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2009 Honda Pilot vs. 2008 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2008 Toyota Highlander

549 messages,  Last post on Feb 11, 2013 at 8:48 PM

You are in the Honda Pilot Forum.

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

Messages Page 49 of 55

#479 of 549 Pilot or CX-9 by novabuyer1

Aug 03, 2010 (8:21 pm)

Just wanted to get some insight from others..we currently have a 2004 Pilot EX-L. Lots of miles. Looking to upgrade to another Pilot (touring) or the 2010 CX-9. Not sure which way to go...afraid I may miss the space in the Pilot (2 small kids) but want some of the bells and whistles (moonroof, power liftgate) without breaking the bank.
 
Thanks in advance!

#480 of 549 Re: Pilot or CX-9 [novabuyer1] by davicho

Aug 04, 2010 (7:29 am)

Replying to: novabuyer1 (Aug 03, 2010 8:21 pm)
I have three boys (1, 10, 15) and we never feel cramped up in our CX-9. I love that it seats 7 passengers and the third row is actually a usable space for adults. It drives like a car as opposed to a SUV (higher center of gravity), plus it just beats out the Pilot in looks (but this is subjective). Either way you can't go wrong, but you will definately enjoy the CX-9 better if you like a sporty feel and you definately will not miss the little extra space that Pilot provides over the CX-9.

#481 of 549 Re: Pilot or CX-9 [novabuyer1] by tearlach

Aug 04, 2010 (8:49 am)

Replying to: novabuyer1 (Aug 03, 2010 8:21 pm)
I have a 2004 Honda Pilot EX-L w/ NAV with roughly 95,000 miles and purchased a 2010 Mazda CX-9 GT AWD (after market NAV) in late Dec-2009. Paid $37, 213 OTD with a little icing. I suggest you test drive the new Pilot vs CX-9 as both my wife and I like the much sportier handling, shiftable auto, AWD and great brakes of the CX-9. Third row room and access is substantially better; sliding second row is a nice touch to accommodate my fast growing 4, 12, 12 year old kids. Mazda's AWD is great in wet or snow, maybe not quite as nice as Honda's AWD system, but certainly adequate. The level of poor man's luxury features in the CX-9 is impressive and we figured we'd have to pay $5- 15,000 more for a similar vehicle - see Acura MDX as a more expensive alternative.
 
The newer Pilots may have slightly more cargo room, but the CX-9's seating comfort, handling (20 inch wheels w/ Michelin Latitudes - much better than the OEM tires), braking, Lexus grade 6 speed transmission and even nice interior layout make us happy with our decision. The Pilot's more of a truck, the CX-9 is a true crossover - I just wish we could do better than the 21 - 22 MPG I get on trips with my heavy foot.

#482 of 549 Re: Pilot or CX-9 [tearlach] by thegraduate

Aug 05, 2010 (6:16 am)

Replying to: tearlach (Aug 04, 2010 8:49 am)
The Pilot's more of a truck, the CX-9 is a true crossover
 
Both are true crossovers; the Pilot is based on the Odyssey, which stems from the Accord. The only way the Pilot is more of a truck is in exterior design (and perhaps the middling fuel economy).
 
Lexus grade 6 speed transmission
 
Lexus-grade? Help me out with that one.

#483 of 549 Re: Pilot or CX-9 [thegraduate] by davicho

Aug 05, 2010 (7:39 am)

Replying to: thegraduate (Aug 05, 2010 6:16 am)
Lexus grade 6 speed transmission
  
Lexus-grade? Help me out with that one
 
The CX-9 has an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission which also makes transmissions for Toyota and Lexus. Aside from using the recommended by Mazda JS3309 fluid for the transmission. You can also use Toyota's T-4 Transmission fluid that is widely used by many Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
 
Kapish??

#484 of 549 Re: Pilot or CX-9 [davicho] by thegraduate

Aug 05, 2010 (9:24 am)

Replying to: davicho (Aug 05, 2010 7:39 am)
Ok; I just wasn't really sure what you meant by Lexus-grade. Saying an Aisin transmission makes more sense to me. Aisin makes or has recently made transmissions for General Motors, Ford, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Audi, VW, Volvo, Hyundai among others, so saying "Lexus" didn't really help me understand your point other than for name-dropping purposes.
 
*Yes, Toyota owns a majority stake in Aisin stock.

#485 of 549 Re: Pilot or CX-9 [thegraduate] by davicho

Aug 05, 2010 (10:33 am)

Replying to: thegraduate (Aug 05, 2010 9:24 am)
It wasn't me who initially said the comment, I just figured I'd chime in.

#486 of 549 Re: Pilot or CX-9 [thegraduate] by aviboy97

Aug 05, 2010 (11:51 am)

Replying to: thegraduate (Aug 05, 2010 9:24 am)
While I would not say the CX-9 has a "lexus like" transmission, the Aisin unit in the CX-9 is one of the segments best. Smooth shifting, and durable.

#487 of 549 Re: Pilot or CX-9 [davicho] by thegraduate

Aug 05, 2010 (12:24 pm)

Replying to: davicho (Aug 05, 2010 10:33 am)
Oops, my-bad.
 
I get frustrated when people do that, then I up-and did it myself!

#488 of 549 Re: Pilot or CX-9 [thegraduate] by davicho

Aug 05, 2010 (1:44 pm)

Replying to: thegraduate (Aug 05, 2010 12:24 pm)
No harm no fowl.

Messages Page 49 of 55

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