The Mayans are considered a civilization by every traditional standard. Chahokia and Easter Island have in the past been considered advanced tribal societies but not quite civilizations. The standard for civilizations is looser these days.
It’s not clear from archaeology whether the earth mounds of Mississippian cultures such as Cahokia were cities or ritual centers. However, this used to be said of the Maya, too, and it’s now known that their temple complexes were part of very significant urban centers.
The difference is that the Maya build in stone rather than with soil, and that we have a deciphered historical record. In my opinion, the fertility of the Mississippi valley makes it likely that “mound builder” sites were cities, by an reasonable definition, but we’re unlikely to find sufficient remains to establish it.
I guess you are right. The Mayans did have writing and some interesting architectural accomplishments. Still hard to believe they did not even have the wheel.
Hence the Western Civ vs. muzzies thing