2026 Mazda CX 90 vs 2026 Honda Pilot

2026 Mazda CX 90 vs 2026 Honda Pilot, Which Three Row SUV Is Right for You?

The 2026 Mazda CX 90 starts at $39,300 MSRP and includes standard i Activ AWD, while the 2026 Honda Pilot starts at $42,395 MSRP and offers front wheel drive or available AWD depending on trim. Both provide three row seating for up to eight passengers and available 5,000 pound towing capability, but the Mazda adds an available 340 horsepower turbo inline six engine and stronger published fuel economy than an AWD Pilot.

Families shopping for a three row SUV have plenty to compare beyond seating capacity. Powertrain design, traction, towing, fuel economy, interior layout and price can all affect which vehicle makes more sense for daily driving and longer family trips.

2026 Mazda CX 90 vs Honda Pilot Quick Comparison

Category	2026 Mazda CX 90	2026 Honda Pilot	Mazda Perspective
Starting MSRP	$39,300	$42,395	Mazda starts $3,095 lower based on current manufacturer pricing
Base Engine	3.3 liter turbo inline six	3.5 liter V6	Mazda uses a turbo inline six architecture
Base Horsepower	280 horsepower	285 horsepower	Honda has slightly more base horsepower
Available Horsepower	Up to 340 horsepower	285 horsepower	Mazda offers substantially more available output
Drivetrain	Standard i Activ AWD	Front wheel drive or available AWD depending on trim	Mazda includes AWD across the lineup
Seating	Up to 8 passengers	Up to 8 passengers	Both can accommodate larger families
Maximum Towing	Up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped	Up to 5,000 pounds with AWD when properly equipped	Both provide similar maximum towing capability
Published AWD Fuel Economy	23 city, 28 highway, 25 combined MPG for 3.3 Turbo models	19 city, 25 highway, 21 combined MPG on many AWD trims	Mazda has the stronger published AWD fuel economy
Transmission	8 speed automatic	10 speed automatic	Both use conventional automatic transmissions

Why the Mazda CX 90 Powertrain Stands Out

The Mazda CX 90 takes a different approach from many family SUVs. Its standard 3.3 liter turbocharged inline six engine produces 280 horsepower and 332 lb ft of torque on regular fuel. Mazda also offers a higher output version producing up to 340 horsepower and 369 lb ft of torque when using the recommended premium fuel.

The Honda Pilot uses a 3.5 liter V6 producing 285 horsepower across the lineup.

For shoppers who want stronger available performance, the Mazda has the advantage. The available 340 horsepower CX 90 powertrain gives buyers a level of output the Pilot does not currently match.

The CX 90 also includes standard i Activ AWD on every inline six trim. Honda offers its i VTM4 AWD system on several Pilot configurations, but AWD is not universal across the entire lineup.

Shoppers can check current new Mazda inventory at Middletown Mazda to see available CX 90 models and configurations.

Fuel Economy Matters in a Three Row SUV

Large family SUVs often spend plenty of time on highways, school runs, commutes and weekend trips. Fuel economy can therefore become a meaningful ownership consideration.

Mazda publishes EPA estimated fuel economy of 23 MPG city, 28 MPG highway and 25 MPG combined for the 3.3 Turbo CX 90.

Honda publishes 19 MPG city, 25 MPG highway and 21 MPG combined for many AWD Pilot configurations. Front wheel drive Pilot models can reach 19 MPG city, 27 MPG highway and 22 MPG combined.

The exact comparison depends on trim and drivetrain, but Mazda has the stronger published fuel economy among comparable AWD gasoline configurations.

Both SUVs Can Seat Up to Eight

Passenger flexibility is one of the main reasons families consider either SUV.

The 2026 Mazda CX 90 offers three row seating with configurations for up to eight passengers. Certain trims can also be configured with second row captain’s chairs.

The Honda Pilot also provides seating for up to eight on many trims. Certain configurations offer seven passenger seating or a removable second row center seat.

Neither SUV should be selected based on passenger count alone. Families should also consider how often adults or children will use the third row, how frequently cargo space is needed, and whether second row captain’s chairs or a bench better fit daily life.

Towing, Snow and Regional Travel

Both SUVs can reach a published maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Mazda offers this capability on eligible CX 90 configurations with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories. Mi Drive also provides available Sport, Off Road and Towing modes.

Honda lists 5,000 pound towing capability for AWD Pilot models when properly equipped. TrailSport models also add Trail and Sand drive modes along with equipment intended for more rugged use.

For New York drivers dealing with winter weather, wet roads and regional highway travel, standard AWD across the Mazda CX 90 lineup provides a straightforward advantage. Buyers do not need to determine whether the trim they selected includes front wheel drive or AWD.

Which Three Row SUV Is Better for You?

Consider the 2026 Mazda CX 90 if:

• You want standard AWD across the lineup.
• You prefer the lower published starting MSRP.
• You want an available 340 horsepower turbo inline six engine.
• You value stronger published AWD fuel economy.
• You want up to 5,000 pounds of towing capability.
• You prefer Mazda driving dynamics in a three row SUV.

Consider the 2026 Honda Pilot if:

• You prefer a naturally aspirated V6 engine.
• You want front wheel drive to remain an option on select trims.
• You value Honda’s removable second row center seat configuration.
• You specifically want TrailSport equipment for more rugged driving.

The Honda Pilot remains a capable family SUV, especially for shoppers who value its flexible seating and V6 powertrain. The CX 90 makes a particularly compelling case for buyers who want standard AWD, a lower starting MSRP, stronger available horsepower and better published fuel economy in an AWD three row SUV.

Buyers comparing purchase options can also review financing resources from Middletown Mazda.

2026 Mazda CX 90 vs Honda Pilot Questions

How much does the 2026 Mazda CX 90 cost?
Mazda lists the 2026 CX 90 with a starting MSRP of $39,300.

How much does the 2026 Honda Pilot cost?
Honda lists the 2026 Pilot with a starting MSRP of $42,395.

Which has more horsepower, the Mazda CX 90 or Honda Pilot?
The standard CX 90 produces 280 horsepower while the Honda Pilot produces 285 horsepower. Higher output CX 90 models produce up to 340 horsepower.

Is AWD standard on the 2026 Mazda CX 90?
Yes. Mazda lists i Activ AWD as standard across the CX 90 inline six lineup.

Is AWD standard on the Honda Pilot?
Not on every configuration. Honda offers front wheel drive and AWD depending on trim.

Which gets better gas mileage?
Mazda publishes 23 city, 28 highway and 25 combined MPG for the CX 90 3.3 Turbo. Honda lists 19 city, 25 highway and 21 combined MPG for many AWD Pilot configurations.

Can the Mazda CX 90 tow 5,000 pounds?
Yes. Select CX 90 configurations can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with the required Mazda towing equipment.

Can the Honda Pilot tow 5,000 pounds?
Yes. Honda lists up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity for AWD Pilot configurations when properly equipped.

Do both SUVs have three rows?
Yes. Both the Mazda CX 90 and Honda Pilot are three row SUVs with configurations that can seat up to eight passengers.

Where can I shop for a 2026 Mazda CX 90 near Middletown, NY?
Middletown Mazda provides current new Mazda inventory online. Vehicle availability changes, so shoppers should check the live inventory and confirm a specific CX 90 before visiting.

Vehicle research and pricing disclaimer: This page is provided for informational and research purposes only. Vehicle specifications, equipment, pricing, fuel economy, towing capacity, availability and features may change. Manufacturer MSRP is not a dealer selling price. Towing capacity varies by configuration and equipment. Starting MSRP figures may exclude destination, taxes, title, registration, options and other charges. Please contact Middletown Mazda for exact current information regarding a specific vehicle.

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