2025 Honda Pilot vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Honda Pilot was available in Canada in several trims, including Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and Black Edition. The Sport trim was the most affordable, but it lacked many appealing amenities, making the leather-lined EX-L a recommended upgrade. Prices ranged from $55,486 to $67,236, including destination charges and dealer fees. The U.S. version of the Pilot Black Edition was evaluated, featuring black wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, and black badges. Inside, it boasted black leather seats with red perforation accents, red contrast stitching, and red ambient lighting. The Black Edition's custom look was more suited for suburban environments, while the TrailSport trim offered added off-roading capability. The Pilot's interior was thoughtfully designed with quality materials, though the digital driver display and infotainment system appeared dated.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was offered with three powertrain variants: the standard-output 3.3 Turbo, the high-output 3.3 Turbo, and the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Trim levels in Canada included GS-L, GS, GT, GT-P, and Signature, with prices ranging from $48,846 to $67,886. The test vehicle, equivalent to the mild hybrid’s Signature trim, featured extra-cost Soul Red paint, bringing the MSRP to $67,286. The CX-90's exterior was characterized by lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels, giving it a luxury SUV appearance. The interior continued this premium look with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather, and clearly marked switchgear. However, ergonomic issues such as a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls were noted. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2025 Honda Pilot was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, generating 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This drivetrain allowed the Pilot to tow up to 2,268 kilograms. It featured multiple driving modes, including Normal, Econ, Snow, Tow, Sport, Trail, and Sand. In Canada, all Pilots came with Honda’s Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) AWD system, offering hill descent control and up to 18.5 centimetres of ground clearance. The AWD system allowed up to 70 percent of engine output to flow to a single rear wheel. The Pilot's V6 provided good acceleration, but the transmission occasionally felt slow to downshift. Fuel economy was less impressive, with city driving averaging 15.9 litres per 100 kilometres. The Pilot's handling was predictable and secure, though an adaptive-damping suspension system was suggested for improved ride quality.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine, available in standard and high-output versions. The standard-output model produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the high-output version delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft. Power was transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard AWD system. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Fuel economy ratings were 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres combined for the standard engine and 9.5 L/100 km for the high-output version. The plug-in hybrid variant offered 42 kilometres of electric range. The CX-90's ride and handling were impressive, but drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour. Noise and impact harshness were also noted, detracting from the upscale impression created by the styling and interior.

The 2025 Honda Pilot excelled in form and function, with three rows of comfortable seats and thoughtful storage solutions. However, the Black Edition's front passenger seat lacked adjustability, which was a drawback for long trips. The second-row seats were roomy, with a removable centre section for creating captain’s chairs. The third row was habitable for adults if the second row slid forward. The Pilot featured a triple-zone automatic climate control system and a panoramic sunroof on higher trims. Cargo space was generous, with 635 litres behind the third row and up to 3,219 litres with both rear rows folded.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Signature trim. However, the three-zone climate control system was slow to cool the cabin. The second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable but lacked seat-track travel, making rear-facing child seat installation challenging. The third row was best suited for children. Storage space was limited, with a focus on style over practicality. The CX-90 offered 451 litres of cargo space behind the third row and up to 2,129 litres with the second-row seats flattened.

The 2025 Honda Pilot's technology appeared dated, with smaller display screens compared to rivals. The Black Edition featured a 10.2-inch digital gauge panel and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. However, the wireless CarPlay function was problematic, and the voice recognition system was inconsistent. The Pilot's CabinTalk feature allowed communication with passengers over the stereo speakers, and a small head-up display was included.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The native Mazda Connect platform required using a knob and buttons on the centre console. The voice recognition system was hit and miss, but a new Google built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The CX-90 featured a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display with helpful data.

The 2025 Honda Pilot came with a comprehensive suite of standard Honda Sensing safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, the adaptive cruise control system had issues with maintaining speed and responding to traffic changes. The Pilot earned high marks in crash tests, receiving a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of the few midsize SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests. It offered a long list of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added advanced features like steering assist and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids generally met expectations, though the speed reduction feature was irritating.