CardinaleWay Mazda Las Vegas - Is the 2026 Mazda CX-90 more rewarding to drive than the 2026 Honda Pilot for Summerlin, NV families?
For many three-row SUV shoppers, the most important question is not simply which vehicle has more seats. The deeper question is which SUV feels better every day, especially when family life requires flexibility, confidence, and comfort without giving up driving enjoyment. That is where the Mazda CX-90 separates itself from the Honda Pilot. The Pilot is a practical SUV with a naturally aspirated V-6 engine, available i-VTM4® All-Wheel-Drive System on some trims, a spacious cabin, and useful technology such as wireless Apple CarPlay® compatibility, wireless Android Auto™ compatibility, Google built-in, and Honda Sensing® safety features. It is a strong option for shoppers who prioritize traditional family utility. The CX-90, however, brings a more premium and responsive personality to the same three-row mission, making it especially appealing for families who want an SUV that feels composed, elegant, and enjoyable from the driver's seat.
Drivers around Summerlin often deal with a mix of wide parkways, freeway stretches, neighborhood streets, school traffic, shopping centers, and quick trips across the Las Vegas Valley. In that kind of driving environment, a vehicle's tuning can matter as much as cabin size. The CX-90 uses standard i-ACTIV AWD® across the lineup, which gives every model a confident foundation. Mazda's system is always engaged and proactively monitors vehicle dynamics data in real time, helping manage torque before the driver notices changing conditions. By comparison, the Pilot offers i-VTM4® AWD on select trims and makes it standard on others, so shoppers need to pay close attention to configuration. For a family SUV, that standard Mazda confidence is a major advantage because it simplifies the decision and supports the vehicle's refined driving feel.
Why the CX-90 Feels Different Behind the Wheel
The CX-90 is built around Mazda's driver-focused engineering philosophy. The available e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged engine gives the SUV a smooth, confident character that feels more upscale than the Pilot's conventional V-6. In 3.3 Turbo models, the CX-90 offers up to 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, while 3.3 Turbo S models are tuned to provide up to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque when using recommended premium fuel. Torque matters because it helps an SUV feel stronger in real driving situations, such as merging onto the 215 Beltway, passing slower traffic, or accelerating with passengers and cargo onboard. The Pilot's 285-hp V-6 is capable, but the CX-90 offers a broader performance range and a more sophisticated engine layout.
Mazda also equips the CX-90 with a SKYACTIV®-Drive 8-Speed Automatic Transmission with manual-shift mode, designed to support smooth acceleration and a connected driving feel. Add Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive), and the CX-90 becomes even more adaptable. Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and available Towing modes allow the vehicle to adjust to the driver's needs, whether the day involves errands, family travel, or a light towing task. The Pilot also offers multiple drive modes, including available Trail, Sand, and Tow modes on select trims, but Mazda's combination of standard i-ACTIV AWD®, turbocharged torque, and Kinematic Posture Control gives the CX-90 a distinctly balanced feel. It is confident without being heavy, responsive without being harsh, and refined without feeling disconnected.
Interior Comfort: Premium Calm Versus Practical Space
The Honda Pilot has a spacious interior with seating for up to eight, available leather-trimmed seats, available panoramic moonroof, tri-zone climate control, CabinTalk®, and flexible second-row solutions on select trims. Those are useful features for busy households. The CX-90 also seats seven or eight depending on configuration, but its cabin atmosphere is where Mazda takes a noticeable step forward. Mazda describes the interior as a quiet, harmonious space, and that sense of calm is important for families who spend plenty of time between school, sports, errands, and commuting.
Available CX-90 interior features include Nappa leather-trimmed seats, premium accents, heated front and 2nd-row seats, ventilated front and 2nd-row seats on select models, an available Bose® sound system, multiple power outlets, and available 2nd-row captain's chairs with a center console. Select trims also offer USB-C charging outlets in the 2nd and 3rd row, helping passengers keep devices powered without creating a front-seat charging scramble. Mazda Connected Services, accessed through the MyMazda App, adds remote services such as locating the vehicle, locking and unlocking doors, and Remote Engine Start after registration. For many shoppers, the CX-90's cabin feels less like a large utility vehicle and more like a premium space designed to make each drive easier.
Key Advantages for Local Family Driving
- Standard confidence: Every CX-90 includes i-ACTIV AWD®, while Pilot AWD availability depends on trim.
- Powertrain choice: The CX-90 offers turbo inline 6 performance and an available Plug-in Hybrid EV powertrain, while the Pilot does not offer a plug-in hybrid option.
- Driver engagement: Kinematic Posture Control, Mi-Drive, and Mazda's balanced chassis tuning help the CX-90 feel composed around curves and freeway ramps.
- Premium cabin feel: Available Nappa leather-trimmed seats, premium accents, and thoughtful charging access give the CX-90 an upscale everyday character.
Another meaningful advantage is the CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid EV option. For shoppers who want flexibility, the Mazda CX-90 PHEV powertrain offers a 27-mile electric range for short trips, with a combination of combustion and electric power for longer journeys. That can be especially useful for drivers who make frequent local runs but still want the confidence of a gasoline engine for longer travel. The Pilot does not currently offer a plug-in hybrid version, so shoppers interested in electrified driving have a clear reason to choose Mazda. CardinaleWay Mazda Las Vegas helps shoppers compare CX-90 powertrain options, seating layouts, and available features with the needs of real households in mind.
Safety and Visibility in Everyday Use
Both SUVs bring strong safety technology to the comparison. The Pilot includes Honda Sensing® with features such as Collision Mitigation Braking System™, Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist System, and Traffic Sign Recognition System. The CX-90 responds with standard and available i-Activsense® features designed to help alert drivers, improve visibility, and monitor surrounding traffic. Standard features include Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Lane-keep Assist. Available systems include Smart Brake Support - Front Crossing, Smart Brake Support - Turn-Across Traffic, Road Keep Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist, Cruising & Traffic Support, Vehicle Exit Warning, Driver Monitoring, and 360° View Monitor with See-through View.
The available 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View is especially helpful in crowded parking areas, tight garage entries, and trailer alignment situations. While the Pilot offers an available multiview camera system with TrailWatch™ on select trims, Mazda's See-through View and Trailer Hitch View add a highly useful layer of visibility. The CX-90 and CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid EV have also earned a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, an achievement that reinforces Mazda's commitment to confidence and control. For families serving Paradise, North Las Vegas, and Summerlin, this safety-minded approach makes the CX-90 feel well suited to a wide range of local routines.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is the Mazda CX-90 more powerful than the Honda Pilot?
The CX-90 offers a higher available output than the Pilot. The Pilot uses a 285-hp V-6 engine, while CX-90 3.3 Turbo S models are tuned to provide up to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque when using recommended premium fuel.
Does the CX-90 have standard AWD?
Yes. The CX-90 includes i-ACTIV AWD® as standard, giving every model proactive all-wheel-drive capability. The Pilot offers i-VTM4® AWD as available on some trims and standard on others.
Which SUV is better for shoppers who want a premium feel?
The CX-90 is the stronger choice for shoppers who want upscale design, refined materials, and a more engaging drive. The Pilot is practical, but the CX-90 brings a more polished combination of performance, comfort, and craftsmanship.
For families comparing these two SUVs, the final decision often comes down to personality. The Honda Pilot is a practical three-row SUV with familiar strengths. The Mazda CX-90 is also practical, but it adds a level of performance sophistication, design elegance, and standard drivetrain confidence that makes daily driving more rewarding. If the goal is to choose an SUV that can carry passengers comfortably, support busy routines, and still make the driver look forward to the next trip, the CX-90 is the more compelling choice.