2023 Pilot vs Mazda CX90/70 vs. ?

48475 Views 819 Replies 48 Participants Last post by wi_badger, 18 h ago

Derek77

Discussion Starter · 6 mo ago

My wife and I are still rocking our 2005 Pilot. We raised our family with it and it is still going strong with 197k. I am looking for a new family car and capacity is less of a factor now since 2 of our 3 kids drive. Usually we only have 2-4 total people riding anymore. I am planning on keeping the 05 for my youngest. We keep our cars a long time so reliability is very important. I love the idea of going smaller for more fuel efficiency and fun to drive characteristics but a smooth quiet ride is also important. What do you think of the new in-line 6 Mazda has coming in the cx90/70? What else is everyone considering?

761 - 780 of 820 Posts

wi_badger

· #761 · 2 mo ago

Hogan773 said:
stoplight drag races with the SUVs. Sounds like something more fit for the MDXers board where some of those dudes like to pretend they are "tracking" their cars haha

Only after paying $10k too much for their fancy Pilot and then another $5k for modifications to make it ride worse.

Reactions: 1

cintocrunch

· #762 · 2 mo ago

Hogan773 said:
stoplight drag races with the SUVs. Sounds like something more fit for the MDXers board where some of those dudes like to pretend they are "tracking" their cars haha

I seem to remember a lot of people on this forum very excited about the Turbo S and the numbers associated... how can you be excited about the performance numbers and not care about the performance in a real world application? Not sure where we got into "tracking" anything or anything close to those pretentious... well you can finish that sentence.

Fact is - I thought it would be quicker in a straight line than it was in that video. I don't feel the need to corner at the limit but I sure do enjoy running through a couple gears when the mood strikes so yea, I want it to back up those numbers.

devmechster

· #763 · 2 mo ago

@cintocrunch , it is a single WPC (wet plate clutch) as @wi_badger clarified above. So it will feel inherently slightly jerky. In terms of smoothness,
1. Torque convertor (like the ZF 8 speed in BMW)
2. Dual Clutch Autos ( as good as Porsche PDK or VW DCT to as bad as Ford's DCT)
3. Single Clutch Autos (Mercedes AMG to Lamborghini to older BMW M)
4. Manual Transmission

Reactions: 1

cintocrunch

· #764 · 2 mo ago

devmechster said:
@cintocrunch , it is a single WPC (wet plate clutch) as @wi_badger clarified above. So it will feel inherently slightly jerky. In terms of smoothness,
1. Torque convertor (like the ZF 8 speed in BMW)
2. Dual Clutch Autos ( as good as Porsche PDK or VW DCT to as bad as Ford's DCT)
3. Single Clutch Autos (Mercedes AMG to Lamborghini to older BMW M)
4. Manual Transmission

Noted. A quick google search came up with a dual wet plate clutch but it's not an automated manual, no idea what site it was so I will not claim it as good information...

Given that... I have concerns. Lots of very smooth operators in this class of vehicle, and the other performance ones I keep mentioned have the well-liked Ford 10 speed or universally praised ZF 8 speed.

Starting to see compromises and negatives stack up on my end, that interior and ride quality must be pretty amazing to overlook some of these negatives.

wi_badger

· #765 · 1 mo ago

My Mazda dealer called today to let me know the order banks for Turbo S base model are open and my order is in for a May build date.

If you all will allow me, I may just hang around after I take delivery - mostly to post pictures of my second row armrests. I know the MDXers wouldn't allow it.

Reactions: 4

Hogan773

· #766 · 1 mo ago

wi_badger said:
My Mazda dealer called today to let me know the order banks for Turbo S base model are open and my order is in for a May build date.

If you all will allow me, I may just hang around after I take delivery - mostly to post pictures of my second row armrests. I know the MDXers wouldn't allow it.

Dude please keep hanging here you seem like a chill guy. Unlike over at MDXers Country Club where a bunch of grouchy Judge Smails want to kick everyone out who doesn't own and worship the MDX

We would be interested in hearing about the new Mazda

Reactions: 2

cintocrunch

· #767 · 1 mo ago

wi_badger said:
My Mazda dealer called today to let me know the order banks for Turbo S base model are open and my order is in for a May build date.

If you all will allow me, I may just hang around after I take delivery - mostly to post pictures of my second row armrests. I know the MDXers wouldn't allow it.

I'm interested to hear the likes/dislikes over the first couple months as most of us probably would. Please do keep us updated.

Reactions: 1

longurangu

· #768 · 1 mo ago

Which trim from CX-90 is comparable with EX-L?

stieny

· #769 · 1 mo ago

wi_badger said:
My Mazda dealer called today to let me know the order banks for Turbo S base model are open and my order is in for a May build date.

If you all will allow me, I may just hang around after I take delivery - mostly to post pictures of my second row armrests. I know the MDXers wouldn't allow it.

I too would love for you to stick around and post up some pictures. I’d also be curious to hear your review and likes/dislikes once you get it. Looks to be a solid vehicle for sure. 🍻

Reactions: 1

devmechster

· #770 · 1 mo ago

longurangu said:
Which trim from CX-90 is comparable with EX-L?

Preferred/Preferred Plus

Reactions: 1

J35

· #771 · 1 mo ago (Edited)

longurangu said:
Which trim from CX-90 is comparable with EX-L?

None.
EX-L does not come standard with AWD

longurangu

· #772 · 1 mo ago

J35 said:
None.
EX-L does not come standard with AWD

In my mind, I automatically add AWD package. So, its fair comparison for me

longurangu

· #773 · 1 mo ago

Which is the website equivalent for Piloteers in Mazda world? I have already put my money on Elite(wanted EX-L, none around here which I like in my configuration). But hearing all bad news here and also in Facebook groups pushing me towards CX-90 more and more daily. When I look at the CX-90 in person and if space is little bit same as CX-9, then I will stick with Elite I guess.

Thoughts?

wi_badger

· #774 · 1 mo ago

One here but there may be others Mazda CX‌-90 Forum

It is definitely smaller inside than the Pilot. Is it bigger than the CX-9? It is wider but legroom is about the same with the 3rd row gaining 0.5 inches over the CX-9.

Reactions: 1

Hogan773

· #775 · 1 mo ago

longurangu said:
Which is the website equivalent for Piloteers in Mazda world? I have already put my money on Elite(wanted EX-L, none around here which I like in my configuration). But hearing all bad news here and also in Facebook groups pushing me towards CX-90 more and more daily. When I look at the CX-90 in person and if space is little bit same as CX-9, then I will stick with Elite I guess.

Thoughts?

"All bad news here"?

I am sitting in the Elite right now as I type and I love this car. I think we have seen lots of other new owners who also post that they love their Pilots

Reactions: 3

longurangu

· #776 · 1 mo ago

Hogan773 said:
"All bad news here"?

I am sitting in the Elite right now as I type and I love this car. I think we have seen lots of other new owners who also post that they love their Pilots

May be not all bad news... but few things which we would expect to be solid, like leaky roof

Ruturaj

· #777 · 1 mo ago

longurangu said:
Which is the website equivalent for Piloteers in Mazda world? I have already put my money on Elite(wanted EX-L, none around here which I like in my configuration). But hearing all bad news here and also in Facebook groups pushing me towards CX-90 more and more daily. When I look at the CX-90 in person and if space is little bit same as CX-9, then I will stick with Elite I guess.

Thoughts?

If you want something without any issues, get either GX470, 4runner, last gen Sequoia, last gen Lexus LX etc. Pilot would be fairly reliable than CX-90, reliability is not binary and vehicles have less or more issues than others. Cx-90 I think would have more. New Grand Highlander would be about same as pilot. CX-9, I know doesn't work for you, but is reliable because it hasn't been updated in a while. Generally face lifts are better bet to buy than redesigns.

Reactions: 2

anewpilot

· #778 · 1 mo ago

you have big brain thinking if u surmise the cx90 will have less issues than the pilot.

wi_badger

· #779 · 1 mo ago (Edited)

The CX-90 has more complexity/more moving parts than the Pilot. It will have more potential issues than the Pilot as a fact. Mazda is also a smaller company with a smaller budget to devote to R&D. Likely Honda spends more hours on R&D and as a result catches more potential issues.

The nature of those issues is the question. Do they impact reliability/durability or are they ust annoyances or vehicle characteristics. For example our 2012 Odyssey has the most irritating creaks from the front suspension that started within the first 12 months. It's the material used in the front strut mount. It dries out and squeaks. To get rid of it they pull it apart and lube it about once a year. Which I stopped doing when the warranty expired. Has no impact on safety or operation.

By comparison a coworker bought a new Telluride. Within 1500 miles the vehicle would rock and shake severely. Turns out it was missing one engine bolt and another was loose. They also had to park it outside because if the risk of fire from the trailer hitch wiring.

Mazda had recalls on the 6 sedan because there were spiders making webs in the vent tube from the gas tank. I've never heard of that one before or since.

Toyota Grand Highlander will have a complex system like the CX-90, again more moving parts.

But then again compared to 40 years ago all cars are pretty reliable. Most complaints or low rankings on quality these days are related to infotainment systems and not mechanical issues.

But what you like and what works for you. If it's crap then trade it.

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Reactions: 2

devmechster

· #780 · 1 mo ago

As @wi_badger and @Ruturaj mentioned, the CX-90 on paper has the potential for more issues due to the complexity of the powertrain - turbocharger, intercooler, new transmission, mild hybrid setup, etc. As a company, both Honda and Mazda on are on par in terms of reliability over the last 8 to 10 years. There is a warranty to cover anything catastrophic. I'm rolling the dice on the CX-90 for my family as I value driving dynamics more than space efficiency. For me, the CX-90 is the frugal man's BMW X7.

If you're risk averse, wait it out for the 1st two model years and then purchase. The Acura MDX has been out for two years and is due for a minor facelift. You can have the MDX as an option as well given the current 2023 MDX is available at a good discount.

Reactions: 1

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