Hi VTEC
I will add my 0.02 as I was in the same position as you ~ 6 months ago,
We looked at the CX9, Highlander, Pilot, Atlas as well as the Explorer and MDX. We test drove all at least two times. A couple of thoughts:
CX9: well appointed, nice ride, found the cockpit tight and 3rd row meh at best. looks will not age well IMO
Highlander: blah drive, 3rd row meh at best
Pilot: even a more blah drive (like a minivan), no volume knob was annoying, arm rests and no centre console killed it for us
Altla: agree beautiful and timless, drives great. This is the first we drove and after driving another two times we bought an Atlas. No regrets. Not sure what you mean by poor reliability.
Explorer: well appointed, couldn't get past the "softness" of the ride and bad line of sight due to pillars
MDX: great but lack of leg room in second row was killer for us...most;y due to lack of depth from seat to floor
Thanks
G