2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Honda Pilot
When families and adventurers compare 3-row SUVs for real-world driving in Colorado, the conversation often centers on 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Honda Pilot. Both seat up to eight, offer advanced safety suites, and bring confident capability to daily commutes and weekend routes alike. Yet if you prioritize refined performance, upscale craftsmanship, and driver-focused technology, the Mazda shines brightest. Built on Mazda’s large-vehicle architecture with a longitudinal engine layout and standard i-Activ AWD®, the CX-90 delivers a composed, rear-biased feel that’s reassuring on I-25 and responsive on Highway 24. Available features like the 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View further aid visibility in tight trailhead lots and downtown garages. The Pilot is a proven contender with a rugged aesthetic and available i-VTM4® AWD, but the Mazda’s inline 6 turbo powertrain, available Plug-in Hybrid variant, and Kinematic Posture Control elevate everyday driving. At Bob Penkhus Mazda South, we guide shoppers in Colorado Springs, CO through these fine distinctions, so you can select the SUV that best fits your routes across town and your weekend escapes into the Front Range.
| Feature | 2026 Mazda CX-90 | 2026 Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Standard i-Activ AWD® across lineup | Yes | No |
| Inline 6 turbo engine available | Yes | No |
| Plug-in hybrid option | Yes | No |
| 5,000-lb towing capacity available | Yes | Yes |
| 360° View Monitor w/ See-through & Trailer Hitch View | Yes | No |
| Kinematic Posture Control | Yes | No |
| Nappa leather-trimmed seating available | Yes | No |
| 21-inch alloy wheels available | Yes | No |
| Panoramic moonroof available | Yes | Yes |
| Bose® premium audio system available | Yes | Yes |
Exterior - Mazda Dealer serving Colorado Springs, CO
Design is a differentiator here. The CX-90’s KODO design philosophy sculpts light and shadow into flowing surfaces that look muscular yet refined—striking in Deep Crystal Blue Mica, expressive in Jet Black Mica, and sophisticated in Rhodium White Premium. Available Piano Black accents and dark chrome molding on 3.3 Turbo S Premium Sport underscore the SUV’s athletic stance, complemented by available 21-inch alloy wheels that fill the arches with purpose. The available panoramic moonroof brightens the cabin but preserves a serene feel, ideal for open-sky vistas along Monument Valley Park or views toward Pikes Peak. The Pilot leans rugged, with a bold grille and strong character lines; TrailSport adds all-terrain cues and skid plates for a tougher look. Many Pilot trims wear 20-inch wheels, and the panoramic moonroof is widely available. Both vehicles present confidently, but the Mazda’s proportions and details suggest movement even at a standstill—an impression that resonates with drivers who want something tasteful yet capable in Colorado Springs, CO. If you value a timeless shape that still turns heads when you pull into favorite trailheads or downtown spots, the Mazda holds an edge.
Interior - 2026 Mazda CX-90 in Colorado Springs, CO
Mazda thoughtfully crafts the CX-90 cabin to be a quiet, premium space—one that feels as polished on a school run as it does on a full-day loop from the west side to Garden of the Gods and back again. Available Nappa leather, elegant stitching, and tasteful trim give the CX-90 a near-luxury impression, while wide-opening doors and an adult-friendly third row underscore its family-first mission. Second-row captain’s chairs with a center console are offered, and on select models you’ll find USB-C charging in the second and third rows, so everyone’s devices stay powered. Mazda Connect™ integrates Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility with an intuitive interface; available Bose® premium audio elevates podcasts and playlists with rich clarity. The Pilot counters with a versatile interior, including its stowable 2nd-row center seat in certain trims and CabinTalk® for quick communication to the back. Top Pilot trims add a Head-Up Display and Bose system as well. Still, the Mazda’s materials and minimalist, driver-centric design feel more cohesive, and its calm, hushed ride quality makes long stretches past Old Colorado City or out toward the foothills especially pleasant.
Mazda CX-90 vs Honda Pilot Mechanical Specs
Under the skin, the CX-90 employs Mazda’s new large-platform engineering, positioning the engine longitudinally and pairing it with a rear-biased i-Activ AWD® system. The result is a natural-feeling balance that’s confidence-inspiring when you transition from the city grid to curving climbs on Ute Pass. Kinematic Posture Control subtly manages body movement in corners by applying braking to the inside rear wheel, helping the vehicle feel flatter and more composed without stiffer, ride-compromising hardware. Ground clearance is a practical 8.0-8.1 inches depending on wheel size—enough for rough unpaved approaches to trailheads and gravel lanes. The Pilot rides on a transverse-engine architecture with a front-drive bias and available i-VTM4® AWD that actively shifts torque side to side across the rear axle; it’s a strong system, especially in trims with Trail or Sand modes. The TrailSport variant adds protective hardware and a bit more clearance. For everyday road dynamics, though, the Mazda’s platform tuning and rear-drive feel provide the poised handling and quiet assurance you’ll appreciate on long stretches of I-25 or during windy cross-corridor days. In 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Honda Pilot comparisons focused on chassis sophistication, Mazda often stands out.
Powertrain - Mazda Dealership in Colorado Springs, CO
The heart of Mazda’s advantage is its powertrain strategy. The e-SKYACTIV® G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo pairs with an efficient 8-speed automatic and M-Hybrid Boost for smooth, responsive torque delivery—280 hp in 3.3 Turbo models, and up to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft in 3.3 Turbo S models when using recommended premium fuel. That reserve pays off at elevation, where a turbocharged engine can maintain confident passing power on Highway 24 and steady towing on sustained grades. Towing ranges from 3,500 to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, and Mi-Drive offers Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and available Towing modes. For customers planning short, daily hops with occasional longer trips, the available Plug-in Hybrid adds a flexible 27-mile electric range before the gas engine joins for longer journeys. The Honda Pilot employs a 285-hp V-6 and a 10-speed automatic—refined, capable, and proven. It tows up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped and offers multiple drive modes. Yet the combination of an inline 6 turbo, rear-biased dynamics, and a PHEV option underscores why the 2026 Mazda CX-90 is especially appealing for mixed urban-mountain driving.
Safety - Mazda CX-90 vs Honda Pilot
Mazda’s i-Activsense® suite brings a deep bench of standard and available driver-assistance features designed to help you see, sense, and respond. Highlights include Smart Brake Support (with Front Crossing and Turn-Across Traffic functionality), Road Keep Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist, Cruising & Traffic Support, Driver Monitoring, and Vehicle Exit Warning. The available 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View is a local favorite for navigating tight parking around popular parks and confidently lining up to a trailer on sloped driveways. Mazda notes that eight of its vehicles, including the 2026 CX-90 and CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid EV, earned 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ recognition, and prior models achieved a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA. Honda counters with the Honda Sensing® suite standard, offering Collision Mitigation Braking System™, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist System, and Traffic Sign Recognition—plus a Multiview Camera System with TrailWatch™ on higher trims. Both SUVs take safety seriously; however, Mazda’s See-through View and Trailer Hitch View give you real, everyday visibility advantages in garages, tight alleys, and trailhead lots.
Why Drivers in Colorado Springs, CO Choose the 2026 Mazda CX-90
From weekday carpool routes to weekend treks that climb quickly in elevation, drivers need a 3-row SUV that feels settled on winding grades and poised in changing conditions. That’s where Mazda’s chassis balance, turbocharged torque, and driver-assist visibility come together. At Bob Penkhus Mazda South, our team helps you match features and trims to your routes so you can feel fully prepared from the first mile.
- Performance confidence: Inline 6 turbo power, standard i-Activ AWD®, and Kinematic Posture Control deliver composed handling and effortless passing at altitude.
- Comfort and technology: Available Nappa leather, Bose® premium audio, and a 360° View Monitor with See-through View make daily driving smooth and stress-lightening.
- Ownership fit: Thoughtful towing tools and flexible seating ensure your SUV feels right at home on city streets and mountain approaches alike.
If you’re weighing both models in Colorado Springs, CO, we recommend test-driving the Mazda first to feel the difference in balance, visibility, and refinement.
Request more 2026 Mazda CX-90 information
Both SUVs bring strengths, but choosing the right one depends on how you drive and what you value. The Pilot offers rugged styling, a proven V-6, and helpful features like TrailWatch™ on upper trims. Yet for drivers who want an SUV that feels premium around town and planted on steep, fast-changing routes, the Mazda’s inline 6 turbo, standard i-Activ AWD®, available Plug-in Hybrid, and See-through View camera technology make the daily difference. Families traveling between Pueblo and Canon City will appreciate the CX-90’s quiet composure and easy third-row access, while those who enjoy scenic loops along the Front Range will find its balance uniquely confidence-inspiring. Our team at Bob Penkhus Mazda South is here to personalize your setup—whether that means captain’s chairs, towing accessories, or specific safety tech for the way you drive. Visit Bob Penkhus Mazda South to compare features and take a drive that highlights why the CX-90’s refinement, power, and visibility tools consistently resonate with Colorado drivers in Colorado Springs, CO.