If the 2018 Mazda CX-9 is all about Style and Substance, the 2018 Honda Pilot also adds purpose to substance. These close competitors in their segment are both modern family SUVs that sport refined looks both inside and out, supreme performance both in cities and highways and boast of a wide range of tech and safety features making them both leaders in their class. To understand their performance aspects better, we decided to do a Powertrain Comparison of the Honda Pilot and a Mazda CX-9 for sale apart from various other aspects.
Exterior
The Honda Pilot comes with a bold front grille in a three-bar chrome layout that blends smartly with the LED headlights. The form factor is quite typical as that of most SUVs with smooth but muscular lines and aerodynamic styling. The CX-9 on the other hand carries the signature Mazda front grille with black or chrome front, rear and side lower body molding. The form is deviates from most SUVs with the long hood and tapering roofline and smooth curvy lines that adds a touch of class which brings it closer in design aspects to luxury vehicles. Both of course sport front and back LED headlights. The Honda Pilot is offered in five trim levels, the LX, EX, EX-L, Touring and Elite, whereas the Mazda CX-9 comes in four – the Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and Signature trims.
Interiors
The Mazda CX-9 is a 7-seater wonder with immaculately designed interiors in all trims, with the Signature trim featuring Nappa Leather seats, Rose wood trims and aluminum accents. The Honda Pilot adds space for an additional passenger making it an 8-seater that’s standard on the LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring trims with lots of family-friendly features.
Engine & Powertrain
Coming to what we are here for in the first place, both the CX-9 and Pilot have their engine configurations engineered with precision. Both aim for a balance in comfort, performance and mileage. Except the Elite trim which has the AWD as a standard, the rest of the trims in the Honda Pilot come with a 2-WD with the 6-speed or available AWD with 6-speed or 9-speed automatic. These are all powered by a magnificent 3.5-liter V6 EarthDreams® engine that delivers 280-hp with 262-lb.ft of torque that means business. Finding a Mazda for sale near me we learn that the base Sport trim in the CX-9 comes with a 4WD and has an available AWD option, while the rest of the trims are come in AWD which is a plus. All the CX-9’s sport the highly refined 250-hp, SKYACTIV®4-G 2.5T 4-cylinder engine with Dynamic Pressure Turbo using a SKYACTIV® Drive 6-speed automatic that delivers 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
Conclusion
Carefully examining both these beautiful SUVs aspect by aspect it can be understood that both models rely high on interior comfort, form factor and performance to boost their image. If the Mazda CX-9 speaks loudly about style and luxury, the Honda Pilot showcases technology and smartness.