5-liter V6
Horsepower	340 Horsepower/323 horsepower	285 horsepower
Torque	369 lb-ft for both	262 lb-ft
Transmission	8-speed automatic for both	9-speed automatic
MPG Rating	N/A	19 city/27 hwy mpg

What does the new 2024 Mazda CX-90 offer?

The new CX-90 has room for up to eight passengers, one more than the outgoing CX-9. This new Mazda SUV brings an available digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen, and an electronic shifter on the center console. Strangely, Mazda continues to offer a dial-controlled infotainment system instead of a touchscreen system.

As expected, the new 2023 Mazda CX-90 brings the handling prowess, power delivery, and impressive performance expected from a Mazda SUV.

Is the Mazda SUV more opulent than the Honda SUV?

Often, we look at the Mazda lineup and expect vehicles to participate in the premium class. U.S. News & World Report tells us the new CX-90 offers a sleek design, a long nose, a pulled-back cabin, and large fenders. This gives the new Mazda SUV an athletic stance. Add the chrome trim, and you see an SUV better suited for an evening out at a sophisticated event than some time in the outdoors.

The 2023 Honda Pilot is a family-friendly, straightforward three-row SUV with excellent style and comfort. This SUV is new for 2023 and built to take families wherever they want to go. While not as premium at lower trims, the Pilot offers an Elite trim that brings high-class materials to the mix.

Between these two three-row midsize SUVs, the Mazda hits the high notes a little better than the Honda.

Can the new 2024 Mazda CX-90 take on the trails like the 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport?

The high-class build of the new CX-90 doesn’t make us confident that this three-row SUV is made for trail riding. Every version of this new Mazda SUV brings standard AWD that’s biased to the rear wheels. This setup is typical of sporty SUVs, not off-road-oriented versions.

The TrailSport trim is new for the 2023 Honda Pilot. This specialized trim brings the ruggedness of:

• An off-road tuned suspension
• Robust steel skid plates
• Expanded AWD capability
• Aggressive all-terrain tires

This new trim adds one inch of ground clearance compared to the other trims of this Honda SUV. This added height makes the TrailSport the most capable Honda Pilot in the lineup for 2023.

Although we can’t definitively say the Mazda CX-90 isn’t made for off-road adventures, early indicators show this SUV as a road-going, event-attention SUV. The Honda Pilot TrailSport is made for hardcore off-road fun.

Should you drive this new Mazda SUV or the Honda SUV model?

If you want style, premium qualities, and a dynamic drive on the road, the Mazda CX-90 beats the Honda Pilot. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a family-friendly SUV and the option of an off-road trim, the Honda Pilot has what you desire.

The new 2024 Mazda CX-90 brings a mild-hybrid setup in the V6 engine and a plug-in hybrid for your fuel-sipping desires. The 2023 Honda Pilot continues onward with a naturally aspirated powertrain.

Next, check out the ruggedness of the Honda Pilot TrailSport, or learn more about the new 2024 Mazda CX-90 in this video below: