Mazda CX 9 vs Honda Pilot: Comparing Midsize SUV Powerhouses

When it comes to choosing a family SUV, the decision often boils down to a few key contenders. Two such popular options are the Mazda CX-9 and the Honda Pilot. Both of these three-row SUVs offer a blend of performance, comfort, and advanced features, making them strong candidates for families seeking reliability and versatility. In this comparison, we’ll delve into the specifics of the Mazda CX 9 vs Honda Pilot, exploring their performance, design, technology, and safety features to help you determine which vehicle better suits your needs.

Introduction: Mazda CX 9 vs Honda Pilot

When it comes to midsize SUVs, the Mazda CX-9 and Honda Pilot are two of the most popular and well-regarded options on the market. Both offer a compelling blend of space, performance, and features, making them top contenders for families and adventurous drivers alike. In this in-depth comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences and similarities between the Mazda CX-9 and Honda Pilot, helping you determine which one best fits your lifestyle and needs.

The Mazda CX-9, part of Mazda’s acclaimed lineup of stylish and driver-focused vehicles, has long been praised for its premium interior, engaging driving dynamics, and sophisticated design. On the other hand, the Honda Pilot is a trusted name in the midsize SUV segment, known for its versatility, family-friendly features, and renowned Honda reliability.

Exterior Design and Dimensions

Mazda CX-9

• Length: 199.4 inches
• Width: 77.5 inches
• Height: 69.0 inches
• Wheelbase: 115.3 inches

The Mazda CX-9 boasts a sleek and elegant exterior that sets it apart from the more boxy and utilitarian styling of some competitors. With its flowing lines, sculpted body, and bold front grille, the CX-9 exudes a sense of premium refinement. Mazda’s KODO: “Soul of Motion” design language is evident in the CX-9, giving it a dynamic and eye-catching appearance.

Honda Pilot

• Length: 196.5 inches
• Width: 78.6 inches
• Height: 69.8 inches
• Wheelbase: 111.0 inches

The Honda Pilot, on the other hand, adopts a more conventional midsize SUV silhouette, with a bolder, more rugged-looking front end and a more upright profile. While not as visually striking as the CX-9, the Pilot’s design is still clean and modern, catering to buyers who prioritize functionality and practicality over outright style.

In terms of dimensions, the Mazda CX-9 is slightly larger overall, with a longer wheelbase and a slightly lower profile compared to the Honda Pilot. This gives the CX-9 a more balanced and proportionate appearance, which some may find more appealing.

Interior Space and Seating

Mazda CX-9

• Seating Capacity: 7 or 8 passengers
• Cargo Volume (behind 3rd row): 14.4 cubic feet
• Cargo Volume (behind 2nd row): 38.2 cubic feet
• Cargo Volume (behind 1st row): 71.2 cubic feet

The Mazda CX-9 offers a spacious and well-appointed interior, with seating for up to 8 passengers. The third-row seats provide decent legroom and access, making the CX-9 a viable option for larger families. The cargo area is also generous, providing ample space for luggage, sports gear, and other bulky items, especially with the second and third-row seats folded down.

Honda Pilot

• Seating Capacity: 8 passengers
• Cargo Volume (behind 3rd row): 16.5 cubic feet
• Cargo Volume (behind 2nd row): 46.8 cubic feet
• Cargo Volume (behind 1st row): 83.9 cubic feet

The Honda Pilot also offers seating for up to 8 passengers, with a spacious and versatile interior. The third-row seats are slightly more accessible and accommodating than the CX-9’s, and the Pilot boasts a larger overall cargo capacity, especially with the rear seats folded down. This makes the Pilot an excellent choice for families who frequently need to haul larger items or equipment.

Both the Mazda CX-9 and Honda Pilot provide comfortable, high-quality interiors with a range of amenities and convenience features. However, the Pilot’s more cavernous cargo area and slightly more spacious third-row seating may give it an edge for buyers who prioritize maximum passenger and storage capacity.

Powertrain and Performance

Mazda CX-9

• Engine: 2.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 227 hp
• Torque: 310 lb-ft
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic
• Fuel Economy (FWD): 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway
• Fuel Economy (AWD): 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway

The Mazda CX-9 is powered by a potent 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which delivers an impressive 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission, provides the CX-9 with a spirited and engaging driving experience, making it one of the more fun-to-drive options in the midsize SUV segment.

Honda Pilot

• Engine: 3.5L V6
• Horsepower: 280 hp
• Torque: 262 lb-ft
• Transmission: 9-speed automatic
• Fuel Economy (FWD): 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway
• Fuel Economy (AWD): 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway

The Honda Pilot, on the other hand, is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. While not quite as potent as the Mazda’s turbocharged engine, the Pilot’s V6 provides ample power and acceleration for most driving situations. The Pilot’s 9-speed automatic transmission also helps to deliver a smooth and responsive driving experience.

In terms of fuel economy, the Mazda CX-9 holds a slight edge over the Honda Pilot, especially in front-wheel-drive configuration. The CX-9’s turbocharged engine and 6-speed automatic transmission contribute to its more efficient fuel usage.

Both the Mazda CX-9 and Honda Pilot offer available all-wheel-drive systems, providing enhanced traction and capability for tackling a variety of road conditions. However, the Pilot’s available torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system may give it a slight edge in off-road or inclement weather performance.

Technology and Safety Features

Mazda CX-9

• Standard Infotainment System: 10.25-inch touchscreen
• Available Features: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bose premium audio, wireless charging
• Standard Safety Features: Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring

The Mazda CX-9 boasts a well-equipped and user-friendly technology suite, highlighted by its large 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. The available features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Bose audio system, provide a comprehensive and seamless connectivity experience. The CX-9 also comes standard with an impressive suite of advanced safety features, such as Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Automatic Emergency Braking, helping to keep you and your passengers protected.

Honda Pilot

• Standard Infotainment System: 8-inch touchscreen
• Available Features: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Rear-Seat Entertainment System, Wireless Phone Charger
• Standard Safety Features: Honda Sensing (Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Road Departure Mitigation)

The Honda Pilot also offers a well-appointed technology package, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and available features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Pilot’s Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety technologies, including Collision Mitigation Braking and Lane Keeping Assist, provides comprehensive driver-assistance capabilities.

Both the Mazda CX-9 and Honda Pilot offer a solid suite of technology and safety features, ensuring a well-connected and secure driving experience. The Mazda’s slightly larger standard infotainment screen and premium Bose audio system may give it a slight edge for tech-savvy buyers, while the Honda’s Honda Sensing suite is a proven and highly regarded safety system.

Pricing and Value

Mazda CX-9

• Starting MSRP: $34,960
• Range: $34,960 – $47,205

Honda Pilot

• Starting MSRP: $37,580
• Range: $37,580 – $51,040

In terms of pricing, the Mazda CX-9 generally starts at a lower base price compared to the Honda Pilot, with a starting MSRP of $34,960. The CX-9’s range extends up to $47,205, while the Pilot’s price range goes up to $51,040.

However, it’s important to note that the Honda Pilot offers a more extensive lineup of trim levels and available features, which can drive up the final price point. Both the Mazda CX-9 and Honda Pilot are competitively priced within the midsize SUV segment, and both offer excellent value for the money when considering their respective levels of performance, technology, safety, and overall quality.

Ultimately, the decision between the Mazda CX-9 and Honda Pilot may come down to personal preferences and priorities, such as design, driving dynamics, or specific feature requirements. Both are highly capable and well-rounded midsize SUVs that are worth considering for families and adventurous drivers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between the Mazda CX-9 and Honda Pilot?

The main differences between the Mazda CX-9 and Honda Pilot include:

• Exterior design: The CX-9 has a more premium, sculpted look, while the Pilot has a more conventional SUV silhouette.
• Powertrain: The CX-9 has a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, while the Pilot has a V6 engine.
• Fuel economy: The CX-9 has slightly better fuel efficiency, especially in front-wheel-drive configuration.
• Cargo space: The Pilot offers more overall cargo volume, especially with the rear seats folded down.
• Pricing: The CX-9 has a lower starting MSRP, but the Pilot offers a more extensive trim level lineup.

Which SUV has better towing capacity?

The Honda Pilot has a higher maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, compared to the Mazda CX-9’s 3,500-pound towing capacity. If you frequently need to tow heavy loads, the Pilot may be the better choice.

Are both the Mazda CX-9 and Honda Pilot available with all-wheel drive?

Yes, both the Mazda CX-9 and Honda Pilot offer available all-wheel-drive systems to provide enhanced traction and capability.

How do the third-row seats compare between the two SUVs?

The Honda Pilot’s third-row seats are slightly more spacious and accessible compared to the Mazda CX-9’s. The Pilot’s third row can comfortably accommodate adults, while the CX-9’s third row is better suited for children or smaller passengers.

Which SUV has the better infotainment system?

The Mazda CX-9 comes standard with a larger 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, compared to the Honda Pilot’s 8-inch screen. The CX-9’s system also offers a more premium Bose audio option, giving it a slight edge in the technology department.

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