Driving Refinement or Everyday Practicality? Comparing the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and 2026 Honda Pilot

Some buyers judge a three-row SUV by how it accelerates with seven people aboard. Others judge it by whether the stroller, the cooler, and the luggage all fit behind the last row. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 MHEV and the 2026 Honda Pilot serve both kinds of buyers, but each one favours a different priority. The CX-90 delivers mild-hybrid efficiency and generous torque, while the Pilot offers substantial cargo capacity and a familiar V6. Read on to see which one matches the way your family actually drives.

332 LB-FT Gives the Mazda Extra Pull

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 MHEV produces 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque from its hybrid powertrain. The 2026 Honda Pilot makes a slightly higher 285 horsepower, paired with 262 lb-ft of torque from its gasoline powertrain. That tiny five-horsepower difference tells only part of the story. Mazda's considerably higher torque figure gives the CX-90 its own character, while Honda keeps things straightforward with naturally aspirated V6 power. It is a good example of two three-row SUVs reaching similar horsepower numbers through very different powertrain approaches.

Mild-Hybrid Efficiency Makes Its Case

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 MHEV is rated at 10.1 L/100 km city, 8.5 highway, and 9.4 combined. The 2026 Honda Pilot comes in at 13.2 L/100 km city, 10.1 highway, and 11.8 combined. For families piling on kilometres between school runs, commutes, and road trips, Mazda's mild-hybrid setup brings a meaningful efficiency advantage without giving up the practicality of three rows.

The Pilot Packs More Behind the Seats

This is where the 2026 Honda Pilot flexes some serious family-SUV muscle. It provides 618 litres behind the third row, expands to 1,685 litres with that row folded, and reaches 3,219 litres with all rear seats down. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 MHEV offers 423 litres, 1,133 litres, and up to 2,101 litres in those same configurations. Both can accommodate up to eight occupants depending on configuration, but the Pilot's larger maximum cargo figure gives it a particularly spacious setup when hauling bulky loads becomes the day's priority.

Cabin Tech Takes Two Different Routes

The 2026 Honda Pilot in the supplied comparison features a 10.2-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a nine-speaker audio system. The referenced 2026 Mazda CX-90 MHEV setup lists a 7.0-inch display alongside Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, but steps up to a 12-speaker Bose surround-sound system. Both also bring useful conveniences including navigation, a wireless charging pad, in-car Wi-Fi, and memory seats. Honda puts the emphasis on the larger screen here, while Mazda adds a richer speaker count and leather seating in the referenced GT configuration.

Safety Goes Beyond One Number

Safety matters even more once all three rows are occupied. The supplied data lists the 2026 Honda Pilot with eight airbags, a five-star NHTSA overall rating, a four-star frontal crash rating, and a four-star rollover rating. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 MHEV is listed with 10 airbags, although the referenced source notes that its GT crash-test cycle was not yet complete. That distinction matters when comparing the numbers fairly: Honda has the completed ratings shown in the reference, while Mazda brings two additional airbags in the configurations being compared.

Meet the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Face to Face at Agincourt Mazda

Nothing beats climbing in and feeling it yourself. Stop by Agincourt Mazda, bring the whole crew, and put the 2026 Mazda CX-90 through its paces. Buckle in the kids, pop the trunk, and take a lap.