Honda Pilot vs Mazda CX-9 vs Toyota Highlander

472 messages, Last post on Nov 21, 2009 at 5:09 PM

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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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#136 of 472 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 472 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 472 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)
#139 of 472 Re: This Pilot Owner is Flying to Veracruz [prosource1] by vrm Jul 30, 2008 (11:19 am)
Replying to: prosource1 (Jul 08, 2008 6:12 am) As a 06 Pilot owner, the failure of my air conditioning system with only 51,000 miles and the general arrogance displaying by Honda towards consumers in both customer service and the abysmal design offerings by Honda force me to go elsewhere, I'll either buy the quality offering by Hyundai in the 'Veracruz' or wait for the 4-cylinder Santa Fe in 2010. I feel your pain. Does the 2006 Pilot have a documented problem with the A/C system? Or is this an isolated case?
#140 of 472 subie by nikbert Jul 30, 2008 (12:10 pm)
no love for tribeca? is it really that bad...? Replies to this message: msam (Jul 30, 2008 1:07 pm)
#141 of 472 Re: subie [nikbert] by msam Jul 30, 2008 (1:07 pm)
Replying to: nikbert (Jul 30, 2008 12:10 pm) I considered the Subaru long and hard. It seems to be actually very good. No third row curtain air bags put me off. I was hoping the 2009 model would have it, but from the information I have, that is not the case.
#142 of 472 Re: [aviboy97] by citivas Jul 30, 2008 (1:08 pm)
Replying to: aviboy97 (Jul 30, 2008 6:54 am) 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. From reading this and other forums as well as talking with my two local dealers, I don't consider Mazda's dealer-installed solution as good or complete as a factory-installed options for several reasons: 1) It does not work with iPod integration option. You can use it to get your aux jack to work but Mazda will tell you it won't work with their iPod integration device, so you will be able to plug the iPod into aux but not control it from the screen or charge it, etc. 2) Based on many postings here and on other Mazda user sites, it sounds like a lot of Mazda dealers are not experienced in adding this switch without side-effects, such as screwing up the bluetooth functionality (fixable but with a lot of hassle). There are numerous posts of Mazda dealers indemnifying themselves before ordering and installing the switch for their customers -- i.e., they refuse to warrant that it will work and will charge the people whether it does or not, so it is at the customer's risk. This is no better than buying an after market product from any third party place. That may be fine for some, for for others like myself it is not worth the hassle or risk. 3) There is another known issue with the Mazda wiring that requires you get an additional 3rd party module to fix the ground wire causes static when charging the iPod at the same time as playing it through the aux. 4) Even with all this, the display options for Sat and Aux data is limited, with truncated song titles, etc. Again, I am not dissing the CX-9. Great vehicle. And some people may not prioritize this user tech and entertainment control. But for those of us that do, the after-market fixes just aren't as good as what is offered in some of the competition right now. If cost was the issue, they could have made these fatcory options like some others do. It seems like they just opted for a cheaper base radio / electronics package in general (i.e. only one port shared with aux and sat) which requires more complicated / less comprehensive work-arounds. Replies to this message: 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) cx7lover (Aug 01, 2008 2:43 am) and 1 more...
#143 of 472 Re: [ceric] by citivas Jul 30, 2008 (1:12 pm)
Replying to: ceric (Jul 30, 2008 9:33 am) SmartKey is not available on Pilot. The '09 Pilot I test drove had a smart key (i.e. keyless/proximity ket entry and start). I assumed it was an option in the GT model I was testing and not a dealer add-on but I didn't ask... Replies to this message: ceric (Jul 30, 2008 4:37 pm) citivas (Jul 30, 2008 6:05 pm)
#144 of 472 Re: What new for CX9 - 2009 [ceric] by msam Jul 30, 2008 (1:50 pm)
Replying to: ceric (Jul 30, 2008 9:14 am) Nice improvements on the CX9. Somewhere I read that it may also have a direct injection engine thereby improving fuel economy. Are you aware if this is the case? Replies to this message: ceric (Jul 30, 2008 4:26 pm)
#145 of 472 Re: What new for CX9 - 2009 [msam] by ceric Jul 30, 2008 (4:26 pm)
Replying to: msam (Jul 30, 2008 1:50 pm) Apparently direct injection engine is not on 2009 model of CX9. I don't think Pilot or Highlander engines are equipped with direct injection either.