Kia Carnival vs. Mazda CX-9
When we compare the Kia Carnival's and the Mazda CX-9's specifications and ratings, the Kia Carnival 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 and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Kia Carnival's and the Mazda CX-9's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Kia Carnival vs. Mazda CX-9 Pricing
A used 2024 Kia Carnival ranges from $35,281 to $52,105 while a used 2023 Mazda CX-9 is priced between $33,994 to $44,041. For a new model, the Kia Carnival's price is between $36,389 and $50,483, with the Mazda CX-9 priced between $36,965 and $46,945.
Kia Carnival vs. Mazda CX-9 Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Carnival loses 49.9 percent of its value and the Mazda CX-9 loses 46.3 percent of its value. This means the Mazda CX-9 retains 3.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Carnival.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Kia Carnival’s base engine makes 290 horsepower, and the Mazda CX-9 base engine makes 250 horsepower. The Carnival is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 494 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 fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Kia Carnival. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
The Kia Carnival, a minivan, 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, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings Comparison
The Mazda CX-9 has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Mazda CX-9 has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
36389 - 50483
Used Asking Price:
35281 - 52105
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.49887
Pricing
New Asking Price:
36965 - 46945
Used Asking Price:
33994 - 44041
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.463103
Kia Carnival Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Mazda CX-9 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.27297 / 10
Reliability:
8.718911 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Kia Carnival Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
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4 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Mazda CX-9 Rankings
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1 out of / 16Ranking
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4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
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4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
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6 out of / 7Ranking
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7 out of / 27Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
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10 out of / 30Ranking
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16 out of / 31Ranking
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23 out of / 66Ranking
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30 out of / 66Ranking
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52 out of / 58Ranking
55 out of / 66Summary Review
Kia changed its minivan name, and substantially upped its game, when it introduced the stylish and feature-laded Kia Carnival.
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
- Largest interior volume in the category
- Highest horsepower and towing capacity in the category
- Impressive list of standard and optional features
- Attractive exterior styling gives it SUV-like mojo
- Coolest features reserved for pricier SX and SX Prestige trims
- Reclining second-row seats won’t work for tall adults
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
Minivan
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Kia Carnival Trim Levels
EX, LX, SX, SX Prestige
Mazda CX-9 Trim Levels
Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, Signature, Touring, Touring Plus
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 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
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
290 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
262 foot-lbs @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.065 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
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:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 26 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
361 / 494 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
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
64.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
63.2 inches
Cargo Space:
40.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
145.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 3rd-row seat folded down:
86.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
208.4 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
Cargo Space, 3rd-row seat folded down:
86.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
150.1 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4431 lbs
Width:
89.2 inches
Height:
68.5 inches
Length:
203 inches
Wheelbase:
121.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.8 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:
17.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/60R18