BMW X3 vs. Mazda CX-9
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW X3 and 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 BMW X3 and the Mazda CX-9.
In comparing the BMW X3's and the Mazda CX-9's specifications and ratings, the BMW X3 has the advantage in the area of fuel efficiency. The Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the BMW X3's and the Mazda CX-9's specifications and ratings, the Mazda CX-9 is a better car than the BMW X3.
Pricing: A used 2024 BMW X3 ranges from $45,645 to $62,947 while a used 2023 Mazda CX-9 is priced between $29,370 to $39,992. For a new model, the BMW X3's price is between $51,062 and $68,409, with the Mazda CX-9 priced between $40,092 and $46,756.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW X3 loses 48.6 percent of its value and the Mazda CX-9 loses 47 percent of its value. This means the Mazda CX-9 retains 1.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW X3.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW X3 is 8.6 out of 10 while the Mazda CX-9's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the BMW X3 being ranked 1 out of 29 Best Luxury Small SUVs and the Mazda CX-9 being ranked 4 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW X3 is 8.4 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 BMW X3.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW X3’s base engine makes 248 horsepower, and the Mazda CX-9 base engine makes 250 horsepower. The X3 is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 499 miles. The CX-9 is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 507 miles.This gives the BMW X3 the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Mazda CX-9 the advantage in maximum range. The X3 uses premium unleaded, and the CX-9 uses regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The BMW X3 and Mazda CX-9 are comparable in regards to rear head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the BMW X3 and the Mazda CX-9 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the BMW X3 has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick+ award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$51,062 - $68,409
Starting MSRP:
$46,900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$50,139
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$22,400 - $79,100
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$40,092 - $46,756
Starting MSRP:
$38,750
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$36,046
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$28,750 - $41,535
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$52,762
Price Range:
$45,645 - $62,947
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$57,314
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$27,806 - $84,530
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,253
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
11,728
# Good or Great Deals:
312
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$34,770
Price Range:
$29,370 - $39,992
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,669
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,626 - $57,848
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
779
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
37,263
# Good or Great Deals:
284
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$23,395
Depreciation %:
49.9%
Resale Value $:
$23,505
Residual Value %:
50.1%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
50.5%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
40.4% - 56.6%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$18,539
Depreciation %:
47.8%
Resale Value $:
$20,211
Residual Value %:
52.2%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
47.8%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
47.8% - 47.8%
BMW X3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 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 BMW X3
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
12.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
10.7 - 13.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
19.9%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda CX-9
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
9.5
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.6 - 12.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
64.4%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
10.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
3.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
0.8 - 26.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.3 - 21.6
BMW X3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 68Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 68Ranking
3 out of / 4Ranking
5 out of / 29Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 29Ranking
8 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 29Ranking
10 out of / 68Ranking
10 out of / 68Ranking
10 out of / 29Ranking
16 out of / 27Ranking
20 out of / 68Ranking
20 out of / 68Ranking
20 out of / 29Ranking
22 out of / 68Ranking
23 out of / 68Ranking
23 out of / 68Ranking
25 out of / 68Ranking
26 out of / 59Ranking
43 out of / 68Mazda CX-9 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 39Ranking
2 out of / 18Ranking
2 out of / 17Ranking
2 out of / 16Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 34Ranking
16 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 28Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
27 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 39Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 32Ranking
33 out of / 39Ranking
34 out of / 67Ranking
34 out of / 39Ranking
40 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 59Ranking
57 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
BMW X3 Trim Levels
M40i, sDrive30i, xDrive30i
Mazda CX-9 Trim Levels
Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, Signature, Touring, Touring Plus
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 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:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
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:
248 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1450 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.061 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):
0.057 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
23 / 29 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
396 / 499 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 26 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
390 / 507 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
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
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Standard
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Cargo Space:
28.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
62.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 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:
150.1 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4079 lbs
Width:
84.2 inches
Height:
66 inches
Length:
185.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4409 lbs
Width:
86.9 inches
Height:
69 inches
Length:
199.4 inches
Wheelbase:
115.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/50R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Carbon Black Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Phytonic Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Gray
Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Dark Graphite Metallic / Skyscraper Grey Metallic
Red
Aventurin Red Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Deep Crystal Blue Mica
Gray
Machine Gray Metallic
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
White
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
Silver
Sonic Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Canberra Beige
Black
Black
Brown
Cognac / Cognac w/ Contrast Stitching / Mocha
Gray
Oyster
Red
Tacora Red
Interior Colors
Beige
Sand
Black
Black
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
