Honda Pilot vs. Mazda CX-9
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Honda Pilot and 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 Honda Pilot and the Mazda CX-9.
When comparing the Honda Pilot's and the Mazda CX-9's specifications and ratings, the Honda Pilot has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume and base engine power. The Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Honda Pilot's and the Mazda CX-9's specifications and ratings, the Honda Pilot is a better car than the Mazda CX-9.
Pricing: A used 2025 Honda Pilot ranges from $41,454 to $54,880 while a used 2023 Mazda CX-9 is priced between $29,370 to $39,992. For a new model, the Honda Pilot's price is between $43,623 and $56,129, with the Mazda CX-9 priced between $40,092 and $46,756.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Honda Pilot loses 43.6 percent of its value and the Mazda CX-9 loses 47 percent of its value. This means the Honda Pilot retains 3.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mazda CX-9.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda Pilot is 8.7 out of 10 while the Mazda CX-9's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Honda Pilot being ranked 10 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Mazda CX-9 being ranked 5 out of 39. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Honda Pilot is ranked 11 and the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 7. The Honda Pilot is also ranked 11 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs while the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 4 out of 32.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda Pilot is 9.2 out of 10. For the Mazda CX-9 the reliability rating is 8.6 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 Honda Pilot’s base engine makes 285 horsepower, and the Mazda CX-9 base engine makes 250 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 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, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-9 are comparable in regards to front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Honda Pilot and the Mazda CX-9 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$43,623 - $56,129
Starting MSRP:
$39,900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$39,763
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$39,625 - $39,900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$40,092 - $46,756
Starting MSRP:
$38,750
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$36,046
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$28,750 - $41,535
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$47,417
Price Range:
$41,454 - $54,880
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,417
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,417 - $47,417
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
11,058
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
133
# Good or Great Deals:
72
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$34,770
Price Range:
$29,370 - $39,992
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,669
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,626 - $57,848
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
525
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
28,888
# Good or Great Deals:
134
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$17,844
Depreciation %:
44.7%
Resale Value $:
$22,056
Residual Value %:
55.3%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
47.2%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
44.7% - 48.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$18,539
Depreciation %:
47.8%
Resale Value $:
$20,211
Residual Value %:
52.2%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
47.8%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
47.8% - 47.8%
Honda Pilot Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
9.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Mazda CX-9 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Honda Pilot
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.1
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
9.1 - 11.1
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
69.9%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda CX-9
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
9.5
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.6 - 12.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
64.4%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.3 - 21.6
Honda Pilot Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
6 out of / 39Ranking
6 out of / 18Ranking
6 out of / 17Ranking
6 out of / 16Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 21Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 30Ranking
21 out of / 28Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
42 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 67Ranking
54 out of / 59Mazda CX-9 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 39Ranking
2 out of / 18Ranking
2 out of / 17Ranking
2 out of / 16Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 34Ranking
16 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 28Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
27 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 39Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 32Ranking
33 out of / 39Ranking
34 out of / 67Ranking
34 out of / 39Ranking
40 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 59Ranking
57 out of / 67Summary 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.
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.
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
Honda Pilot Trim Levels
Black Edition, Elite, EX-L, Sport, Touring, TrailSport
Mazda CX-9 Trim Levels
Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, Signature, Touring, Touring Plus
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
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 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
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
285 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
262 foot-lbs @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.066 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):
0.057 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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 26 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
390 / 507 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
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
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
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
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.7 inches
Cargo Space:
18.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
87 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
177.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 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:
150.1 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4313 lbs
Width:
78.5 inches
Height:
71 inches
Length:
199.9 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4409 lbs
Width:
86.9 inches
Height:
69 inches
Length:
199.4 inches
Wheelbase:
115.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/50R20
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
Blue
Obsidian Blue Pearl
Gray
Sonic Gray Pearl
Red
Radiant Red Metallic II
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Deep Crystal Blue Mica
Gray
Machine Gray Metallic
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Silver
Sonic Silver Metallic
White
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Beige
Sand
