Materials and Features

[Mazda3]

(iagree)
The only thing that I felt faster was the Acura MDX but the "fun-to-drive"/"sporty" factor felt the same between the MDX and CX-9. I was even dissappointed with the new BMW X5 (V6).

The new 3.7L engine should close the performance gap. In Canada there is $11k price gap between the top MDX and CX-9, on top of that Acura has higher rates and lower residuals. So there is a hefty price to pay for a 1/2 second off the 1/4 mile time.

 

[ZoomFive]

Comparing an 08 Pilot to 08 CX-9, you should take the top of the line EX-L and compare it with CX-9 Touring trim. Include the low 1.9% financing to substract atleast $2k in interest savings. You'll see that the CX-9 comes lower price and still offers a few more things like 18" wheels, LED taillights, more HP/TQ, etc.

The GT trim actually puts the CX-9 into "luxury" territory with 20" rims, 2-tone leather, HID headlights, sideview mirror lights, rainsensing wipers, blind spot system, etc and therefore, it should not be compared to even the top of the line EX-L Pilot.

The Pilot has a $1000 dealer incentive that might be had on top of this. My numbers comparing the Touring and the EX-L still has the Pilot ahead. That said, the obvious holds: New Pilot in 2009, CX-9 sportier, etc.

ZoomFive

 

[DashingMax]

Pilot vs CX-9

The Pilot has a $1000 dealer incentive that might be had on top of this. My numbers comparing the Touring and the EX-L still has the Pilot ahead. That said, the obvious holds: New Pilot in 2009, CX-9 sportier, etc.

ZoomFive

Hmm...using Kelly Blue Book (screenshot attached), the Invoice prices for both vehicles are only $100 apart. CX-9's 1.9% financing for 36 months will more than offset the $1k Pilot incentive, making the CX-9 approx $1,000 cheaper than the Pilot. So, for less money, the CX-9 offers more than the Pilot, 270hp/273tq vs 240hp/240tq, longer wheelbase, much larger 3rd row seating & cargo volume, 18" wheels, etc.

 

[ZoomFive]

Hmm...using Kelly Blue Book (screenshot attached), the Invoice prices for both vehicles are only $100 apart. CX-9's 1.9% financing for 36 months will more than offset the $1k Pilot incentive, making the CX-9 approx $1,000 cheaper than the Pilot. So, for less money, the CX-9 offers more than the Pilot, 270hp/273tq vs 240hp/240tq, longer wheelbase, much larger 3rd row seating & cargo volume, 18" wheels, etc.

I agree that you get more for the money, the vehicle is bigger, and more sprightly. I wonder about the reliablity over the years. I think we'll have this for at least 7 years. One thing I noticed about the Pilot is that it has a third row center tether for another car seat in a pinch and storage is a little better.