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Mazda CX-9 vs. Mitsubishi Outlander

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mazda CX-9 and Mitsubishi Outlander 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 Mazda CX-9 and the Mitsubishi Outlander.

When comparing the Mazda CX-9's and the Mitsubishi Outlander's specifications and ratings, the Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume and base engine power. The Mitsubishi Outlander has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. The Mazda CX-9 and Mitsubishi Outlander have the same overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Mazda CX-9's and the Mitsubishi Outlander's specifications and ratings, the Mazda CX-9 is a better car than the Mitsubishi Outlander.

Pricing: A used 2023 Mazda CX-9 ranges from $24,480 to $34,299 while a used 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander is priced between $20,999 to $30,992. For a new model, the Mazda CX-9's price is between $38,027 and $46,161, with the Mitsubishi Outlander priced between $31,430 and $41,667.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mazda CX-9 loses 50.7 percent of its value and the Mitsubishi Outlander loses 51.1 percent of its value. This means the Mazda CX-9 retains 0.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mitsubishi Outlander.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mazda CX-9 and Mitsubishi Outlander is 7.9 out of 10. With both vehicles earning the same number they are extremely competitive in their vehicle segment. Mazda CX-9 is ranked 8 out of 34 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and Mitsubishi Outlander is ranked 9 out of 34, with their respective reliability, retained value, and safety ratings used to break the tie, in that order. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 16 and the Mitsubishi Outlander is ranked 18.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda CX-9 is 7.9 out of 10. For the Mitsubishi Outlander the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Mazda CX-9 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mitsubishi Outlander.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mazda CX-9’s base engine makes 250 horsepower, and the Mitsubishi Outlander base engine makes 181 horsepower. The CX-9 is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 507 miles. The Outlander is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 450 miles.This gives the Mitsubishi Outlander the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Mazda CX-9 the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Mazda CX-9, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear shoulder room and cargo space. The Mitsubishi Outlander, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room, rear head room and rear leg room. The Mazda CX-9 and Mitsubishi Outlander are comparable in regards to front shoulder room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Mazda CX-9 has higher safety ratings than the Mitsubishi Outlander, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.26 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
Mazda CX-9
Mitsubishi Outlander

2023 Mazda CX-9
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Mazda CX-9 for Sale

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander
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Mitsubishi Outlander for Sale

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

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

31430 - 41667

Starting MSRP:

27895

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)

27723

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)

23610 - 37695

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:

528

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

40845

# Good or Great Deals:

170

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

25214

Price Range:

20999 - 30992

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

26187

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

21318 - 30705

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

389

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

41871

# Good or Great Deals:

117

Mazda CX-9 Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

7.9 / 10

Reliability:

7.9 / 10

Retained Value:

7.8 / 10

Safety:

8.0 / 10

Mitsubishi Outlander Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

7.9 / 10

Reliability:

7.7 / 10

Retained Value:

7.7 / 10

Safety:

8.2 / 10



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

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mitsubishi Outlander

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

8.9

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

9.1

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

7.6 - 13.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.176



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

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

3.247662122477971

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

3.9

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

1.3 - 17.9

Mazda CX-9 Rankings

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $40k

2 / 17

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $40k

2 / 16

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

2 / 10

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

3 / 10

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

4 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

4 / 16

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 34

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

5 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

5 / 17

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 34

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

6 / 32

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

8 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

8 / 34

Best Midsize SUVs

10 / 32

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

14 / 34

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

14 / 32

Safest Midsize SUVs

15 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs

16 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

19 / 34

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

20 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

21 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

22 / 34

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

25 / 34

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

26 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

27 / 67

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

27 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

28 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

28 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

28 / 67

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

28 / 34

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

28 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

29 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

30 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

31 / 34

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

31 / 34

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

31 / 34

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

32 / 67

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

44 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

53 / 67

Mitsubishi Outlander Rankings

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $30k

1 / 2

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $30k

1 / 2

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 34

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

2 / 30

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 30

Best Small SUVs for Tall People

5 / 19

Best Off-road Small SUVs

6 / 19

Most Reliable Small SUVs Under $30k

6 / 13

Most Comfortable Small SUVs

7 / 19

Most Reliable Small SUVs

7 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

7 / 19

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $30k

8 / 20

Best Small SUVs Under $30k

8 / 13

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

9 / 34

Best Crossover SUVs Under $30k

9 / 20

Best Small SUVs

9 / 19

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

10 / 34

Best Small SUVs for Towing

10 / 19

Best Small SUVs for the Money

10 / 18

Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

11 / 19

Most Affordable Small SUVs

12 / 18

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

13 / 34

Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs

14 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

14 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

15 / 56

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

16 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

17 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

17 / 67

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

17 / 34

Best Crossover SUVs

18 / 67

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

18 / 19

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

19 / 34

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

20 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

20 / 34

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

20 / 34

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

22 / 34

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

24 / 56

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

25 / 67

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

26 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

27 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

32 / 34

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

33 / 34

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

33 / 34

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

36 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

37 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

48 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

55 / 67

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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Summary Review

The Outlander from Mitsubishi is a compact SUV with seating for up to 7 people. It was redesigned for 2022 with substantial improvements to its interior quality, refinement and overall execution, though engine power remains adequate at best. Previous Outlanders were offered in three basic flavors: the Outlander Sport, a smaller, two-row model, the Outlander, a somewhat larger three-row version, and the Outlander PHEV, a plug-in hybrid option. The previous Outlander and Outlander Sport models were introduced in 2011, and the Outlander PHEV was introduced in 2014. New models of the Mitsubishi Outlander cost an average of $32,039 and 3-year-old models average $18,676.

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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

Pros and Cons

  • Seven passenger capacity
  • Low price point
  • Plug-in hybrid availability

  • Unrefined, underpowered driving dynamics
  • Low-grade interior materials until 2022 model

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Mazda CX-9 Trim Levels

Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, Signature, Touring, Touring Plus

Mitsubishi Outlander Trim Levels

40th Anniversary, Black Edition, ES, Ralliart, SE, SE Special Edition, SEL, SEL Black Edition

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

10 years / 100000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years

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

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

4.26 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:

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

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

181 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

181 foot-lbs @ 3600 rpm

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

0.050 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

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

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

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


24 / 31 / 27

Range (city/hwy):

348 / 450 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Captain's seat:

Standard

Heated Seats

Standard

Internet Radio:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Quad Seats:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Standard

Trailer Hitch:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Standard

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Captain's seat:

N/A

Heated Seats

Available

Internet Radio:

N/A

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Power outlet:

Standard

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Navigation System:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Standard

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

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

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Available

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

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

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.6 inches

Front Leg Room:

41.7 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

57.9 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.1 inches

Rear Leg Room:

39.9 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

55.9 inches

Cargo Space:

11.7 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

79.7 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

137.2 cubic feet

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

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3593 lbs

Width:

84.4 inches

Height:

68.7 inches

Length:

185.4 inches

Wheelbase:

106.5 inches

Ground Clearance:

8.3 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 8.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

P255/60R18

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

P235/60R18

Exterior Colors

Black

Jet Black Mica

Blue

Deep Crystal Blue Mica

Gray

Machine Gray Metallic

Red

Soul Red Crystal Metallic

Silver

Sonic Silver Metallic

White

Snowflake White Pearl Mica

Exterior Colors

Black

Black Diamond / Labrador Black Pearl

Blue

Not available

Gray

Not available

Red

Red Diamond

Silver

Alloy Silver Metallic

White

White Diamond

Interior Colors

Beige

Sand

Black

Black

Interior Colors

Beige

Not available

Black

Black

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