2021 Honda Pilot vs. 2021 Mazda CX-9

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Honda Pilot and 2021 Mazda CX-9 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Honda Pilot and the 2021 Mazda CX-9.

When we compare the 2021 Honda Pilot's and the 2021 Mazda CX-9's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Honda Pilot has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2021 Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Honda Pilot's and the 2021 Mazda CX-9's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Honda Pilot is a better car than the 2021 Mazda CX-9.

Pricing: A used 2021 Honda Pilot ranges from $22,491 to $35,118 while a used 2021 Mazda CX-9 is priced between $20,989 to $31,416.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Honda Pilot loses 48.3 percent of its value and the 2021 Mazda CX-9 loses 50.7 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Honda Pilot retains 2.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Mazda CX-9.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda Pilot is 8.3 out of 10 while the Mazda CX-9's quality rating is 7.9 out of 10. This results in the Honda Pilot being ranked 3 out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs and the Mazda CX-9 being ranked 12 out of 31. Out of 33 Best SUVs with 3 Rows, the Honda Pilot is ranked 4 and the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 9. The Honda Pilot is also ranked 9 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 21 out of 66.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda Pilot is 8.0 out of 10. For the Mazda CX-9 the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Honda Pilot a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mazda CX-9.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Honda Pilot’s base engine makes 280 horsepower, and the 2021 Mazda CX-9 base engine makes 250 horsepower. The Pilot is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 527 miles. The CX-9 is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 532 miles. This gives the 2021 Mazda CX-9 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2021 Honda Pilot. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2021 Honda Pilot has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2021 Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the areas of front leg room and rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 Honda Pilot and the 2021 Mazda CX-9 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
2021 Honda Pilot
2021 Mazda CX-9

2021 Honda Pilot
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2021 Honda Pilot for Sale

2021 Mazda CX-9
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2021 Mazda CX-9 for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

32550

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

32108

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

27000 - 37580

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

34160

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

32108

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

27000 - 37580

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

28885

Price Range:

22491 - 35118

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

28757

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

22434 - 40434

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

891

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

85148

# Good or Great Deals:

490

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

26311

Price Range:

20989 - 31416

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

28757

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

22434 - 40434

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

238

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

74120

# Good or Great Deals:

126

Honda Pilot Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.3 / 10

Reliability:

8.0 / 10

Retained Value:

7.9 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10

Mazda CX-9 Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

7.9 / 10

Reliability:

7.9 / 10

Retained Value:

7.8 / 10

Safety:

8.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Honda Pilot

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

9.4

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

7.6

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.7 - 12.6

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.401

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Mazda CX-9

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

8.0

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

7.6

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.7 - 12.6

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.16



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

23.421907059227266

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

7.2

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.1 - 26.4

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

2.2693813543235786

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

7.2

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.1 - 26.4

Honda Pilot Rankings

Best Midsize SUVs

3 / 31

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

3 / 31

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 33

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

4 / 29

Best Family Midsize SUVs

5 / 31

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

5 / 26

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

7 / 66

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

7 / 33

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

8 / 66

Best Family Crossover SUVs

8 / 66

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

8 / 66

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

8 / 33

Best Crossover SUVs

9 / 66

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

9 / 31

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

9 / 31

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

10 / 31

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

10 / 31

Safest Midsize SUVs

10 / 31

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

11 / 66

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

13 / 31

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

14 / 66

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

15 / 33

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

15 / 31

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

16 / 66

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 33

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

16 / 31

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 29

Safest Crossover SUVs

18 / 66

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

18 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

19 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

19 / 33

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

19 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

20 / 66

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

21 / 26

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

22 / 54

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

22 / 31

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

23 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

23 / 33

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

26 / 33

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

34 / 66

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

35 / 66

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

47 / 66

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

50 / 54

Mazda CX-9 Rankings

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

2 / 8

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $40k

3 / 14

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

4 / 66

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $40k

4 / 13

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

4 / 8

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

5 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

5 / 14

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 33

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

6 / 13

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

7 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

9 / 33

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

10 / 31

Best Midsize SUVs

12 / 31

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

14 / 31

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 33

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

17 / 66

Safest Midsize SUVs

19 / 31

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

20 / 31

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

20 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs

21 / 66

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

22 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

23 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

25 / 33

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

26 / 66

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

27 / 66

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

27 / 31

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

27 / 31

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

28 / 66

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

29 / 33

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

29 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

30 / 66

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

30 / 31

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

31 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

31 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

32 / 33

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

33 / 66

Safest Crossover SUVs

34 / 66

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

44 / 66

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

53 / 66

Summary Review

The Honda Pilot is one of America’s favorite three-row family vehicles. All but two trim levels offer seating for eight passengers, though many buyers opt for the 7-passenger configuration with two large captain's chairs in the second row.

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Summary Review

Mazda’s CX-9 is a three-row crossover SUV that’s slightly smaller but more engaging to drive than most of its direct competitors.

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Pros and Cons

  • Seating for up to 8 in almost every trim 
  • Family-friendly features galore
  • Among the largest interior volume and cargo capacity of this segment’s SUVs
  • One of the most “made-in-America” models in this segment (Alabama)

  • No green (hybrid/electric) powertrain option available

Pros and Cons

  • Outstanding standard features make CX-9 a near-premium vehicle
  • The Turbocharged engine is a reviewer’s favorite

  • Aging infotainment setup
  • Smaller than most of its segment peers

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

2021 Honda Pilot Trim Levels

Black Edition, Elite, EX, EX-L, LX, SE, Touring, Touring w/Rear Captain's Chairs

2021 Mazda CX-9 Trim Levels

Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, Signature, Sport, Touring

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

3 years / 36000 miles

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

262 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.070 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

250 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque:

320 foot-lbs @ 2500 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.059 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

3.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

V

Number of Cylinders:

6

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


20 / 27 / 23

Range (city/hwy):

390 / 527 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


22 / 28 / 24

Range (city/hwy):

418 / 532 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Android Auto:

Available

Apple CarPlay:

Available

Captain's seat:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Internet Radio:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Quad Seats:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wifi:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Captain's seat:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Standard

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Internet Radio:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Quad Seats:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Available

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.1 inches

Front Leg Room:

40.9 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

62 inches

Rear Head Room:

40.2 inches

Rear Leg Room:

38.4 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

62 inches

Cargo Space:

16.5 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

83.9 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

169.4 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

39.3 inches

Front Leg Room:

41 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

57.9 inches

Rear Head Room:

38.5 inches

Rear Leg Room:

39.4 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

58.1 inches

Cargo Space:

14.3 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

71.2 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

149.4 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3982 lbs

Width:

78.6 inches

Height:

70.6 inches

Length:

196.5 inches

Wheelbase:

111 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.3 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4236 lbs

Width:

77.5 inches

Height:

69 inches

Length:

199.4 inches

Wheelbase:

115.3 inches

Ground Clearance:

8.8 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 8.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

245/60R18

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 8.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

P255/60R18

Exterior Colors

Black

Crystal Black Pearl

Gray

Modern Steel Metallic

Silver

Lunar Silver Metallic

White

Platinum White Pearl

Blue

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Jet Black Mica

Gray

Machine Gray Metallic

Silver

Not available

White

Snowflake White Pearl Mica

Blue

Deep Crystal Blue Mica

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

Gray

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

Not available

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