In the market for a 3 row SUV, but want something that handles well for its size. We have driven and narrowed down search to these 2. MDX with SH AWD handles better with less roll and more confidence, but Mazda is respectable and has good tuning balance between comfort and performance. Interior on Signature is a lot nicer and controls are more intuitive than Dual screens on MDX.
Thought from owners are appreciated. Am I the only one cross shopping these?
I now own a 2017 Honda Pilot and I bought a 2014 Acura MDX 3 weeks ago, primarily due to my Pilot research and subsequent owner experience. That being said, my wife and I had our hearts set on buying the 2016 CX-9 so much so, we would not even test drive the Pilot. That was until we test drove the CX-9 and spent a few hours speaking with 3-4 Mazda dealers. The poor buying experience offered by Mazda was enough to make us want to go elsewhere.
CX-9 Pros:
1. I will agree the interior of the CX-9 is a step above the MDX. It's not dramatic but it is there.
2. Many will say the CX-9 drives better. Not sure if I agree with this though but I'll give this one to Mazda.
3. Possibly less expensive purchase price than MDX but it depends on your desired trim level of each.
CX-9 Cons:
1. At least in my area, Mazda dealer experience was horrid.
2. I felt the CX-9 was under-powered slightly.
3. Poor performing A/C system in hot environments. This complaint is fairly well documented in the Mazda forums.
Somewhere in-between:
1. Questionable MPG in CX-9. Some reviews stated they are getting MPG results inline with EPA listings. Some (possibly many) owners on Mazda forums are complaining about poor MPG. I can't say for sure as I didn't buy the CX-9.
2. The infotainment system in the CX-9 is no better than my 2014 MDX Advance. They could battle it out for the title of which one sucks less. Mazda has been stating for a long time now that they would introduce Carplay/Android Auto and it has not come to fruition. The infotainment system in my 17 Pilot supports Carplay/Android Auto and while this system has detractors, my wife and I really like it and find it super easy to use.
I've owned my Pilot since November 17 and knock on wood, I've not had a single issue that I felt I needed/wanted Honda to address. 0-60 in 6.0 seconds in the Pilot, which is physically larger than the MDX is impressive. Not that I bought it to drag race but it's nice to know you have the power on tap if needed. The MDX has a sportier drive than my Pilot and both are almost as fast 0-60 with similar MPG.
I have taken my MDX to my local dealer twice now to address some issues (front end noise, seat belt that was manufactured incorrectly, and RPM's jumping/inconsistent throttle response) and the experience offered by Acura has so far been miles ahead of what I experienced from Mazda. Acura accurately identified my issues, ordered parts, performed repairs, referenced TSB's without me mentioning anything about them (although I knew they existed to address my complaints) and either provided a loaner car or a shuttle service. They have not asked me to pay them anything to make me happy.
That's my two cents on the matter:laugh: