2023 Honda Pilot vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling not only made it look larger but also increased its dimensions, being 8.6 centimetres longer, up to 3.8 cm wider, and 2 cm taller than its predecessor. These changes complemented the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which featured a 2.5 cm taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The interior adopted a more conventional style, maintaining attractiveness and functionality, with materials meeting elevated class standards. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada, emphasizing a balance between function and form.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50, a more rugged counterpart to the CX-5, showcased a fresher design with broad-shouldered proportions, square wheel arches, and fake air vents. It was 3.5 cm lower, 7.6 cm wider, and nearly 15 cm longer than the CX-5, with an 11.7 cm wheelbase stretch. Available in GS-L, GT, and Meridian Edition trims in Canada, the CX-50 emphasized an active-lifestyle image, particularly in the Meridian Edition with all-terrain tires and a black hood graphic. The interior featured an earthy colour palette and a pleasing design, with a BMW-like infotainment screen and impressive material quality. However, the CX-50's aspirations to move upscale were still a work in progress, with some features like manually adjustable passenger seats reminding of its traditional market position.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system was standard. The Pilot offered quick initial acceleration and adequate power, with a soft brake pedal suitable for a family SUV. It cornered well for a three-row SUV, prioritizing comfort over sporty driving, with light steering effort ideal for tight spaces. The TrailSport model increased ground clearance by 2.5 cm and featured all-terrain tires, adding a subtle vibration on pavement but enhancing off-road capabilities. Towing capacity reached up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs), and the Pilot maintained on-road composure and comfort despite its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the turbo engine offered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane gasoline, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane fuel. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard, with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes, plus a Towing mode on turbo models. Towing capacity increased to 1,587 kg (3,500 lbs) on turbo models. The CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5 but offered a different driving experience, being a good daily driver but lacking the sporty dynamics of the CX-5. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, with additional wind noise from the roof platform at highway speeds.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional compared to other new Honda models, featuring a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. The entry-level Sport trim had a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Touring trim's touchscreen seemed small for the space but was adequate. Primary controls were logically placed, with a large rubberized shelf for phones and a wireless charging pad. Clever storage features included large cupholders and a wide centre console bin. The stowable second-row centre seat provided a useful pass-through for third-row passengers, with ample space in the second row for adults over six feet tall. Cargo space reached up to 3,219 litres with seats folded, with a power tailgate standard on higher trims.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom and more legroom. It had 889 litres of cargo space with rear seats up and 1,595 litres with them folded, trailing most competitors in cargo space. A power liftgate eased cargo-area access, but the area wasn't friendly for dirty or bulky items. The interior featured a sensible layout with adequate storage, despite a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the centre console. The CX-50's interior materials were durable, but more rugged options would have suited the Meridian Edition better.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and above offered a larger touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a wireless phone charger. The Touring trim added USB ports in every row, a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was functional with quick responses and a logical layout, though graphics were not modern. Features included Honda's CabinTalk and a Bose premium audio system on the Touring trim.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary controller and buttons, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Higher trims added wireless phone charging, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The touchscreen-free interface required adjustment but offered physical feedback. The infotainment system felt dated with basic functions, appealing to buyers not seeking excessive tech.

The 2023 Honda Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with standard Honda Sensing safety features across all trims. These included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors, with the Touring trim offering surround-view and multi-view camera systems. The advanced safety features functioned well, with no false alarms experienced during testing.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. However, it received lower scores for nighttime pedestrian detection and standard headlights. NHTSA ratings were incomplete, with five-star frontal crash-test and four-star rollover ratings. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more, with optional features like a 360-degree camera system.