2024 Honda Pilot vs. 2023 Mazda CX-9 Review

Picture of the 2024 Honda Pilot

2024 Honda
Pilot

MSRP*: $37,090 to $52,480
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Picture of the 2023 Mazda CX-9

2023 Mazda
CX-9

MSRP*: $38,750 to $48,460
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MPG - City 18 - 19 MPG 20 MPG
MPG - Hwy 23 - 27 MPG Info not available
Seating Capacity 7 - 8 seats 6 seats
Cargo Space 86.5 - 87.0 ft3 71.2 ft3
Engine
  • 285-hp, 3.5-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 227-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Automatic
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive
Horsepower 285 hp 227 hp
Towing Capacity 3,500 - 5,000 lbs 3,500 lbs
Exterior Length 199.9 - 200.2 in 199.4 in
Exterior Width 78.5 in 77.5 in
Leg Room Front 41.0 in
Rear 40.8 in
Front 41.0 in
Rear 39.4 in
Head Room Front 39.1 - 40.5 in
Rear 39.2 - 40.2 in
Front 40.1 in
Rear 38.5 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Rear passengers will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Honda Pilot than in the Mazda CX-9. As far as headroom and legroom go, there's not much difference between front seat comfort in the Honda Pilot and the Mazda CX-9.

Convenience
You'll be making about the same number of stops at the gas station with the Honda Pilot as you will with the Mazda CX-9, as they are both able to travel similar distances on a tank of gas.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Whether you pick the Honda Pilot or the Mazda CX-9, it's going to cost you about the same.

Dimensions
The Honda Pilot is a little wider than the Mazda CX-9, so getting in and out of the car in a crowded parking lot may be a little more of a squeeze. When looking at overall length, the Honda Pilot takes up about the same amount of space in your garage as the Mazda CX-9.

Handling
The Honda Pilot has a smaller turning radius than the Mazda CX-9, allowing you to more easily maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When considering towing capacity, the Honda Pilot is clearly the choice over the Mazda CX-9 for pulling heavy loads. The Honda Pilot has a little more horsepower than the Mazda CX-9.

Powertrain
With its lower torque engine, the Honda Pilot doesn't do as good a job transmitting power to its wheels as the Mazda CX-9.

Utility
The Honda Pilot offers greater seating capacity than the Mazda CX-9, making it a better choice for those who find themselves chauffeuring others around. The Honda Pilot has a roomier cargo area for putting your bags or other items than the Mazda CX-9.