2011 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2011 Ford Explorer
In comparing the 2011 Mazda CX-9's and the 2011 Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the 2011 Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, reliability and overall quality score. The 2011 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2011 Mazda CX-9's and the 2011 Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
2011 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2011 Ford Explorer Pricing
A used 2011 Mazda CX-9 ranges from $5,450 to $12,993 while a used 2011 Ford Explorer is priced between $6,891 to $15,997.
2011 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2011 Ford Explorer Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2011 Mazda CX-9 loses 46.3 percent of its value and the 2011 Ford Explorer loses 46.2 percent of its value. This means the 2011 Ford Explorer retains 0.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2011 Mazda CX-9.
2011 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2011 Ford Explorer Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mazda CX-9 is 8.3 out of 10 while the Ford Explorer's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Mazda CX-9 being ranked 3 out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs and the Ford Explorer being ranked 7 out of 31. Out of 22 Best 7-Seater SUVs, the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 3 and the Ford Explorer is ranked 5. The Mazda CX-9 is also ranked 4 out of 30 Best SUVs with 3 Rows while the Ford Explorer is ranked 6 out of 30. The Mazda CX-9 is also ranked 7 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Ford Explorer is ranked 10 out of 66.
2011 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2011 Ford Explorer Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda CX-9 is 8.7 out of 10. For the Ford Explorer the reliability rating is 8.6 out of 10. This gives the Mazda CX-9 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Explorer.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the 2011 Mazda CX-9’s base engine makes 273 horsepower, and the 2011 Ford Explorer base engine makes 290 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2011 Ford Explorer has the advantage of offering more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2011 Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the area of front leg room. The 2011 Mazda CX-9 and 2011 Ford Explorer are comparable in regards to rear leg room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2011 Mazda CX-9 and the 2011 Ford Explorer have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
5450 - 12993
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.463103
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
6891 - 15997
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.462204
Mazda CX-9 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.27297 / 10
Reliability:
8.718911 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.239555 / 10
Reliability:
8.618664 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Mazda CX-9 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 16Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 22Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 8Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 11Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 27Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
8 out of / 30Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 18Ranking
13 out of / 25Ranking
13 out of / 22Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 22Ranking
17 out of / 22Ranking
18 out of / 27Ranking
18 out of / 22Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 22Ranking
20 out of / 30Ranking
21 out of / 22Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
23 out of / 66Ranking
24 out of / 31Ranking
24 out of / 30Ranking
25 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 31Ranking
26 out of / 30Ranking
27 out of / 30Ranking
29 out of / 30Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
30 out of / 31Ranking
33 out of / 66Ranking
38 out of / 66Ranking
43 out of / 66Ranking
52 out of / 58Ranking
55 out of / 66Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 22Ranking
3 out of / 56Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 56Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 22Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 15Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
8 out of / 56Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 22Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
10 out of / 56Ranking
10 out of / 56Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 25Ranking
10 out of / 16Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 56Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 22Ranking
12 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 27Ranking
14 out of / 22Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
20 out of / 56Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 26Ranking
39 out of / 66Ranking
39 out of / 49Ranking
46 out of / 58Ranking
49 out of / 56Ranking
57 out of / 66Summary Review
Mazda’s CX-9 is a three-row crossover SUV that’s slightly smaller but more engaging to drive than most of its direct competitors.
Summary Review
The Ford Explorer is one of the defining vehicles of its segment. This three-row SUV is big, tough, and versatile. Ford redesigned its Explorer for 2020, switching it back to a rear-wheel-drive-based vehicle with a more rugged foundation.
Pros and Cons
- Outstanding standard features make CX-9 a near-premium vehicle
- The Turbocharged engine is a reviewer’s favorite
- Aging infotainment setup
- Smaller than most of its segment peers
Pros and Cons
- Passenger Space
- Advanced 4X4 all-wheel-drive system available
- Class-leading engines on many trims, including a hybrid
- Older models lack some basic advanced safety systems common for their model years
- No 8-passenger seating option for 2021
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2011 Mazda CX-9 Trim Levels
Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
2011 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, Limited, XLT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
273 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque:
270 foot-lbs @ 4250 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
2000 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
290 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
255 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.7 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
17 / 24 / 19
Range (city/hwy):
342 / 482 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
39 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.7 inches
Cargo Space:
17.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
100.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
156.6 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.6 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61 inches
Cargo Space:
21 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
80.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
172.7 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4330 lbs
Width:
76.2 inches
Height:
68 inches
Length:
200 inches
Wheelbase:
113.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4509 lbs
Width:
90.2 inches
Height:
70.4 inches
Length:
197.1 inches
Wheelbase:
112.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P245/65R17