The Honda Pilot is one of the most spacious and powerful SUVs offered in the Canadian marketplace. Honda evolved this model series by listening to what customers want in a mid-size SUV, and it’s also exceeded those expectations. Here, we compare the Pilot to one of its main competitors - the 2020 Mazda CX-9. The differences just may surprise you. 

The Pilot offers six well-equipped trims in the model lineup that meet the needs of a variety of drivers, whether they are seeking value, top amenities, and more. The CX-9 only offers four trims, reducing available choices. The exterior of the Pilot includes unique equipment not offered with the CX-9, including LED turn signal indicators and roof rails. A front wiper de-icer is standard on each Pilot, but not on the CX-9. 

Power comes easily to the 2020 Honda Pilot

Each Pilot features a 3.5L six-cylinder engine that produces 280 hp using regular unleaded gasoline.  The CX-9’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine only reaches 227 hp on the same fuel. Although the CX-9 has more torque, it’s negated by just a six-speed automatic transmission. The Pilot’s nine-speed transmission, offered on the Touring and BLACK EDITION trims, runs more efficiently and enhances performance. 

Whether you drive a Pilot for business or pleasure, you can pull up to 2,268 kg with the available towing package. This amounts to 680 kg more than the CX-9. 

The 2020 Honda Pilot has worry-free cargo and passenger volume

The Pilot truly maximizes the amount of room in each vehicle. All trims include 3,072 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. When the middle row is up, it amounts to 1583 litres. It still offers 524 litres of cargo volume when the third row is also raised. Each of these measurements represents a respective 1055, 501, and 117-litre increase over the CX-9. 

The surprising amount of cargo space in the Pilot also translates into more passenger room. Shoulder room in the front row (1576 mm), second row (1576 mm), and third-row (1463 mm) offer at least 100 mm more room in each row than the CX-9. With all this room, the Pilot can include an additional passenger, something the CX-9 cannot do. A full load of passengers in the Pilot will also ride in a more peaceful environment with the standard Active Noise Cancellation System, something the CX-9 does not offer. 

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