Thanks for all the responses so far. If anyone else has any, please add to the discussion.
Odrapnew: That's a lot of info. So basically they are both good. Thanks for not helping. LOL! j/k. That info. is extremely helpful.
Two questions for you:
- how is cargo room between the two, both with just the third row down and second and third rows down? The CX-9 is rated 100 cu. feet, and Explorer 80. But the Ex seems much larger than its rating. How do they compare in "real world" space?
- have you towed with either? If so, how do they handle and brake with a trailer? I know the Explorer is rated higher for towing and has a tow package. The CX-9 "kind of" has a towing package, but from what I gather it certainly isn't strong in this area. Well within the life of this vehicle we're going to get some snowmobiles (not a problem for either vehicle, only 1500 lbs for two including trailer), and a 18' or so boat (not sure aluminum or fiberglass - would think the CX-9 would have trouble with fiberglass).
Sorry, I wish I could be more helpful.
For cargo space, they have about the same amount of space behind the 3rd row. The Ex looks bigger because it has 2nd row buckets(feels more open) and without the dog gate which is in the CX9 right now. The CX9 also has a more rounded tailgate so higher up(near the roof) it curves in, whereas the Ex is more square, so looks more cramped near the top in the 9. The Ex might be a little narrower, but I'll have to get a better view this weekend.
I don't have any experience with the 2nd row folded down, but appearances seem to be very similar. The Ex feels like there's more head room in the 2nd row(sitting in the seat), but they may not fold as low as the CX9, so that could be where the extra space comes from.
All in all, they really feel about the same for cargo space. Maybe this weekend I can fold the seats down and get a few pictures.
I will note that the 2nd row in my Explorer has a lower floor, so you don't feel like you're squatting(if you get what I'm saying) like in the CX9.
Towing: I have not towed with the Explorer yet, but I have towed 2 snowmobiles with the CX9 and it did just fine. You could feel them back there, but really nothing scary about it. Gas mileage dropped from ~20mpg freeway to about 16mpg on the same route. As I mentioned above, we have an aftermarket hitch(Curt brand), which has the 2" square receiver. The factory is the smaller one (1 1/4") and just seems weenie.
The Grand Touring(at least the 08-09..etc generation) does come with the upgraded cooling that is part of the tow package on lesser models, so you don't have to worry about getting the tow package from the factory if you get the GT. Aftermarket hitches are really easy to install. 4 bolts, no hole drilling at all. If you had a 2nd person, it would take less than a half hour to install. The CX9 is only rated to 3500lbs, so depending on the generation of fiberglass boat(older vs. newer), it may be able to handle it, but the Ex would likely be able to do it better.
I hope this helps, but you'd really have to drive them both and decide for yourself. Like I said before, I wouldn't hesitate to get either one as they are both very nice vehicles.