Cars.com Faceoff: 2009 Dodge Journey, 2009 Honda Pilot, 2008 Toyota Highlander
High gas prices are here at the same time almost every automaker is rolling out a highly visible crossover. While they get better fuel economy than truck-based SUVs, they’re no econobox. The editors at Cars.com took on two all-new models — the 2009 Dodge Journey and 2009 Honda Pilot — and pitted them against the 2008 Toyota Highlander, which was redesigned last year. These three models are strictly for families, and we decide which is the best and which is the best value. Check out the winner and let us know what you think of our decision in the comments below.
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Dave,
General question: why wasn't the Outlook, Acadia, CX-9, Veracruz included in your comparison?
Keith,
We only do three at a time! the Journey and Pilot are brand new. We've previously done a faceoff of Acadia, CX-9 and Veracruz here:
http://www.cars.com/go/crp/buyingGuides/Story.jsp?referer=&year=New§ion=SUV&story=cc_rowCrossover&subject=stories&year=New&aff=national
Why wasn't the taurus X in the comparison. I find it to be one of the most satisfactory vehicles to own. I have never seen a comparison with the Taurus X in it.
Austin,
we can only handle so many vehicles in each faceoff. We wanted to go with the most current models we could find.
they are trying to get the larger volume vehicles rated and reviewed first, since many more people are going to research them.
the Taurus X is not a high-volume vehicle. I have seen only one on the road since its debut.
I'd take the Pilot every time. Our 2006 Pilot has been flawless and the turbine-smooth drivetrain impresses me every time I drive it. The quality of the materials and overall build quality is as solid as a rock.
I don't like the styling of the 2009 Pilot though, but I'd look past "The Brick" knowing that a solid quality vehicle is hidden beneath the blocky styling.
I can attest to the Highlander's quirky transmission. It is absolutely horrible to drive and the hesitation is downright dangerous. I dumped our 2005 Avalon for this exact reason - I was almost hit twice when the transmission just decided not to go, not forgetting the terrible build quality and RATTLES that seem to be a "feature" of all new Toyotas. The Toyota 3.5 V6 may be powerful, but unlike it's liquid-smooth and silent 3.3 and 3.0 liter predecessors, the 3.5 is not a smooth or quiet running unit. This together with a dysfunctional transmission make for a nasty drivetrain. Toyota just don't make them like they used to.
As for the Chrysler, do they still fall apart just after the warranty expires?
So, having read this and the one you linked to, which is better, in your opinion? - The Pilot or the CX-9?
"Cul-de-sac cred"? Why not just come out and admit that you didn't want the Dodge is go scoreless instead of inventing a meaningless catagory just to award points.
I recently read somewhere on this site about journalism being of such poor quality today. I now understand where the person is coming from.
Why they test top trims. how many people buying touring? Ok, 1 of 10. So, is this comparison for 1 of 10 or fo most of us?
Test the LX models. These are sold in numbers, not Touring or Limited.
and what are those desirable options? DVD? They are desiriable until you need to pay for it a grand or more.
If you're looking to compare compact SUV's, I would have included the Tiguan. It gets 25 hwy MPG and comes standard with a turbocharged 200hp engine and is available with 4Motion 4 wheel drive. Then again, I have been working with VW to help spread the word on the car, so I'm somewhat baised.