Honda Pilot vs Mazda CX-9 vs Toyota Highlander

478 messages, Last post on Nov 27, 2009 at 7:13 AM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda CX-9, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Car Comparisons, SUV

2009 Honda Pilot vs. 2008 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2008 Toyota Highlander - Although we've been hearing about a mad dash to get out of sport-utility vehicles and into fuel-efficient compacts, the reality is that seven- and eight-passenger crossover SUVs like the 2008 Mazda CX-9, 2008 Toyota Highlander and 2009 Honda Pilot aren't going away anytime soon. (more)

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#129 of 478 by citivas Jul 29, 2008 (2:35 pm)
While I have no insider knowledge, it seems like you may have to wait a while on the 2009 Highlander. Whereas Mazda dealers are saying the new CX-9 is "coming soon" etc., all the sources I have seen for Toyota refuse to even speculate and there is virtually no info out there on when it is coming or what will have changed. I think Toyota is keeping the date fluid and pushing it out as long as possible to use up 2008 inventory which they still have a LOT of. We may not see the new Highlander until well into the fourth quarter. If I knew for sure they were fixing the seat split in the new model, I would wait for certain. I just don't have any faith they will. For all of Toyota's pluses, they are not known for being quickly responsive to customer feature requests or being introspective about the flaws in their own designs. I bet we may see some new colors and not much else.
#130 of 478 Re: [msam] by sethnaga Jul 29, 2008 (6:15 pm)
Replying to: msam (Jul 29, 2008 2:17 pm) msam 1) First of all Acura MDX is out of this league since it is a Luxury SUV. 2) If you are in to buying luxury SUV, you need to look at different list - RX 350, FX etc 3) You statement that you are not sure about Acura reliability- you need to do more research before deciding to buy - Acura/MDX is one of the most reliable SUV out there with RX 350 4) If one should buy a 40K+ performance SUV, they should be able to afford premium fuel. Replies to this message: msam (Jul 30, 2008 2:35 am) sethnaga (Jul 30, 2008 5:29 am)
#131 of 478 Outta gas here by ch1rravu Jul 29, 2008 (8:12 pm)
We do, really, ran out of gas. Any interesting points we can share and discuss here on this Comparo ? One observation - Yota folks may not be the first folks to jump at adding new configurations/options real-fast, but they sure are the best in fixing current-set of any small issues, along the way. If there are any problems left by first year model run, consider all (if not most) of 'em fixed in 2009 year update, but gotta wait till 4th quarter current rate of SUV/CUV sales everywhere. Wish Highlander gets mild-increase in steering resistance for 2009. Dunno what to say about 2009 Pilot yet, haven't driven one yet. But, I do want to figgure if mileage has improved on this model yet !! So far reasonable consumer reviews on edmunds. Wonder which vehicle going to get good awards in 2009 and beyond ?
#132 of 478 Re: [sethnaga] by msam Jul 30, 2008 (2:35 am)
Replying to: sethnaga (Jul 29, 2008 6:15 pm) sethnaga, Reliability-wise, that is what I would have figured. Yes, I am still doing my research on the Acura MDX. Up until the 2006 model, I am seeing a number of consumers report transmission issues and the rear impact rating to be poor. It seems like the major problems have been addressed in 2007, but still if you even look at the consumer reviews on edmunds, people are reporting way more problems than have been reported for these other 3 vehicles that I am considering. Of course, as far as the Pilot goes, we have to wait a bit more. I am considering the Acura and not many other luxury SUVs because it offers adult 3rd row seating with enough space behind the third row as well. It is not about whether I willl be able to afford the vehicle and the premium grade fuel. It is about - do I feel comfortable (not from a money standpoint) spending that much initially and on a regular basis. Replies to this message: sethnaga (Jul 30, 2008 5:29 am)
#133 of 478 Re: [msam] by sethnaga Jul 30, 2008 (5:29 am)
Replying to: msam (Jul 30, 2008 2:35 am) msam If you are considering buying an MDX, you should buy NOW, because the current rebates are very attractive. I have negotiated 37,800K for a MDX with Tech and power tail gate which is 7200 below MSRP. There is a rumor that Honda may throw in another 1000 to 1500 rebate by 1st of Aug. If that is the case, we are looking at 8000 below MSRP - a killer deal for an MDX I purchased a 2007 pilot last year drove it for 12000 miles and sold it last week. While Pilot is good, it performs and looks more like a minivan. I have negotiated RX 350 for 38K, but the model is changing in another 6 months, it does not have 3rd row seat, FWD/AWD is a joke compared to MDX SH drive and you can't operate the Navi while the car in motion. The maintenance cost is also very high. No company has achieved zero defects. So few will have issues. We can't base our decisions because some had issues. If you read RX 350 forums, (Rx 350 is the most reliable SUV), one of the biggest issue in 2008/2009 RX 350 model is the rattle noise. Most of Toyotas ride like a boat and do not have personality of a sporty ride. However if you are not comfortable with premium Gas, you need to look at others, but you will be trading of the Performance. IMHO currently MDX has the best balance of price. handling, reliability, style and gas millage currently in the market
#134 of 478 Re: [ceric] by aviboy97 Jul 30, 2008 (6:54 am)
Replying to: ceric (Jul 29, 2008 1:51 pm) Mazda has the solution for the aux / Sirius Radio / Nav working in perfect harmony. There is a switching box necessary if you are to activate the Sirius radio and you have nav in the car and you still want your aux jack to work. The reason Mazda does not equip the car with it already is because it is expensive, and a small percentage of owners actually have all three systems. If you Mazda dealer had any know how, they would tell you this. Replies to this message: maltb (Jul 30, 2008 8:16 am) citivas (Jul 30, 2008 1:08 pm) nxs138 (Jul 30, 2008 6:23 pm) ceric (Jul 30, 2008 11:01 pm) cx7lover (Jul 31, 2008 7:15 am) citivas (Jul 31, 2008 10:47 am) and 2 more...
#135 of 478 Re: [aviboy97] by maltb Jul 30, 2008 (8:16 am)
Replying to: aviboy97 (Jul 30, 2008 6:54 am) I think he was referring to the full iPod integration, not the AUX input jack. Currently, that can't be combined with SAT but the word on the street is that this will change for '09.
#136 of 478 What new for CX9 - 2009 by ceric Jul 30, 2008 (9:14 am)
Official Mazda news release excerpt ... New or enhanced for 2009 CX9: * Trip computer standard on all models * Bluetooth phone capability added to Sport model * Sirius satellite radio added to Moonroof, BOSE® Audio Package and Rear Seat Entertainment System Package * Auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink® added to Grand Touring model * Heated seats and heated outside mirrors added to Sport Power Seat Package * Trailer tow preparation standard on AWD ... So it seems that my trip computer complaint has been addressed. The "sub-par electronics" issue might be taken care of with 2009 model. "2009 Pilot vs 2009 CX9 vs 2009 Highlander" should be a better comparison. Let us know what is new for 2009 Highlander if anyone knows. Replies to this message: msam (Jul 30, 2008 1:50 pm) ceric (Jul 30, 2008 4:26 pm)
#137 of 478 by claireb Jul 30, 2008 (9:21 am)
Well, originally, I was going to buy a Honda Pilot, but I was put off by three things. A friend has 2008 model and she says she doesn't like the visibility (blind spots); she has also accidentally knocked her keychain while driving and turned the engine off while driving on the freeway - has happened to her twice now. Lastly, I don't like the look of it anymore, I much prefer the CX-9. (Personally, I also have to say that the CX-9 is a huge improvement over my old car - Ford Windstar - in so many ways I can't count them - maybe if I was coming from a high end car I would pick at it more, but for me this has so many advancements that to me even the navigation system seems amazing ) Replies to this message: ceric (Jul 30, 2008 9:33 am) citivas (Jul 30, 2008 1:12 pm) ceric (Jul 30, 2008 4:37 pm) and 1 more...
#138 of 478 Re: [claireb] by ceric Jul 30, 2008 (9:33 am)
Replying to: claireb (Jul 30, 2008 9:21 am) Well, claire, If money is less of an issue, buy CX9 or Highlander with SmartKey access. There is no key to knock of while driving.... The SmaryKey is such a convenient feature. Once you have it, you will understand. SmartKey is not available on Pilot. (Most Acuras don't have it except for RL). Unfortunately, SmaryKey is always part of an expensive package. Replies to this message: citivas (Jul 30, 2008 1:12 pm) ceric (Jul 30, 2008 4:37 pm) citivas (Jul 30, 2008 6:05 pm)