Honda SUVs Earn Top Spot in Brand Loyalty
Honda's SUV lineup has claimed the number one position in brand loyalty among mainstream SUV owners, according to the J.D. Power 2024 Automotive...
Read moreThe Pilot makes some impressive changes for the 2021 model year with more standard features for every model. No matter the trim grade, all owners now have a nine-speed transmission, standard paddle shifters, Idle Stop for fuel savings, and more. It doesn't give up on capacity—that comfortably seats eight passengers—or anything that makes this SUV great for families.
To help you understand more about the Pilot, we compare it to a close competitor, the 2021 Mazda CX-9.
Experience full power with the 2021 Honda Pilot
Each Pilot includes a 3.5-litre six-cylinder engine that generates a family-carrying 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, plenty to find your way through traffic around the city or highway. The nine-speed automatic transmission features Grade Logic Control and paddle shifters on the steering wheel to have more control over response.
The CX-9 also has one engine, a turbocharged four-cylinder that outputs a maximum of 250 horsepower if you burn 93 octane. That could be an expensive proposition over time, so 87 octane reduces the yield to 227 horsepower. The CX-9 has more torque than the Pilot, but there isn't much else that's better.
The CX-9's six-speed automatic transmission doesn't hold much over the Pilot's automatic nine-speed transmission. As a matter of fact, paddle shifters are not available with all CX-9 models, but they are standard issue with the Pilot. With the advanced transmission and power, the Pilot has up to 480 kg of additional towing power than its competitor.
The 2021 Honda Pilot has a spacious and versatile interior
With 3,092 litres of flexible cargo volume, the Pilot is one of the most versatile SUVs in its class. The CX-9 only has a maximum capacity of 2,016 litres, so expect to squeeze in many loads. Behind the second row, the Pilot offers 1,582 litres of cargo volume, besting the maximum capacity of many compact SUVs.
Passengers also feel the difference. They experience more shoulder room, headroom in the second and third rows, and legroom in the third row.
The Pilot features popular equipment such as remote engine start, mirror memory, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. You won't find any of these amenities in the CX-9.
The Pilot is a more stylish and advanced vehicle than the CX-9. You can shop for your car online with us. Our representatives are waiting for your call and can answer all your questions.
Honda SUVs Earn Top Spot in Brand Loyalty
Honda's SUV lineup has claimed the number one position in brand loyalty among mainstream SUV owners, according to the J.D. Power 2024 Automotive...
Read moreHonda Previews New Off-Road Capabilities, Features and Accessories of the All-New 2026 Passport Trailsport
The 2026 Honda Passport Trailsport marks a new chapter in Honda's SUV lineup as their most off-road capable vehicle to date. This all-new model...
Read more2025 Honda CR-V vs. 2025 Hyundai Tucson: Which Compact SUV Comes Out on Top?
The compact SUV market continues to be fiercely competitive, and two of the leading models for 2025 are the Honda CR-V and the Hyundai Tucson. Both...
Read more