2023 Mazda CX-50 vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh. Its styling was characterized by a blunt nose, long hood, and a rakish windshield, with the cabin positioned towards the rear wheels, embodying the subtle seductiveness typical of Mazda's vehicles over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a rugged aesthetic with its blistered and boxed fender swells, prominent lower body and wheel arch cladding, and faux skid plates. The oversized air intake and vent designs added a performance edge without being visually overwhelming. When combined with the standard black grille, mirror caps, and optional 20-inch alloy wheels, the CX-50 presented an appealing exterior. The introduction of the CX-50 Meridian Edition later in the model year added exclusive features like all-terrain tires and a roof-mounted load platform, enhancing its adventurous appeal.

Inside, the CX-50 continued Mazda's tradition of driver-focused design with a mix of quality materials, polished metallic trim, and a combination of analog and digital gauges. The interior featured black leather with caramel-coloured accent stitching, and higher trims offered a terracotta upholstery option. Despite the overall attractive design, the dashboard's lone off-centre vent appeared somewhat out of place. Nevertheless, the CX-50's interior was a testament to Mazda's commitment to creating a visually appealing and functional space.

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, emerging with a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling not only made it look larger but also reflected its actual increase in size. The fourth-generation Pilot was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, aligning perfectly with the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model. This trim gained legitimate off-road enhancements, including a taller ride height, unique wheels, all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The interior took a more conventional approach, maintaining attractiveness while enhancing functionality and versatility. Materials quality met class expectations, and the Pilot emphasized function over form without sacrificing appeal. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada, contributing to a comfortable and practical interior.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options, catering to different preferences. The base engine, a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder, delivered 186 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. It boasted fuel efficiency figures of 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 7.9 on the highway, and 8.9 combined. For those seeking more power and increased towing capacity, the CX-50 GT Turbo trim featured a turbocharged version of the same engine, producing between 227 hp and 256 hp depending on the fuel type. Torque ranged from 310 lb-ft on 87-octane gas to 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel. The turbo engine provided smooth acceleration across a broad power curve, with no noticeable turbo lag. The CX-50's Mi-Drive system offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, ensuring natural vehicle behaviour in various conditions. Despite a firmer ride quality compared to the CX-5, the CX-50 excelled in delivering a driving experience reminiscent of a modern Mazda6 station wagon with a Subaru Outback treatment.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, generating 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Honda's i-VTM4 AWD system, the Pilot offered quick initial acceleration with minimal delay. While power was adequate, it wasn't particularly impressive, and the brake pedal was soft, suitable for a family SUV. The Pilot excelled in comfort, with light steering effort and a focus on smoothness rather than sporty driving. The TrailSport trim added off-road capabilities with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires, enhancing its go-anywhere attitude. Towing capacity reached up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs), making the Pilot a versatile choice for family adventures. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Pilot maintained on-road composure and comfort, making it an excellent option for daily family duties and outdoor excursions.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered a well-equipped interior with features like power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated side mirrors. Ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control added to the comfort. The driver's seat and front passenger's seat were comfortable for long journeys, though additional side bolstering would have been beneficial. The back seat provided ample room for adults, and rear air vents and charging ports were included in most trims. The CX-50's storage space was adequate, though some opportunities for additional storage were missed. The cargo area offered 889 litres of space, expanding to 1,595 litres with the rear seats folded, though it was narrower between the wheel wells.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior featured a more conventional design compared to other new Honda models. The entry-level Sport trim came with a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Touring trim, equivalent to the U.S. model, offered a touchscreen that, while adequate, seemed small for the available space. The Pilot excelled in storage and convenience features, with a dash shelf for the front passenger, a large rubberized shelf for phones, and a wireless charging pad. The stowable second-row centre seat was a standout feature, providing a useful pass-through for third-row passengers. The second row offered ample space for adults, while the third row was less inviting but suitable for short trips. Cargo space was generous, with up to 3,219 litres available behind the front seats, making the Pilot a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. The system came with a 10.25-inch display in Canada, though it lacked touchscreen control for its native interface. Mazda offered touchscreen functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, acknowledging the need for a more user-friendly experience. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system delivered a satisfying audio experience, and the Active Driving Display provided valuable information within the driver's line of sight.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and higher offered a larger touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with a wireless phone charger. The Touring trim added USB ports in every row, a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was responsive and logically laid out, prioritizing functionality over fashion. Honda's CabinTalk feature allowed communication with rear-seat passengers through the audio system, and the Touring trim included a navigation system, Bose premium audio, and a remote monitor.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, falling short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to headlight configurations and night-time pedestrian collision avoidance results. The NHTSA had not rated the CX-50 at the time of writing. Mazda provided a comprehensive standard package of driving assistance systems, with features like active blind-spot monitoring, Traffic Jam Assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. While the systems generally worked well, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in, requiring manual intervention.

The 2023 Honda Pilot earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, the highest available. The NHTSA had not yet rated the new Pilot. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors, surround-view, and multi-view camera systems. During testing, the Pilot's advanced safety features functioned as expected, with no false alarms, and the adaptive cruise control maintained a smooth and consistent gap to the vehicle ahead.