Ford Flex vs. Mazda CX-9
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Flex 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 Ford Flex and the Mazda CX-9.
In comparing the Ford Flex's and the Mazda CX-9's specifications and ratings, the Ford Flex has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, interior volume and base engine power. The Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Ford Flex's and the Mazda CX-9's specifications and ratings, the Ford Flex is a better car than the Mazda CX-9.
Pricing: A used 2019 Ford Flex ranges from $16,900 to $28,967 while a used 2019 Mazda CX-9 is priced between $18,699 to $29,796.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Flex loses 50.3 percent of its value and the Mazda CX-9 loses 47 percent of its value. This means the Mazda CX-9 retains 3.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Flex.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Flex is 8.3 out of 10 while the Mazda CX-9's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Ford Flex being ranked 14 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Mazda CX-9 being ranked 5 out of 39. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Ford Flex is ranked 22 and the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 7.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Flex is 9.2 out of 10. For the Mazda CX-9 the reliability rating is 8.6 out of 10. This gives the Ford Flex a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mazda CX-9.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Flex’s base engine makes 287 horsepower, and the Mazda CX-9 base engine makes 250 horsepower. The Flex is rated to deliver an average of 19 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 428 miles. The CX-9 is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 532 miles. This gives the Mazda CX-9 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Flex. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Ford Flex has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Ford Flex and Mazda CX-9 are comparable in regards to rear shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: The Mazda CX-9 has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$30,575
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Large SUVs)
$50,691
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Large SUVs)
$30,575 - $85,165
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$32,280
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,316
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$23,245 - $35,310
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$22,644
Price Range:
$16,900 - $28,967
Category Avg Price:
(Large SUVs)
$37,588
Category Avg Price Range:
(Large SUVs)
$22,644 - $65,412
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
294
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
84,349
# Good or Great Deals:
134
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$23,955
Price Range:
$18,699 - $29,796
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,868
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$16,878 - $34,673
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
158
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
69,525
# Good or Great Deals:
77
Ford Flex Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
9.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
Not available
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 Ford Flex
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Large SUVs)
5.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Large SUVs)
4.7 - 8.5
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
50.5%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda CX-9
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6 - 8.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
64.4%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Large SUVs)
2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Large SUVs)
1.4 - 6.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1 - 33.1
Ford Flex Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 13Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
63 out of / 67Mazda 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
Ford Flex Trim Levels
Limited, SE, SEL
Mazda CX-9 Trim Levels
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):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
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:
287 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
254 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.065 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
250 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 23 / 19
Range (city/hwy):
298 / 428 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
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
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
Roadside assistance:
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:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
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
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.6 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Cargo Space:
20 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
83.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
175.8 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:
14.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
71.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
149.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4439 lbs
Width:
88.8 inches
Height:
68 inches
Length:
201.8 inches
Wheelbase:
117.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4217 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:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/60R17
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
Blue
Blue
Gray
Magnetic
Silver
Ingot Silver
White
Oxford White
Brown
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Deep Crystal Blue Mica
Gray
Machine Gray Metallic
Silver
Sonic Silver Metallic
White
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
Brown
Titanium Flash Mica
Interior Colors
Beige
Dune
Black
Charcoal Black
Interior Colors
Beige
Sand
Black
Black