Mazda CX-9 vs. Toyota Highlander
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander 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 Toyota Highlander.
In comparing the Mazda CX-9's and the Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, 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, and overall quality score. The Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mazda CX-9's and the Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Highlander is a better car than the Mazda CX-9.
Pricing: A used 2023 Mazda CX-9 ranges from $29,370 to $39,992 while a used 2024 Toyota Highlander is priced between $41,719 to $53,965. For a new model, the Mazda CX-9's price is between $40,092 and $46,756, with the Toyota Highlander priced between $41,955 and $54,332.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mazda CX-9 loses 47 percent of its value and the Toyota Highlander loses 39.2 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Highlander retains 7.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mazda CX-9.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mazda CX-9 is 8.7 out of 10 while the Toyota Highlander's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Mazda CX-9 being ranked 4 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs and the Toyota Highlander being ranked 10 out of 32. Out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows, the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 5 and the Toyota Highlander is ranked 9. The Mazda CX-9 is also ranked 7 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs while the Toyota Highlander is ranked 10 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda CX-9 is 8.6 out of 10. For the Toyota Highlander the reliability rating is 8.9 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Highlander a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mazda CX-9.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mazda CX-9’s base engine makes 250 horsepower, and the Toyota Highlander base engine makes 265 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the Toyota Highlander 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, and cargo space. The Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Mazda CX-9 and the Toyota Highlander have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Toyota Highlander has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
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
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$41,955 - $54,332
Starting MSRP:
$39,270
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
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:
661
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
31,906
# Good or Great Deals:
182
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$47,051
Price Range:
$41,719 - $53,965
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
686
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
17,726
# Good or Great Deals:
260
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%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$15,607
Depreciation %:
39.7%
Resale Value $:
$23,663
Residual Value %:
60.3%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
Mazda CX-9 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
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%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Highlander
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
67.9%
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
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Mazda 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 / 67Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 16Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 18Ranking
5 out of / 17Ranking
6 out of / 39Ranking
6 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 28Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 39Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
52 out of / 59Summary 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.
Summary Review
The Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.
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
- Class-leading fuel economy
- No disappointing base engine
- Legendary reliability
- Third-row space a bit cramped
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
Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
LE, Limited, Platinum, XLE, XSE
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:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 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):
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:
TOP SAFETY PICK
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:
265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 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:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
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
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
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
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
Wifi:
Standard
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:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
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:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.7 inches
Cargo Space:
16 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
84.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
157.8 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:
4155 lbs
Width:
76 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
194.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 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 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
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
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Blueprint / Moon Dust
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
White
Wind Chill Pearl
Green
Cypress
Interior Colors
Beige
Sand
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black
Gray
Graphite
