Toyota Highlander vs. Mazda CX-9
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-9 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 Toyota Highlander and the Mazda CX-9.
When comparing the Toyota Highlander's and the Mazda CX-9's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. Based on this comparison of the Toyota Highlander's and the Mazda CX-9's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Highlander is a better car than the Mazda CX-9.
Pricing: A used 2023 Toyota Highlander ranges from $30,882 to $45,885 while a used 2023 Mazda CX-9 is priced between $24,480 to $34,299. For a new model, the Toyota Highlander's price is between $39,826 and $54,132, with the Mazda CX-9 priced between $38,027 and $46,161.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Toyota Highlander loses 41.8 percent of its value and the Mazda CX-9 loses 50.7 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Highlander retains 9 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 Toyota Highlander is 8.5 out of 10 while the Mazda CX-9's quality rating is 7.9 out of 10. This results in the Toyota Highlander being ranked 1 out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs and the Mazda CX-9 being ranked 13 out of 31. Out of 33 Best SUVs with 3 Rows, the Toyota Highlander is ranked 3 and the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 10. The Toyota Highlander is also ranked 5 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 19 out of 66.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Toyota Highlander is 8.1 out of 10. For the Mazda CX-9 the reliability rating is 7.9 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 Toyota Highlander’s base engine makes 265 horsepower, and the Mazda CX-9 base engine makes 250 horsepower. The Highlander is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 519 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 Toyota Highlander the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Mazda CX-9. Both models use regular unleaded.
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 Toyota Highlander and the Mazda CX-9 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
39826 - 54132
Starting MSRP:
36620
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
36046
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
28750 - 41535
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
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
38045
Price Range:
30882 - 45885
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
34361
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
24907 - 50072
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
2133
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
43763
# Good or Great Deals:
287
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:
683
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
37706
# Good or Great Deals:
70
Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Mazda CX-9 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Highlander
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
11.8
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:
0.387
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
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
10.659688790248422
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:
1.7552022033699368
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 27.9
Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 33Ranking
4 out of / 33Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 33Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 33Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
21 out of / 54Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
24 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 26Ranking
26 out of / 33Ranking
26 out of / 33Ranking
27 out of / 66Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 31Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
31 out of / 66Ranking
34 out of / 66Ranking
44 out of / 66Ranking
54 out of / 54Mazda CX-9 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 16Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 16Ranking
6 out of / 33Ranking
6 out of / 33Ranking
6 out of / 15Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 33Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 33Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 33Ranking
20 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 33Ranking
26 out of / 66Ranking
27 out of / 66Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 31Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
30 out of / 31Ranking
31 out of / 33Ranking
31 out of / 33Ranking
32 out of / 66Ranking
32 out of / 33Ranking
33 out of / 66Ranking
44 out of / 66Ranking
55 out of / 66Summary Review
The Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.
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
- Class-leading fuel economy
- No disappointing base engine
- Legendary reliability
- Third-row space a bit cramped
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
Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
L, LE, Limited, Platinum, XLE, XSE
Mazda CX-9 Trim Levels
Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, Signature, Touring, Touring Plus
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):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 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
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
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
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
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):
22 / 29 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
394 / 519 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
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
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
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:
4155 lbs
Width:
76 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
194.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
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:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Blueprint
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Green
Cypress
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
White
Wind Chill Pearl
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Deep Crystal Blue Mica
Gray
Machine Gray Metallic
Green
Not available
Silver
Sonic Silver Metallic
White
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Graphite
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
Beige
Sand
