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 we compare 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 and base engine power. The 2017 Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2017 Mazda CX-9's and the 2017 Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the 2017 Toyota Highlander is a better car than the 2017 Mazda CX-9.
Pricing: A used 2017 Mazda CX-9 ranges from $11,509 to $22,998 while a used 2017 Toyota Highlander is priced between $16,309 to $28,550.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2017 Mazda CX-9 loses 50.7 percent of its value and the 2017 Toyota Highlander loses 41.8 percent of its value. This means the 2017 Toyota Highlander retains 9 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 7.9 out of 10 while the Toyota Highlander's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Mazda CX-9 being ranked 10 out of 33 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Toyota Highlander being ranked 3 out of 33. Out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs, the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 13 and the Toyota Highlander is ranked 1. The Mazda CX-9 is also ranked 19 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Toyota Highlander is ranked 5 out of 66.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda CX-9 is 7.9 out of 10. For the Toyota Highlander the reliability rating is 8.1 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.
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:
17042
Price Range:
11509 - 22998
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
17205
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
10618 - 28491
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
51
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
94629
# Good or Great Deals:
18
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
22312
Price Range:
16309 - 28550
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
17205
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
10618 - 28491
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
475
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
112108
# Good or Great Deals:
133
Mazda CX-9 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2017 Mazda CX-9
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
4.0
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.1 - 8.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.16
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2017 Toyota Highlander
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.8
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.1 - 8.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.387
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.3186898605960673
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.3 - 11.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.4220083452349286
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.3 - 11.6
Mazda CX-9 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 16Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 16Ranking
6 out of / 33Ranking
6 out of / 33Ranking
6 out of / 15Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 33Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 33Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 33Ranking
20 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 33Ranking
26 out of / 66Ranking
27 out of / 66Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 31Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
30 out of / 31Ranking
31 out of / 33Ranking
31 out of / 33Ranking
32 out of / 66Ranking
32 out of / 33Ranking
33 out of / 66Ranking
44 out of / 66Ranking
55 out of / 66Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 33Ranking
4 out of / 33Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 33Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 33Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
21 out of / 54Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
24 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 26Ranking
26 out of / 33Ranking
26 out of / 33Ranking
27 out of / 66Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 31Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
31 out of / 66Ranking
34 out of / 66Ranking
44 out of / 66Ranking
54 out of / 54Summary 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 Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.
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
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 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
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 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
