3-Row SUV Showdown Near Louisville, KY
If you want to buy a 3-row SUVs near Louisville, KY, two compelling picks are the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Honda Pilot.
Both are midsize three-row family SUVs seating seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim.
Strong safety scores make these both good choices for a family. But which is the best overall pick for a family?
Whether you're carpooling, driving down Gene Snyder Freeway, packing for a weekend at Mammoth Cave, or hauling a boat trailer down to Lake Cumberland, our breakdown below will help you decide which SUV belongs in your driveway.
What Do the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and 2026 Honda Pilot Have in Common?
Before the differences, it helps to understand the shared foundation. Both the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Honda Pilot are midsize three-row SUVs seating up to seven or eight passengers. These offer all-wheel drive, including a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance technology.
Both have earned strong safety marks and consistent praise from major automotive authorities including Kelley Blue Book and Car and Driver.
Powertrain: More Options With Mazda
Nine distinct trim levels to choose from includes a 3.3L inline-six engine with 340 horsepower. The trims with a plug-in hybrid powertrain producing a combined 56 MPGe and 27 miles of all-electric range.
Honda offers a 3.5-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower paired with a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
An important detail for Louisville families is that the 2026 Mazda CX-90 comes with AWD standard. The 2026 Honda Pilot starts with front-wheel drive on base trims and requires an upgrade for AWD.
For drivers who want better all-weather capability from AWD without climbing up the price ladder to a higher trim, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 makes that decision easy.
Performance: Driver's SUV vs. Family Hauler
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is built on a rear-biased platform for a sportier build and strong reliability thanks to its pairing with AWD.
The turbocharged inline-six provides dependable linear torque that feels effortless merging onto I-65 or navigating ramps on the Watterson Expressway. Mazda's Kinematic Posture Control technology reduces body roll and improves cornering. Its towing capacity caps out at 3,500 lbs or 5,000 lbs, depending on the trim.
The 2026 Honda Pilot is tuned for calm quiet cruising rather than spirited driving. It also hauls up to 3,500 lbs or 5,000 lbs depending on the trim.
Overall, the high performance of the 2026 Mazda CX-90 makes it an attractive option.
Cargo space comparison 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. 2026 Honda Pilot
2026 Mazda CX-90 has 14.9 cubic feet when all seats are in place, 74.2 cubic feet maximum.
The 2026 Honda Pilot offers 18.6 cubic feet with all seats in place and a maximum of 86.5 cubic feet.
Safety: Both Have Standard Driver-Assistance Technology
Mazda’s i-Activsense® and Honda’s Honda Sensing® both include the following:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Emergency braking assist
- Lane-keeping assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert.
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, speaking to Mazda’s strong reputation for safety.
Technology
Both have a 12.3-inch infotainment display, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both vehicles also have a standard Bose 12-speaker audio system.
Mazda, however, is generally more upscale and offers some high-tech features. For instance, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 offers a 360-degree surround-view camera. Its Driver Personalization System is for adjusting the vehicle’s settings to several drivers’ preferences.
Fuel Economy Comparison: 2026 Mazda CX-90 Wins in Every Configuration
MPG differs by trim, but Mazda comes out on top.
The popular 2026 Mazda CX-90 Premium Sport trim gets 25 MPG combined and 23/28 city/highway MPG. So does the base trim.
The popular 2026 Honda Pilot Elite trim has an EPA-estimated MPG of 19/25 city/highway for a combined 21 MPG. The base trim gets 20/27 MPG city/highway and 22 MPG combined.
Why the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Is the Best 3-Row SUV for Louisville Families
- AWD comes standard, fit for Louisville’s four seasons
- Premium interiors
- Engaging performance-focused ride character
- Fuel-efficient three-row SUV
Test Drive the 2026 Mazda CX-90 at Neil Huffman Mazda of Louisville, Kentucky
This SUV is a spacious and practical family hauler with premium features.
Our Louisville, KY dealership’s team is ready to walk you through every trim level, towing package, and financing option.
Come in, take a test drive, and find out whether this vehicle is truly the right fit for you on Louisville roads.
