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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#79 of 478 Re: CR [citivas] by msam Jul 19, 2008 (9:25 am)
Replying to: citivas (Jul 19, 2008 5:25 am) As far as I can see - one of the places being truedelta: 2008 Toyota Highlander AWD averages 16.8 miles/gallon in mostly city driving 2008 Mazda CX9 AWD averages ~15.1 miles/gallon in mostly city driving It is clear that the Mazda's economy is not as good as the Toyota's but it is in the ball park. As a buyer, this slightly better fuel economy alone certainly will not influence me in going towards the Toyota. EDIT: Looks like by the time I posted a number of relevant posts have been posted making my post kinda redundant. Replies to this message: citivas (Jul 19, 2008 11:24 am) nxs138 (Jul 19, 2008 1:46 pm) cx7lover (Jul 19, 2008 2:14 pm) and 3 more... waygrabow (Jul 19, 2008 6:07 pm) steveayz (Jul 22, 2008 11:53 am) and 5 more...
#80 of 478 Re: CR [msam] by citivas Jul 19, 2008 (11:24 am)
Replying to: msam (Jul 19, 2008 9:25 am) As far as I can see - one of the places being truedelta: 2008 Toyota Highlander AWD averages 16.8 miles/gallon in mostly city driving 2008 Mazda CX9 AWD averages ~15.1 miles/gallon in mostly city driving Turedelta.com only had 5 points of data versus my spreadsheet from the extensive # of postings on this site. I added the 5 and it brought the Toyota down slightly, but not enough to make a big difference -- the Toyota is still close to 20% better on average. Replies to this message: nxs138 (Jul 19, 2008 1:46 pm) cx7lover (Jul 19, 2008 2:14 pm) nxs138 (Jul 19, 2008 6:05 pm) and 2 more... waygrabow (Jul 19, 2008 6:07 pm) steveayz (Jul 22, 2008 11:53 am) cx7lover (Jul 22, 2008 3:04 pm) and 3 more... ceric (Jul 22, 2008 7:53 pm)
#81 of 478 Re: CR [citivas] by nxs138 Jul 19, 2008 (1:46 pm)
Replying to: citivas (Jul 19, 2008 11:24 am) One thing to keep in mind is that the MSRP of the Highlander Limited AWD is nearly the same as the Mazda GT AWD, yet the Mazda has more room behind the 3rd row, a split 3rd row seat, no cheap felt lining on the roof, more responsive steering, and generally handles better. Sure, the Highlander is rated to have 2 mpg better in highway and city, but then again the Highlander weighs 200 lbs less. What you must have figured out in your research is that none of these SUVs have achieved anything dramatic in improving mpg, it's all about weight. If you really want to have good gas mileage and need an occasional 3rd row seat, then I would suggest looking into the Volvo V70 wagon, which might still have the 3rd row seats as a dealer-installed option (I believe they were jumpeats). Replies to this message: cx7lover (Jul 19, 2008 2:14 pm) nxs138 (Jul 19, 2008 6:05 pm) ceric (Jul 19, 2008 8:40 pm) and 1 more...
#82 of 478 Re: CR [nxs138] by cx7lover Jul 19, 2008 (2:14 pm)
Replying to: nxs138 (Jul 19, 2008 1:46 pm) And you can get a big discount on the Mazda, most Toyota Dealers will never discount any of their cars as heavily as a Mazda dealer. Add in the excellent financing available through Mazda Credit, you're saving a bundle right there. Replies to this message: nxs138 (Jul 19, 2008 6:05 pm) ceric (Jul 19, 2008 8:40 pm) aviboy97 (Jul 21, 2008 6:34 am)
#83 of 478 Re: CR [cx7lover] by nxs138 Jul 19, 2008 (6:05 pm)
Replying to: cx7lover (Jul 19, 2008 2:14 pm) That's right, you can get CX-9s at invoice if you haggle a little. Although June 2008 Highlander sales were way below that of June 2007 (something like 30% less), so maybe Toyota dealers might be getting desperate. Replies to this message: ceric (Jul 19, 2008 8:40 pm) aviboy97 (Jul 21, 2008 6:34 am)
#84 of 478 Re: CR [citivas] by waygrabow Jul 19, 2008 (6:07 pm)
Replying to: citivas (Jul 19, 2008 11:24 am) I am selective in whose MPG figures I accept. Watching people drive, it seems that some people are always tapping the brake pedal (following too close) or racing to the next stop light (to get there before it turns green). And it seems that the complainers with poor gas mileage are the ones who often post on these forums. On my last two vehicles average mpg has been higher than the EPA estimated highway mileage. Thus, when considering a new car, I consider reported MPG with some reservation. Replies to this message: steveayz (Jul 22, 2008 11:53 am) cx7lover (Jul 22, 2008 3:04 pm) steveayz (Jul 22, 2008 5:57 pm) citivas (Jul 23, 2008 6:34 am) and 1 more... ceric (Jul 22, 2008 7:53 pm)
#85 of 478 Re: CR [nxs138] by ceric Jul 19, 2008 (8:40 pm)
Replying to: nxs138 (Jul 19, 2008 6:05 pm) Just saw the newspaper today on CX9 - $6000 off MSRP (about $2500 BELOW INVOICE) for 2008 or - 0% APR for 36months On MPG, I just did a round trip to Sacramento from Fremont with my CX9 GT AWD, (220 miles, 98% freeways mainly #5, some traffic, some hilly area) averaging 75mph. Average 3 persons and 1 luggage for both ways. Average MPG is 21MPG (actually 20.91mpg) measured by top-off at the same pump at the same gas station. That ain't bad at all. Replies to this message: aviboy97 (Jul 21, 2008 6:34 am)
#86 of 478 Re: CR [ceric] by aviboy97 Jul 21, 2008 (6:34 am)
Replying to: ceric (Jul 19, 2008 8:40 pm) There is a $3,000 "dealer engagement" offer on the 2008 CX-9's right now. It is technically not a rebate, hence that is why the offer appears to be below invoice, and you also do not see it on Mazda's web site. Either way, it's a great offer. You can take the "engagement cash" or take Mazda up on their 1.9% financing for 60 months, or 0% for 36. Cannot combine both.
#87 of 478 Re: CR [waygrabow] by steveayz Jul 22, 2008 (11:53 am)
Replying to: waygrabow (Jul 19, 2008 6:07 pm) With today's gas prices heading in only one direction MPG should be one of the main decision criteria if cars come close on your list. On my 2008HL AWD I consistently get 21.5MPG in mixed driving. On HWY it is not hard to get 24-25 if you don't go over 70MPH and use cruise control. This is for summer time with no ethanol added. In winter it is not as good, I think I loose at list 1MPG. I blame cold weather and winter gas mix. As far as third row.. My kids used it couple of times at most and it serves the purpose just fine. Replies to this message: cx7lover (Jul 22, 2008 3:04 pm) steveayz (Jul 22, 2008 5:57 pm) citivas (Jul 23, 2008 6:34 am) ceric (Jul 23, 2008 8:12 am) ceric (Jul 22, 2008 7:53 pm)
#88 of 478 Re: CR [steveayz] by cx7lover Jul 22, 2008 (3:04 pm)
Replying to: steveayz (Jul 22, 2008 11:53 am) Yeah maybe if you're poor or shortsighted (shopping by MPG is the worst thing anyone could do) but the MPG difference is offset greatly and in the favor of the CX-9 due to discounts and financing deals. The third row in the CX-9 can fit real albeit not huge adults. The Highlander can't. Replies to this message: steveayz (Jul 22, 2008 5:57 pm) citivas (Jul 23, 2008 6:34 am) ceric (Jul 23, 2008 8:12 am)