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2021 Ford Explorer vs. 2021 Mazda CX-9

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Ford Explorer and 2021 Mazda CX-9 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 2021 Ford Explorer and the 2021 Mazda CX-9.

In comparing the 2021 Ford Explorer's and the 2021 Mazda CX-9's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. The 2021 Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The 2021 Ford Explorer and 2021 Mazda CX-9 have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Ford Explorer's and the 2021 Mazda CX-9's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Mazda CX-9 is a better car than the 2021 Ford Explorer.

Pricing: A used 2021 Ford Explorer ranges from $25,590 to $41,894 while a used 2021 Mazda CX-9 is priced between $23,983 to $33,989.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Ford Explorer loses 47.6 percent of its value and the 2021 Mazda CX-9 loses 47 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Mazda CX-9 retains 0.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Ford Explorer.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.7 out of 10 while the Mazda CX-9's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 7 out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs and the Mazda CX-9 being ranked 4 out of 31. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Ford Explorer is ranked 8 and the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 7. The Ford Explorer is also ranked 8 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows while the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 5 out of 39.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.5 out of 10. For the Mazda CX-9 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 2021 Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the 2021 Mazda CX-9 base engine makes 250 horsepower. Both the Explorer and the CX-9 are rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 501 and 532 miles respectively. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2021 Ford Explorer has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2021 Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 Ford Explorer and the 2021 Mazda CX-9 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
2021 Ford Explorer
2021 Mazda CX-9

2021 Ford Explorer
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2021 Ford Explorer for Sale

2021 Mazda CX-9
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2021 Mazda CX-9 for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$32,925

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

$32,108

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$27,000 - $37,580

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$34,160

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

$32,108

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$27,000 - $37,580

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$32,089

Price Range:

$25,590 - $41,894

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

$32,068

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$24,840 - $46,487

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

3,709

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

45,002

# Good or Great Deals:

1,021

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$28,692

Price Range:

$23,983 - $33,989

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

$32,068

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$24,840 - $46,487

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

724

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

37,932

# Good or Great Deals:

238

Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.7 / 10

Reliability:

8.5 / 10

Retained Value:

7.5 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10

Mazda CX-9 Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.7 / 10

Reliability:

8.6 / 10

Retained Value:

7.6 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Ford Explorer

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

6.1

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

7.5

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

5.6 - 10.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

19.5%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Mazda CX-9

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

8.7

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

7.5

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

5.6 - 10.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

64.4%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

17.5

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

6.3

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.1 - 32.1

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

2.5

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

6.3

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.1 - 32.1

Ford Explorer Rankings

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

1 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

2 / 10

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

3 / 18

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

3 / 17

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 39

Safest Crossover SUVs

5 / 67

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 39

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

5 / 31

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

5 / 31

Safest Midsize SUVs

5 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

6 / 67

Best Family Crossover SUVs

6 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

6 / 67

Best Family Midsize SUVs

6 / 31

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

6 / 31

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

6 / 31

Best Midsize SUVs

7 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs

8 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

8 / 39

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

9 / 39

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

9 / 31

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

10 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

10 / 39

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

12 / 31

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

13 / 39

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

13 / 39

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

13 / 31

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

14 / 39

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

14 / 31

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

14 / 21

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

15 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

16 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

16 / 18

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

17 / 67

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

17 / 39

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

17 / 34

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

17 / 31

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

19 / 27

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

20 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

22 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

22 / 39

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

23 / 31

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

25 / 39

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

29 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

30 / 31

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

37 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

53 / 59

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

59 / 67

Mazda CX-9 Rankings

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

1 / 10

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

2 / 18

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

2 / 18

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

2 / 17

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

4 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

4 / 67

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 39

Best Midsize SUVs

4 / 31

Safest Midsize SUVs

4 / 31

Best Family Crossover SUVs

5 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 39

Best Family Midsize SUVs

5 / 31

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

5 / 31

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

5 / 21

Best Crossover SUVs

7 / 67

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

8 / 31

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

9 / 39

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

9 / 31

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

10 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

10 / 31

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

13 / 39

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

14 / 31

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

15 / 39

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

15 / 34

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

16 / 27

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

19 / 31

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

20 / 39

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

21 / 31

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

22 / 39

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

24 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

24 / 31

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

24 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

25 / 67

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

25 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

26 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

27 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

30 / 39

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

30 / 39

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

30 / 31

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

31 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

33 / 39

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

34 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

34 / 39

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

40 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

43 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

50 / 59

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

57 / 67

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.

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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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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

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

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Flex Fuel, Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

2021 Ford Explorer Trim Levels

Base, King Ranch, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, Timberline, XLT

2021 Mazda CX-9 Trim Levels

Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, Signature, Sport, Touring

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

3 years / 36000 miles

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

300 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm

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

0.069 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

250 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque:

320 foot-lbs @ 2500 rpm

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

0.059 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.3 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

RWD / AWD

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


21 / 28 / 24

Range (city/hwy):

376 / 501 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

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

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Automatic Parking:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Massage Seats:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Quad Seats:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Roadside assistance:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Power outlet:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Available

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

N/A

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Standard

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Massage Seats:

N/A

Navigation System:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Quad Seats:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Captain's seat:

Available

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

Standard

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Available

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.7 inches

Front Leg Room:

43 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

61.8 inches

Rear Head Room:

40.5 inches

Rear Leg Room:

39 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

61.9 inches

Cargo Space:

18.2 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

87.8 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

170.9 cubic feet

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:

14.3 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

71.2 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

149.4 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4345 lbs

Width:

89.3 inches

Height:

69.9 inches

Length:

198.8 inches

Wheelbase:

119.1 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.9 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4236 lbs

Width:

77.5 inches

Height:

69 inches

Length:

199.4 inches

Wheelbase:

115.3 inches

Ground Clearance:

8.8 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

painted aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

255/65R18

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 8.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

P255/60R18

Exterior Colors

Black

Agate Black

Gray

Carbonized Gray

Silver

Iconic Silver

White

Oxford White

Blue

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Jet Black Mica

Gray

Machine Gray Metallic

Silver

Not available

White

Snowflake White Pearl Mica

Blue

Deep Crystal Blue Mica

Interior Colors

Beige

Sandstone

Black

Not available

Interior Colors

Beige

Not available

Black

Black

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