Honda Pilot vs Mazda CX-9 vs Toyota Highlander

476 messages, Last post on Nov 25, 2009 at 12:16 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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#19 of 476 Re: [aviboy97] by ceric Jul 08, 2008 (2:33 pm)
Replying to: aviboy97 (Jul 08, 2008 1:46 pm) I believe there is another thread that compare GM quadruplet to other CUVs (CX-9 included). I bought my CX9 back in Jan, 2008. If I had to choose a CUV today, I would make the same decision one more time knowing all the new entries. All it takes is a test-drive to appreciate why many magazine editors chose CX-9 as winner of comparison tests. CX9 actually can accommodates 7 adults. Something that I can't say about Highlander or Pilot. The extra 10 inches of length really shows on the inside. But, Pilot is 8-passenger, you said. Yeah, right?! Have you ever tried to sit three adults in that tiny space? It is a torture chamber if you put three adults there. Putting one more seatbelt on the 3rd row does not make it 8-passenger, IMHO. It is just marketing, people. Besides, I don't have three small kids to sit there. Of the three, CX9 should be on par with Highlander in performance since Highlander is the lightest among the three. Edmunds tested 9.5sec for new Pilot and 7.6sec for CX9 in 0-60mph. No data on Highlander (maybe someone can chime in here) CX-9 also shines in braking. Pilot did poorly in that department. All ventilated rotors do help CX9 after all. I absolutely love the SmartKey system of CX9 (not available on Highlander or Pilot). 20" inch wheels are amazingly good looking. One thing surprises many people who sat in my CX9 is the low noise level. Mazda did not went cheap when it comes to sound insulation on CX-9. I once raced a new Camry (4-cylinder, I bet) up the highway ramp, and I won! (No, I am kidding, I have been a good driver.) Replies to this message: mdhutton (Jul 08, 2008 4:18 pm) cx7lover (Jul 08, 2008 4:46 pm) aviboy97 (Jul 08, 2008 6:03 pm) and 3 more... mdhutton (Jul 09, 2008 4:23 pm) and 2 more... ceric (Jul 09, 2008 9:30 am)
#20 of 476 Re: [ceric] by mdhutton Jul 08, 2008 (4:18 pm)
Replying to: ceric (Jul 08, 2008 2:33 pm) I'm looking at my '08 Highlander's SmartKey right now. Why do you say it isn't available? A small factor in my purchase decision was Mazda's attitude. When I told them I was seriously leaning toward the HL, they arrogantly said,"but don't you realize that over 100 editors rated it best-in-class?" I said, "That's good, but I don't feel that way. Are these 100+ editors going to chip in and make my monthly payment for me? If so, I'll reconsider." Haven't heard from them since. Replies to this message: cx7lover (Jul 08, 2008 4:46 pm) aviboy97 (Jul 08, 2008 6:03 pm) ceric (Jul 09, 2008 9:35 am) and 2 more... mdhutton (Jul 09, 2008 4:23 pm) cx7lover (Jul 10, 2008 3:26 am) and 1 more... ceric (Jul 09, 2008 9:30 am)
#21 of 476 Re: [mdhutton] by cx7lover Jul 08, 2008 (4:46 pm)
Replying to: mdhutton (Jul 08, 2008 4:18 pm) FYI that isn't Mazda, that was your dealer, Toyota the company itself is pretty arrogant. Replies to this message: aviboy97 (Jul 08, 2008 6:03 pm) ceric (Jul 09, 2008 9:35 am) qs933 (Jul 09, 2008 10:20 pm) and 1 more... mdhutton (Jul 09, 2008 4:23 pm) cx7lover (Jul 10, 2008 3:26 am) qs933 (Jul 12, 2008 12:18 pm)
#22 of 476 Re: [cx7lover] by aviboy97 Jul 08, 2008 (6:03 pm)
Replying to: cx7lover (Jul 08, 2008 4:46 pm) While Mazda does not have the greatest in dealer satisfaction, it is a matter of fact that Toyota is at the bottom. Toyota dealers are statistically the absolute worst when it comes to customer satisfaction, and don't like to deal. If it were not for the fact that Toyota's are decent cars, that company would not due business in North America. It's a pitty that, as a whole, Toyota dealers are so disgraceful. As always, there are acceptions. Replies to this message: ceric (Jul 09, 2008 9:35 am) qs933 (Jul 09, 2008 10:20 pm) ceric (Jul 10, 2008 10:09 am)
#23 of 476 Re: [mdhutton] by ceric Jul 09, 2008 (9:30 am)
Replying to: mdhutton (Jul 08, 2008 4:18 pm) My mistake on the availability of SmartKey on Highlander. It is standard on the Limited. However, I stopped looking at Highlander when I see the cheaply made 3rd row that is not 40/60 split (my co-worker owns one). Besides, the ride on Highlander is much more floaty and steering is not as precise as CX-9. I know some people love soft ride of Toyota, but it is just not me. I have been basically a BMW/Honda guy (more handling oriented). The styling of the new Pilot just turned me off. I had been waiting for Honda to release the new Pilot. I stopped waiting for it when I saw the first photo of the new Pilot. P.S. Look and styling are subjective.
#24 of 476 Re: [aviboy97] by ceric Jul 09, 2008 (9:35 am)
Replying to: aviboy97 (Jul 08, 2008 6:03 pm) Dealer dissatisfaction is a local phenomena. In my area, there is one Toyota dealer that I absolutely hate, while I like the other one much much better. (I have a Prius). Similarly, there is a Mazda dealer (a Ford/Mazda combo - don't go to this kind of Mazda for service) I dislike very much, while there is another one that actually gave me a free Mazda3 sedan as a loaner for service. I have never been treated with a loaner at Honda/Toyota dealers. Have you? Replies to this message: qs933 (Jul 09, 2008 10:20 pm) ceric (Jul 10, 2008 10:09 am)
#25 of 476 Availability of accessories and else by ceric Jul 09, 2008 (10:00 am)
Not to be a fanboy of CX-9, I must warn people who are considering CX-9 that the after-market support of CX-9 accessories is much worse than Highlander and Pilot. Basically, all you can choose from are whatever Mazda offer. Even OEM accessories, Mazda offer fewer for CX9 than Honda and Toyota for Pilot and Highlander. If there are specific accessories that you must have, please take that into consideration. Besides, the most complaints on CX9 center around so-so fuel economy and lack of trip computer (US model). The latter is said to be standard for '09. On navigation, both Highlander/CX-9 use Denso system (different GUI, but basically the same) that has speed-lock. Once the vehicle goes beyond 5mph, the NAVI locks up so that you can't enter address or phone numbers. Honda has not been doing this, but I am not sure about the new Pilot's system. Other than the locking, Honda's NAVI system has been well-known to be better than Toyota's (also Mazda's). Replies to this message: aviboy97 (Jul 09, 2008 10:08 am) ceric (Jul 09, 2008 10:11 am) ericw2000 (Jul 09, 2008 11:56 am)
#26 of 476 Re: Availability of accessories and else [ceric] by aviboy97 Jul 09, 2008 (10:08 am)
Replying to: ceric (Jul 09, 2008 10:00 am) Like what?? Can you provide some examples? Replies to this message: ceric (Jul 09, 2008 10:11 am)
#27 of 476 Re: Availability of accessories and else [aviboy97] by ceric Jul 09, 2008 (10:11 am)
Replying to: aviboy97 (Jul 09, 2008 10:08 am) Like side step or running board. Due to the design of the doors, it seems hard to design a side-step to ease the entrance for small kids and old folks. I haven't had any luck finding one. If you do, please inform me. In general, go to autoanything.com or accessories websites. CX9 is often not on their radar to offer accessories. It is frustrating, the lack of choices and options to have. In a couple more years, maybe.
#28 of 476 Re: Availability of accessories and else [ceric] by ericw2000 Jul 09, 2008 (11:56 am)
Replying to: ceric (Jul 09, 2008 10:00 am) The availability of accessories will increase as the popularity of the vehicle increases. I'm seeing more and more CX-9s as time passes. I purchased my CX-9 2 weeks ago. I tried the Pilot, and FWIW my wife drives a Honda Odyssey which is the best van out there hands down, so I have a positive experience with Honda. I found the Pilot to be "frumpy" in both looks and performance. The only thing I'd like to see in the CX-9 is auto locks and a trip computer.