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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#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.
#146 of 472 Re: [citivas] by ceric Jul 30, 2008 (4:37 pm)
Replying to: citivas (Jul 30, 2008 1:12 pm) > 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... Are you sure? I can't find such reference even at automobile.honda.com. Also not in their official news release. http://automobiles.honda.com/pilot/price.aspx?Model=YF4889KNW BTW, there is no GT model for new Pilot. Did you mean CX-9 GT (Grand Touring) model? Pilot has Touring model, which is their top of the line. It comes with traditional remote entry only. (according to their website) Replies to this message: citivas (Jul 30, 2008 6:05 pm)
#147 of 472 AWD by ceric Jul 30, 2008 (4:52 pm)
I wonder if anyone has in-depth knowledge of the 3 different AWD systems on Pilot, Highlander and CX9. Pros and cons of each? Mazda does not spend many words on describing their AWD system. "Active-torque split" is all Mazda says about it. The system can distribute torque from 100%F-0%R to 50%F-50%R. In addition, people who opt for 20" wheel on CX9 better know that Mazda does not recommend putting tire chains on them (due to rubbing). So, if you live in an area where you need tire chains in winter even with AWD, you better skip the GT model or swap out the 20" wheels with dealer for less expensive 18" (same style) ones. Replies to this message: citivas (Jul 30, 2008 6:08 pm) cx7lover (Jul 31, 2008 7:11 am) ceric (Jul 31, 2008 10:16 am) aviboy97 (Jul 31, 2008 2:03 pm) and 11 more...
#148 of 472 Re: [ceric] by citivas Jul 30, 2008 (6:05 pm)
Replying to: ceric (Jul 30, 2008 4:37 pm) I meant the Touring... Like I said, I didn't ask if it was factory or a dealer add-on...
#149 of 472 Re: AWD [ceric] by citivas Jul 30, 2008 (6:08 pm)
Replying to: ceric (Jul 30, 2008 4:52 pm) I am not an expert on AWD/4WD systems, but I can tell you there is an extensive discussion on it for the Highlander AWD in that section of this forum. There is a thread dedicated to it. The consistent rap from otherwise happy owners is that it isn't very good and some have been disappointed by the performance in snow, etc. The Honda by comparison seemed to have an ability for the user to force-engage it which the Toyota didn't. I haven't read or seen much about the Mazda's system.
#150 of 472 Re: [citivas] by nxs138 Jul 30, 2008 (6:23 pm)
Replying to: citivas (Jul 30, 2008 1:08 pm) 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 When I bought my CX-9 back in February, my bluetooth didn't work, which irritated me to no end. However, the dealer already knew about the issue (something about the install of Sirius radio at the port, which screwed something up, a sort of splitter is required), and fixed it right the first time, and while they were at it installed the switching box I had bought for free (i.e. I was not charged for labor). Now to your point, there are earlier posts about dealers not knowing anything about the switching box, but I believe this is mostly a non-issue by now. So it all depends on the dealer, I've had nothing but good experiences. Heck, I even called Mazda Corp to send me a Zoom-Zoom sticker, and not only did they send me the sticker, they also sent me a $5 Starbucks gift card! If the 2009 models get the whole trip computer thingy, I wonder if I could retrofit that into my 2008.... Replies to this message: ceric (Jul 30, 2008 11:01 pm)
#151 of 472 Mazda service by ceric Jul 30, 2008 (11:01 pm)
Replying to: nxs138 (Jul 30, 2008 6:23 pm) From what I read and what I experienced, if you have a Mazda, I would recommend you to go to independet Mazda dealers for repair/service, not the Ford/Mazda combo ones. The former tend to be more knowledgeable about Mazda vehicles. After all, Ford and Mazda aren't exactly the same vehicles. Honda and Toyota owners don't have such issue since they should all be independent AFAIK.
#152 of 472 Almost true, Toyota/Scion dealers arrived :-) by ch1rravu Jul 31, 2008 (5:40 am)
Many Toyota dealers these days call themselves Toyota/Scion dealers. So, solely Toyota dealers may not hold true these days, but considering the volume and prior knowledge, betcha those dealers are just as capable of servicing Toyotas just as fine prior to Scion arrival. Have anybody compared Navigation systems among these vehicles ? How well they do, how user-friendly these are, and how often company releases map-updates reasonable price ? We have a GARMIN, and are very happy with it, except for the power cable hook-up we oughta do each time we board vehicle (because we take the unit away with us each time we get off) Thanks Replies to this message: citivas (Jul 31, 2008 7:07 am) nxs138 (Jul 31, 2008 2:36 pm) ceric (Jul 31, 2008 2:51 pm) ceric (Jul 31, 2008 10:22 am)