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2017 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2017 Toyota Highlander

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2017 Mazda CX-9 and 2017 Toyota Highlander contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2017 Mazda CX-9 and the 2017 Toyota Highlander.

When comparing the 2017 Mazda CX-9's and the 2017 Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the 2017 Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2017 Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the 2017 Mazda CX-9's and the 2017 Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the 2017 Mazda CX-9 is a better car than the 2017 Toyota Highlander.

Pricing: A used 2017 Mazda CX-9 ranges from $14,985 to $24,991 while a used 2017 Toyota Highlander is priced between $18,900 to $29,995.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2017 Mazda CX-9 loses 47 percent of its value and the 2017 Toyota Highlander loses 39.2 percent of its value. This means the 2017 Toyota Highlander retains 7.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2017 Mazda CX-9.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mazda CX-9 is 8.7 out of 10 while the Toyota Highlander's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Mazda CX-9 being ranked 8 out of 34 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Toyota Highlander being ranked 3 out of 34. Out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs, the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 10 and the Toyota Highlander is ranked 3. The Mazda CX-9 is also ranked 16 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs while the Toyota Highlander is ranked 6 out of 67.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda CX-9 is 8.6 out of 10. For the Toyota Highlander the reliability rating is 8.9 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Highlander a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mazda CX-9.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2017 Mazda CX-9’s base engine makes 250 horsepower, and the 2017 Toyota Highlander base engine makes 185 horsepower. The CX-9 is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 532 miles. The Highlander is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 461 miles. This gives the 2017 Mazda CX-9 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2017 Toyota Highlander. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2017 Toyota Highlander has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room and rear shoulder room. The 2017 Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the areas of rear leg room cargo space.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2017 Mazda CX-9 and the 2017 Toyota Highlander have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
2017 Mazda CX-9
2017 Toyota Highlander

2017 Mazda CX-9
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2017 Mazda CX-9 for Sale

2017 Toyota Highlander
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2017 Toyota Highlander for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

31520

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

29141

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

21195 - 34210

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

30630

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

29141

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

21195 - 34210

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

19879

Price Range:

14985 - 24991

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

19906

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

12544 - 29613

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

38

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

97620

# Good or Great Deals:

13

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

24545

Price Range:

18900 - 29995

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

19906

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

12544 - 29613

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

470

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

109013

# Good or Great Deals:

143

Mazda CX-9 Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.73154 / 10

Reliability:

8.622261 / 10

Retained Value:

7.572361 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10

Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.656937 / 10

Reliability:

8.908292 / 10

Retained Value:

8.062519 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2017 Mazda CX-9

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

4.7

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

3.5

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.6 - 6.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.644

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2017 Toyota Highlander

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

5.2

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

3.5

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.6 - 6.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.679



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

1.3096845946107154

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.9

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.3 - 10.6

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

3.474831136636079

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.9

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.3 - 10.6

Mazda CX-9 Rankings

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $40k

2 / 17

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $40k

2 / 16

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

2 / 10

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

3 / 10

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

4 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

4 / 16

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 34

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

5 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

5 / 17

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 34

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

6 / 32

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

8 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

8 / 34

Best Midsize SUVs

10 / 32

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

14 / 34

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

14 / 32

Safest Midsize SUVs

15 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs

16 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

19 / 34

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

20 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

21 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

22 / 34

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

25 / 34

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

26 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

27 / 67

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

27 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

28 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

28 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

28 / 67

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

28 / 34

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

28 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

29 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

30 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

31 / 34

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

31 / 34

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

31 / 34

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

32 / 67

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

44 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

53 / 67

Toyota Highlander Rankings

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

1 / 17

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $40k

1 / 17

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

1 / 16

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $40k

1 / 16

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

1 / 10

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

1 / 10

Best Family Crossover SUVs

3 / 67

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 34

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 34

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 34

Best Family Midsize SUVs

3 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs

3 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

3 / 30

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

4 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

4 / 34

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

4 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

4 / 28

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 34

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

5 / 32

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

5 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs

6 / 67

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 34

Safest Midsize SUVs

6 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

7 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

9 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

10 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

11 / 32

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

12 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

13 / 67

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

13 / 30

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

14 / 32

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

14 / 32

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

15 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

16 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

16 / 34

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

17 / 34

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

17 / 28

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

18 / 34

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

19 / 32

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

20 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

21 / 56

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

24 / 34

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

25 / 34

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

26 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

27 / 34

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

27 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

28 / 34

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

30 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

32 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

36 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

47 / 56

Summary 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.

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Summary Review

The Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.

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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

  • Class-leading fuel economy
  • No disappointing base engine
  • Legendary reliability

  • Third-row space a bit cramped

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

2017 Mazda CX-9 Trim Levels

Grand Touring, Signature, Sport, Touring

2017 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels

LE, LE Plus, Limited, Limited Platinum, SE, XLE

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:

2 years / 25000 miles

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not yet available

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

250 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque:

310 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.060 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

185 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

184 foot-lbs @ 4200 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.044 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 / 24

Range (city/hwy):

418 / 532 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.7 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


20 / 24 / 22

Range (city/hwy):

384 / 461 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Internet Radio:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Trailer Hitch:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Android Auto:

N/A

Apple CarPlay:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Heated Steering Wheel:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Internet Radio:

Available

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Heated Seats

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Android Auto:

N/A

Apple CarPlay:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Wifi:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

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 Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

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:

40.7 inches

Front Leg Room:

44.2 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

59.3 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.9 inches

Rear Leg Room:

38.4 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

59.6 inches

Cargo Space:

13.8 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

83.7 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

158.7 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4144 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:

4165 lbs

Width:

75.8 inches

Height:

68.1 inches

Length:

192.5 inches

Wheelbase:

109.8 inches

Ground Clearance:

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:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

P245/60R18

Exterior Colors

Black

Jet Black Mica

Blue

Deep Crystal Blue Mica

Brown

Titanium Flash Mica

Gray

Machine Gray Metallic

Silver

Sonic Silver Metallic

White

Snowflake White Pearl Mica

Green

Not available

Red

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Midnight Black Metallic

Blue

Shoreline Blue Pearl

Brown

Toasted Walnut Pearl

Gray

Predawn Gray Mica

Silver

Celestial Silver Metallic

White

Blizzard Pearl

Green

Alumina Jade Metallic

Red

Ooh La La Rouge Mica

Interior Colors

Beige

Sand

Black

Black

Gray

Not available

Interior Colors

Beige

Not available

Black

Black

Gray

Ash

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