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Mazda CX-9 vs. Toyota Highlander Hybrid

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander Hybrid 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 Hybrid.

When comparing the Mazda CX-9's and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid'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 base engine power. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Mazda CX-9's and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid 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 Hybrid is priced between $44,026 to $58,974. For a new model, the Mazda CX-9's price is between $40,092 and $46,756, with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid priced between $45,169 and $57,303.

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 Hybrid loses 38.3 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Highlander Hybrid retains 8.7 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 Hybrid's quality rating is 9.2 out of 10. This results in the Mazda CX-9 being ranked 4 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid being ranked 1 out of 32 Best Hybrid SUVs.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda CX-9 is 8.6 out of 10. For the Toyota Highlander Hybrid the reliability rating is 9.5 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Highlander Hybrid 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 Hybrid base engine makes 243 horsepower.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Toyota Highlander Hybrid, a hybrid SUV, 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, a crossover/midsize SUV, 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 Hybrid have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
Mazda CX-9
Toyota Highlander Hybrid

2023 Mazda CX-9
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Mazda CX-9 for Sale

2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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Toyota Highlander Hybrid for Sale

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:

$45,169 - $57,303

Starting MSRP:

$40,970

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

$45,359

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

$35,070 - $60,490

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:

778

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

35,861

# Good or Great Deals:

188

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$51,564

Price Range:

$44,026 - $58,974

Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

$51,596

Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

$41,599 - $62,866

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

137

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

11,960

# Good or Great Deals:

30

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 $:

$15,920

Depreciation %:

38.9%

Resale Value $:

$25,050

Residual Value %:

61.1%

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

38.9%

Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

31.8% - 51.7%

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 Hybrid Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

9.2 / 10

Reliability:

9.5 / 10

Retained Value:

8.1 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 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 Hybrid

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

12.8

Typical Category Life Expectancy:

N/A

Category Life Expectancy Range:

N/A

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

86.6%



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:

2.7

Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

2.7

Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

2 - 11.7

Mazda CX-9 Rankings

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

1 / 10

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

2 / 18

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

2 / 17

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

2 / 16

Safest Crossover SUVs

4 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

4 / 67

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 39

Best Midsize SUVs

4 / 32

Safest Midsize SUVs

4 / 32

Best Family Crossover SUVs

5 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 39

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

5 / 32

Best Family Midsize SUVs

5 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

5 / 21

Best Crossover SUVs

7 / 67

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

8 / 32

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

9 / 39

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

9 / 32

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

10 / 67

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

13 / 39

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

14 / 32

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

15 / 39

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

15 / 34

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

16 / 30

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

16 / 28

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

20 / 39

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

20 / 32

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

21 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

22 / 39

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

23 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

25 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

25 / 32

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

25 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

26 / 67

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

26 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

27 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

30 / 39

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

30 / 39

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

31 / 67

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

31 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

33 / 39

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

34 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

34 / 39

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

40 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

43 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

49 / 59

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

57 / 67

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Rankings

Best Hybrid SUVs

1 / 32

Safest Hybrid SUVs

1 / 32

Best Family Hybrid SUVs

1 / 32

Best Hybrid Crossover SUVs

1 / 27

Best Family Hybrid Crossover SUVs

1 / 27

Best Hybrid Midsize SUVs

1 / 12

Best Family Hybrid Midsize SUVs

1 / 12

Best Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows

1 / 9

Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

1 / 9

Best Family Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows

1 / 9

Most Reliable Hybrid SUVs

2 / 32

Best Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

2 / 9

Best Hybrid SUVs for the Money

2 / 2

Hybrid Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

3 / 27

Best Hybrid Crossover SUVs for Tall People

3 / 27

Hybrid Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

3 / 12

Hybrid Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

3 / 12

Hybrid SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

4 / 32

Best Hybrid Crossover SUVs for Towing

4 / 27

Best Hybrid Midsize SUVs for Towing

4 / 12

Best Hybrid Midsize SUVs for Tall People

4 / 12

Most Affordable Hybrid Midsize SUVs

4 / 11

Most Affordable Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 9

Best Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

4 / 9

Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

4 / 9

Best Off-road Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 9

Most Comfortable Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 9

Best Hybrid SUVs for Tall People

5 / 32

Hybrid Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

5 / 27

Most Comfortable Hybrid Crossover SUVs

5 / 27

Best Hybrid SUVs for Towing

6 / 32

Hybrid SUVs with Best Resale Value

7 / 32

Most Comfortable Hybrid SUVs

7 / 32

Best Off-road Hybrid Midsize SUVs

7 / 12

Most Comfortable Hybrid Midsize SUVs

7 / 12

Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

7 / 9

Hybrid Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

8 / 12

Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

8 / 9

Hybrid Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

9 / 12

Best Off-road Hybrid Crossover SUVs

11 / 27

Hybrid Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

12 / 27

Best Off-road Hybrid SUVs

15 / 32

Hybrid SUVs with the Most Horsepower

17 / 32

Most Affordable Hybrid SUVs

17 / 30

Hybrid Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

17 / 27

Most Affordable Hybrid Crossover SUVs

17 / 26

Hybrid SUVs with the Most Legroom

19 / 32

Best Gas Mileage Hybrid SUVs

21 / 32

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 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the hybrid version of the Toyota Highlander, which is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.

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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

  • Class-leading fuel economy
  • No disappointing base engine
  • Legendary reliability
  • Full suite of standard safety features

  • Poorly-rated headlights on L, LE, and XLE trims
  • Third row legroom less than competition

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Hybrid

Mazda CX-9 Trim Levels

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

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Trim Levels

LE, LE Nightshade, Limited, Platinum, XLE, XLE Nightshade

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:

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:

243 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

Not yet available

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

0.056 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):


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:

4330 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

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