Toyota 4Runner vs. Mazda CX-9
In comparing the Toyota 4Runner to the Mazda CX-9, the Toyota 4Runner has the advantage in the areas of overall quality score and base engine power. 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 fuel efficiency and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Toyota 4Runner versus the Mazda CX-9, the Mazda CX-9 is a better car than the Toyota 4Runner.
Toyota 4Runner versus Mazda CX-9 Pricing
A one- to five-year-old used Toyota 4Runner ranges from $32,994 to $48,973 while a used Mazda CX-9 from the same model year range is priced between $26,372 to $37,989. For a new model, the Toyota 4Runner's price is between $41,515 and $56,044, with the Mazda CX-9 priced between $40,138 and $49,980.
Toyota 4Runner versus Mazda CX-9 Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Toyota 4Runner is 8.6 out of 10 while the Mazda CX-9's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Toyota 4Runner being ranked 3 out of 25 Best Midsize SUVs and the Mazda CX-9 being ranked 7 out of 25. Out of 15 Best Midsize SUVs for the Money, the Toyota 4Runner is ranked 15 and the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 7.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Toyota 4Runner’s base engine makes 270 horsepower, and the Mazda CX-9 base engine makes 250 horsepower. The 4Runner is rated to deliver an average of 17 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 437 miles. The CX-9 is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 507 miles. 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 front head room, front shoulder room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Toyota 4Runner, a midsize SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front leg room, rear head room and trunk space.
Hauling, Towing, and Off-Road Capabilities Comparison
The Toyota 4Runner has the advantage of offering higher towing capacity, ground clearance, and payload capacity than the Mazda CX-9.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Mazda CX-9 has higher safety ratings than the Toyota 4Runner, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Mazda CX-9 has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick+ award.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$41,515 - $56,044
Used Asking Price:
$32,994 - $48,973
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
24.7%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$40,138 - $49,980
Used Asking Price:
$26,372 - $37,989
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
46.3%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.8 / 10
Retained Value:
9.0 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
22 out of / 25Ranking
23 out of / 25iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
6 out of / 25Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 25Ranking
7 out of / 15Ranking
8 out of / 61Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 25Ranking
9 out of / 21Ranking
10 out of / 61Ranking
10 out of / 28Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 25Ranking
13 out of / 61Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
45 out of / 61Summary Review
Toyota doesn't have just one popular SUV in this segment, but two. The Toyota 4Runner is the Highlander’s more-rugged sibling.
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
- Rugged off-road capability
- Great for towing when properly equipped
- Outstanding value retention (low depreciation)
- Aging design
- Interior space is limited by comparison to other midsize SUV / crossovers
- Fuel economy literally half that of a Highlander Hybrid
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
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Trim Levels
TRD Sport, Limited, SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Pro, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, 40th Anniversary Special Edition
Trim Levels
Touring Plus, Touring, Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, Signature
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
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):
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
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
270 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
278 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.061 hp per pound
Towing Capacity:
5000 lbs
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:
4 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4, AWD
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 19 / 17
Range (city/hwy):
368 / 437 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
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
32.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Cargo Space:
47.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
89.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
144.5 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
Overall Interior Volume:
150.1 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4400 lbs
Width:
75.8 inches
Height:
71.5 inches
Length:
190.2 inches
Wheelbase:
109.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
9 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 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
alloy
Tire Size:
P265/70R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/60R18
