2016 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2016 Ford Explorer
In comparing the 2016 Mazda CX-9's and the 2016 Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the 2016 Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability and overall quality score. The 2016 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2016 Mazda CX-9's and the 2016 Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the 2016 Ford Explorer is a better car than the 2016 Mazda CX-9.
2016 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2016 Ford Explorer Pricing
A used 2016 Mazda CX-9 ranges from $14,991 to $24,999 while a used 2016 Ford Explorer is priced between $12,967 to $25,989.
2016 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2016 Ford Explorer Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2016 Mazda CX-9 loses 46.3 percent of its value and the 2016 Ford Explorer loses 46.2 percent of its value. This means the 2016 Ford Explorer retains 0.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2016 Mazda CX-9.
2016 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2016 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.
2016 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2016 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 2016 Mazda CX-9’s base engine makes 250 horsepower, and the 2016 Ford Explorer base engine makes 290 horsepower. The CX-9 is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 532 miles. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 15 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 446 miles. This gives the 2016 Mazda CX-9 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2016 Ford Explorer. The CX-9 uses gasoline, and the Explorer uses ethanol, gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2016 Ford Explorer has the advantage of offering more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2016 Mazda CX-9 and the 2016 Ford Explorer have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
14991 - 24999
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.463103
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
12967 - 25989
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
2016 Mazda CX-9 Trim Levels
Grand Touring, Signature, Sport, Touring
2016 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, Sport, 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:
250 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.062 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
290 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
255 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.065 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 28 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
418 / 532 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):
13 / 18 / 15
Range (city/hwy):
316 / 446 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Ethanol, Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
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
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
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
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Cargo Space:
14.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
71.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
149.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61 inches
Cargo Space:
21 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
81.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
171.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4054 lbs
Width:
77.5 inches
Height:
69 inches
Length:
199.4 inches
Wheelbase:
115.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4457 lbs
Width:
90.2 inches
Height:
70 inches
Length:
198.3 inches
Wheelbase:
112.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/60R18