Chevrolet Traverse vs. Mazda CX-9
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Chevrolet Traverse 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 Chevrolet Traverse and the Mazda CX-9.
In comparing the Chevrolet Traverse's and the Mazda CX-9's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Traverse has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, interior volume and base engine power. The Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Chevrolet Traverse's and the Mazda CX-9's specifications and ratings, the Mazda CX-9 is a better car than the Chevrolet Traverse.
Pricing: A used 2023 Chevrolet Traverse ranges from $25,660 to $44,244 while a used 2023 Mazda CX-9 is priced between $24,480 to $34,299. For a new model, the Chevrolet Traverse's price is between $34,719 and $54,237, with the Mazda CX-9 priced between $38,027 and $46,161.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Chevrolet Traverse loses 51.9 percent of its value and the Mazda CX-9 loses 50.7 percent of its value. This means the Mazda CX-9 retains 1.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Chevrolet Traverse.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Traverse is 7.7 out of 10 while the Mazda CX-9's quality rating is 7.9 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Traverse being ranked 12 out of 34 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Mazda CX-9 being ranked 8 out of 34. Out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs, the Chevrolet Traverse is ranked 15 and the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 10. The Chevrolet Traverse is also ranked 28 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs while the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 16 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Traverse is 7.5 out of 10. For the Mazda CX-9 the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Mazda CX-9 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Chevrolet Traverse.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Chevrolet Traverse’s base engine makes 310 horsepower, and the Mazda CX-9 base engine makes 250 horsepower. The Traverse is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 524 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 Mazda CX-9 the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Chevrolet Traverse the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the Chevrolet Traverse has the advantage of offering more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the area of rear leg room. The Chevrolet Traverse and Mazda CX-9 are comparable in regards to front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Mazda CX-9 has higher safety ratings than the Chevrolet Traverse, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.81 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
34719 - 54237
Starting MSRP:
34520
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
36046
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
28750 - 41535
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
38027 - 46161
Starting MSRP:
38750
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
36046
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
28750 - 41535
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
34263
Price Range:
25660 - 44244
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
34361
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
24907 - 50072
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
2055
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
38298
# Good or Great Deals:
701
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
29384
Price Range:
24480 - 34299
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
34361
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
24907 - 50072
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
639
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
41027
# Good or Great Deals:
291
Chevrolet Traverse Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
7.8 / 10
Mazda CX-9 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Chevrolet Traverse
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.8
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
9.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.7 - 14.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.105
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda CX-9
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
10.0
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
9.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.7 - 14.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.16
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.6993367986740404
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 27.9
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.7552022033699368
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 27.9
Chevrolet Traverse Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 34Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 34Ranking
12 out of / 34Ranking
12 out of / 34Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 28Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
21 out of / 34Ranking
22 out of / 34Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 28Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 34Ranking
31 out of / 56Ranking
41 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 56Ranking
58 out of / 67Mazda CX-9 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 17Ranking
2 out of / 16Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 16Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 17Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 34Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
22 out of / 34Ranking
25 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 34Ranking
28 out of / 32Ranking
29 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 32Ranking
31 out of / 34Ranking
31 out of / 34Ranking
31 out of / 34Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 67Summary Review
The Chevy Traverse is a roomy three-row crossover SUV with room for up to eight passengers. The Traverse is Chevrolet’s third most popular model and a top seller in the segment.
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.
Pros and Cons
- Roomy for the segment
- High NHTSA safety rating
- Powerful V6 engine
- Older model years may lack safety systems taken for granted in this segment
- Adaptive Cruise Control remains an option
- No green powertrain available
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
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Chevrolet Traverse Trim Levels
High Country, LS, LT, LT Cloth, LT Leather, Premier, RS
Mazda CX-9 Trim Levels
Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, Signature, Touring, Touring Plus
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):
4.81 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:
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:
310 hp @ 6800 rpm
Torque:
266 foot-lbs @ 2800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.072 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:
3.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
18 / 27 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
349 / 524 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:
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
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
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
Navigation System:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
40 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
62.2 inches
Cargo Space:
23 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
98.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
180.1 cubic feet
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:
4310 lbs
Width:
88.6 inches
Height:
70.7 inches
Length:
205.9 inches
Wheelbase:
121 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.5 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:
18.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Mosaic Black Metallic
Blue
Northsky Blue Metallic
Gray
Sterling Gray Metallic
White
Summit White
Red
Not available
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Deep Crystal Blue Mica
Gray
Machine Gray Metallic
White
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Silver
Sonic Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black/Chai
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Beige
Sand
