Mazda CX-9 vs. Honda Pilot

If you’ve been shopping for a full-size SUV, you’ve probably seen the Mazda CX-9 and Honda Pilot. Both brands have solid reputations for building quality automobiles. However, we know some buyers find comparing the various models and options challenging. So, we had our SUV experts compare these two SUVs to help you decide which vehicle best suits your needs.

Mazda CX-9 Trim Levels and Pricing

Mazda offers the CX-9 in six attractive trim levels. The base Touring model starts at an MSRP of $38,750 and comes nicely equipped with leather-trimmed seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, and cutting-edge in-vehicle tech. On the Touring Plus trim, you add signature exterior style, a power liftgate, and 20-inch alloy wheels with an MSRP of $41,500. The Carbon Edition trim begins at an MSRP of $44,780 and comes with trim-exclusive Polymetal Gray Metallic exterior paint, 20-inch Gloss Black alloy wheels, and premium leather seats with unique accent red stitching.

The Grand Touring trim offers elevated comfort and convenience features plus the latest in-vehicle tech you desire at an MSRP starting price of $45,640. Mazda’s top-tier CX-9 Signature trim has all the luxurious features you crave, plus incredible style and power for an MSRP of $48,460.

Honda Pilot Trim Levels and Pricing

Honda offers the Pilot in seven trim levels. The base Sport trim starts at an MSRP of $38,080 and features premium cloth upholstery instead of the leather found on the CX-9. On the Pilot EX-L model at an MSRP of $40,310, you get leather seats. Honda’s Special Edition Pilot begins with an MSRP of $40,910 and adds black alloy wheels and roof rails. Finally, pricing on the mid-range TrailSport falls at an MSRP of $44,810 before adding options and comes with rugged styling cues.

The Pilot Touring trim introduces more high-end features at an MSRP price tag of $44,870. On the Pilot Elite model, you’ll find the top-tier amenities you expect from Honda for an MSRP of $50,370. Honda also makes a Black Edition, similar to the CX-9 Carbon Edition, that starts at an MSRP of $51,870 and comes with blackout treatments and trim-exclusive features.

Mazda CX-9 Performance

The CX-9’s performance begins with Mazda’s SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder dynamic pressure turbocharged engine with dual overhead cams and 16 valves with variable valve timing and advanced direct injection technology. Mazda paired this engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. As a result, this powertrain produces an impressive 250 horsepower, 320 lb-ft of torque, and 3,500 pounds of towing capacity. In addition, the CX-9 posts an EPA-estimated 20 mpg driving in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Every Mazda CX-9 comes standard with i-ACTIV AWD with off-road traction assist and G-Vectoring Control Plus. This AWD system continuously monitors traction at all four wheels. When the system detects a loss of traction, it delivers power to the wheel or wheels that can use it most. G-Vectoring Control Plus monitors your steering input and subtly adjusts engine torque and braking for a more refined ride and stability over uneven surfaces. Mazda also mounted paddle shifters on the steering wheel for a more connected and spirited driving experience.

Honda Pilot Performance

Honda uses a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with a single overhead cam with 24 valves and direct injection technology. It comes paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. As a result, this engine produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. In the standard front-wheel-drive configuration, the Pilot tows 3,500 pounds. The front-wheel-drive powertrain rates 20 mpg on surface roads and 27 mpg on the highway.

AWD comes standard on three of the seven Pilot trims. The AWD configuration increases the towing capacity to 5,000 pounds, but the option costs a little more than $2,000, plus additional towing equipment. In addition, the AWD system gets lower efficiency ratings, coming in at 19 mpg around town and 25 mpg on the highway.

Mazda CX-9 Interior Comfort and Convenience

Inside the CX-9, you have premium leather upholstery on every model, plus heated front- and second-row seats. The top three CX-9 models elevate comfort with ventilated front- and second-row seats, plus a second-row center console with integrated cup holders and two additional USB ports. The standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob add refined style, and the steering wheel heats on the upper model for extra comfort. Plus, you get the paddle shifters.

Your in-vehicle tech runs through a 10.25-inch touchscreen on every trim with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth technology preloaded. In addition, a standard wireless charging pad and six total USB ports keep your smartphones powered up and connected.

Honda Pilot Interior Comfort and Convenience

The Pilot trims feature leather-trimmed seats as well. However, the second-row captain’s chairs in the second row are only standard on the top two models and available on the Touring trim as an option. In all other models, the second-row bench is the only option. Heated seats come standard on most trims, and the upper two models feature second-row heating.

The in-vehicle tech operates on an eight-inch touchscreen preinstalled with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth technology. A wireless charging pad comes on only four models, the Special Edition, TrailSport, Elite, and Black Edition, and isn’t available as an option on the other trims. Every Pilot has one USB data port in the front center console and two USB charging ports in the second row.

Mazda CX-9 i-ACTIVSENSE Safety Technology

Every CX-9 comes equipped with a suite of driver-assist systems designed to elevate your driving experience and stay safe. Mazda’s suite includes blind-spot monitoring, advanced smart city brake support with day and nighttime pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, Mazda radar cruise control, smart braking systems, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, driver attention alert, and traffic-sign recognition.

Honda Pilot Honda Sensing

Honda offers its suite of driver-assist systems on every Pilot. Honda Sensing includes collision-mitigation braking, road-departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot information with rear cross-traffic monitor.

The Mazda CX-9 for the Win

After reviewing the various features of each SUV, it’s clear the CX-9 edges the Pilot in nearly every significant category. The CX-9 offers better standard power and performance with its AWD platform that beats out the Pilot’s AWD version, which costs thousands more to add. You get a larger touchscreen, three additional USB ports in the CX-9, and a Bose audio system on the upper trims. Perhaps the closest matchup is the driver-assist systems, which line up pretty evenly until you consider the day and night-time pedestrian detection.

If you’re ready to upgrade your Orange, California, commute with a stylish, capable, three-row SUV, we invite you to browse our inventory online . Then, when you’re prepared for a test drive, visit us on West Katella Avenue.

Mazda CX-9 by Simon Yeo is licensed with CC BY 2.0