Are Toyota and Honda really the only 2 brands left that make 3 row SUVs that are actually good? Mazda is also a good brand but the CX-9 is only a turbocharged i4 and it won’t last as long as the non turbo V6.
As far as I’m concerned, Toyota & Honda are the only 2 OEMs remaining, who make good anything (large trucks & SUVs aside)..
The rest have something or the other, which invariably ends up being a deal breaker.
The Mazda CX-9 is pretty decent vehicle. They started production in 07. I'd stay away from the traverse from Chevy as well as the GMC Acadia which is the same as the Traverse (Mom has always had a ton of problems with em). The Ford expedition and explorer is a ok SUV but stay away from their smaller I4 engines.
Assuming one is buying (not leasing) and for longevity of 3-row CUV/SUVs that’s pretty much all there is - although I will always recommend the Toyota (Highlander/Sequoia/Land Cruiser) over the Honda every single time as they are just better engineered products. In the case of the Honda Pilot that you mention, the 3.5L V6 has cylinder deactivation system (VCM) that is a liability over the long run and direct injection-only so catch can and some valve cleaning will be needed over time. Also, in the newer ones (2021+ MY) they went to the 9-speed AT and jury is still out on its long term reliability. In my book for long term reliability and durability, it’s pretty much Toyota or bust for 3-row CUV/SUV. If you are willing to compromise on that, then the options open up, but even then it would be Honda, Mazda, and Subaru.
