Honda
Pilot
Mazda
CX-90
Honda Pilot vs Mazda CX-90: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Mazda CX-90 comes out ahead of the Honda Pilot on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Pilot
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, practicality, and driving experience. The Pilot is consistently praised as a durable, high-mileage family vehicle capable of reaching 250,000+ miles with proper maintenance. Owners express deep emotional attachment, describing their Pilots as dependable partners through major life events.
Best version to buy
Second Generation (2009-2015) models, specifically the 2013-2015 years, are frequently cited as the most reliable and desirable used examples. These are described as "tried and true," benefiting from resolved early-generation issues while retaining the simpler, proven 3.5L V6 and 5-speed automatic transmission.
Known issues
- ⚠Rust and corrosion (particularly in Northeast climates on older generations): affects rear unibody, subframe mounting bolts, transmission fluid lines, and catalytic converters. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Transmission problems (varies by generation): 2002-2003 models have "junk" transmissions; 2005-2008 models can experience torque converter shudder; 2023+ models with the 10-speed automatic exhibit jerkiness, gear hunting, and poor low-spee…
- ⚠Timing belt maintenance: critical service required approximately every 105,000 miles on V6 engines; failure leads to catastrophic engine damage. Frequency: very frequent (as a maintenance point, not a defect).
CX-90
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between driving experience and reliability concerns. The vehicle is very frequently praised for its exceptional driving dynamics, handling, and powertrain performance, often described as feeling more luxurious and sporty than mainstream competitors. The inline-6 turbo engine is noted for its power and smoothness, and the overall refinement and interior quality are recurrent positives.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim. The Turbo S powertrain is mentioned for its performance.
Known issues
- ⚠New platform reliability concerns: multiple software recalls, unproven long-term durability of the new inline-6 engine, 8-speed transmission, and hybrid systems. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Third-row space limitations: cramped and less usable compared to key competitors like the Telluride, Palisade, and Highlander. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Interior packaging and storage: poorly laid out interior with limited useful storage compartments and cupholders compared to the previous CX-9 and competitors. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Mazda CX-90 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Honda Pilot, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Mazda CX-90 are a dealbreaker, the Honda Pilot is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Honda Pilot or the Mazda CX-90?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Mazda CX-90 than the Honda Pilot. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Honda Pilot or the Mazda CX-90?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Honda Pilot or the Mazda CX-90?
The Mazda CX-90 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 9.4 L/100km combined versus 11.8 L/100km for the Honda Pilot, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Honda Pilot or the Mazda CX-90?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.