MAZDA CX-9 vs. Honda Pilot

Equipped with a Skyactiv®-G 2.5 Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine at all trim levels, the MAZDA CX-9 seamlessly achieves 320 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an i-Activ AWD® (all-wheel drive) system, so you’ll enjoy optimal steering and traction without sacrificing fuel economy.

By comparison, the Honda Pilot features a 3.5L V6 engine inside each of its trims. The engine generates 262 lb-ft of torque. The Honda Pilot’s engine uses Variable Cylinder Management™ along with a 10-speed automatic transmission to achieve tight handling and acceleration.

The additional torque in the MAZDA CX-9 allows it to accelerate up steep hills and inclines safely. It also helps drivers maintain the ability to accelerate when they need it most. If you enjoy camping trips or live near hilly areas, the MAZDA CX-9 is built for your lifestyle.

The MAZDA CX-9 and the Honda Pilot are natural performers both on and off the road. What about when it comes to towing? With their base trims, both SUVs can tow up to 3,500 pounds! That’s the equivalent of these towable toys:

Go on, bring along some large cargo or recreational items for the adventure!

The meticulously crafted MAZDA CX-9 interior provides a welcome escape from your busy day. Outfitted with premium materials such as Nappa leather-trimmed seating and Santos Rosewood inlays in the Signature trim, you’ll feel wrapped in luxury from the moment you slip behind the wheel.

The Pilot takes a more functional approach to its design, offering available 1-touch second-row leather-trimmed seats and rear-seat heater ducts. Drivers also have plenty of cupholders and storage bins to use on their next road trip.

Each model offers a full suite of comfort features. This includes standard 3-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats. While both SUVs have a Rear Power Liftgate, it comes standard in the MAZDA CX-9, and is only available with an upgrade to a higher trim in the Pilot.

The MAZDA CX-9 increases the comfort with a 6-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. The Pilot has a front passenger's seat with 4-way power adjustment.

Also, drivers and passengers both benefit from greater connectivity in these SUVs that offer multiple power points for charging your favorite devices, which lets everyone stay in touch and entertained on long road trips.

Thanks to the Mazda Connect™ display, MAZDA CX-9 drivers can experience seamless connectivity to a range of helpful apps and online services. Easily navigate the 10.25-inch center display with the Multifunction Commander control or through the voice-command system.

Even your most tech-savvy passenger will be amazed at how easy it is to access all sorts of entertainment features, including:

You'll find similarities as well as differences in the Pilot’s technology. The Honda Pilot provides drivers with a standard 7-inch and an available 9-inch touchscreen, much smaller than the standard screen in the MAZDA CX-9. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration also come in the Pilot.

Still, you’ll enjoy the ease of a standard wireless phone charger in the MAZDA CX-9. To leave your charging cords behind when driving the Honda Pilot will require an upgrade.

With either model, you can upgrade to a higher quality sound system from Bose® with a dozen speakers. The system in the Pilot includes a subwoofer. That being said, you may enjoy a better listening experience in the MAZDA CX-9 with its Bose® Centerpoint® 2 Surround Sound System with AudioPilot® 2.

AudioPilot® 2 provides Noise Compensation Technology, which detects ambient noise levels and vehicle speed to automatically adjust the audio volume. That way, your music playlists, podcasts, or audio books will sound the same no matter how fast you’re traveling or how much external noise there may be.