2025 Honda Pilot vs. 2025 Mazda CX-5 Review

Picture of the 2025 Honda Pilot

2025 Honda
Pilot

MSRP*: $40,200 to $54,580
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Picture of the 2025 Mazda CX-5

2025 Mazda
CX-5

MSRP*: $28,570 to $40,600
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Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City 18 - 19 MPG 22 - 26 MPG
MPG - Hwy 23 - 27 MPG 27 - 30 MPG
Seating Capacity 7 - 8 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space 86.5 - 87.0 ft3 58.1 ft3
Engine
  • 285-hp, 3.5-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 187-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 227-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Automatic
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive
Horsepower 285 hp 187 - 227 hp
Towing Capacity 3,500 - 5,000 lbs 2,000 lbs
Exterior Length 199.9 - 200.2 in 180.1 in
Exterior Width 78.5 in 72.6 in
Leg Room Front 41.0 in
Rear 40.8 in
Front 41.0 in
Rear 39.6 in
Head Room Front 39.1 - 40.5 in
Rear 39.2 - 40.2 in
Front 39.3 - 39.7 in
Rear 39.0 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
The Honda Pilot offers a bit more room for passengers in the back seat than the Mazda CX-5. As far as headroom and legroom go, there's not much difference between front seat comfort in the Honda Pilot and the Mazda CX-5.

Convenience
You'll be making about the same number of stops at the gas station with the Honda Pilot as you will with the Mazda CX-5, as they are both able to travel similar distances on a tank of gas.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Honda Pilot will definitely make more of a dent in your wallet than the Mazda CX-5, which has a much lower MSRP.

Dimensions
Since the Honda Pilot is much wider than the Mazda CX-5, finding a wide enough spot in a parking lot may be a bit more challenging. If you go with the Honda Pilot, you may be circling the block looking for a space large enough to park more often than with the Mazda CX-5.

Handling
The Honda Pilot has a larger turning radius than the Mazda CX-5, making it slightly more difficult to maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When considering towing capacity, the Honda Pilot is clearly the choice over the Mazda CX-5 for pulling heavy loads. When it comes to horsepower, the Honda Pilot greatly out-muscles the Mazda CX-5.

Powertrain
Due to its much higher torque, the Honda Pilot does a much better job of transmitting its engine's horsepower to its wheels than the Mazda CX-5.

Utility
Soccer Moms and those who need to chauffeur around a lot of people will appreciate the Honda Pilot more than the Mazda CX-5, due to its significantly greater seating capacity. With the Honda Pilot, you'll be able to haul more equipment or luggage than the Mazda CX-5.