Toyota Highlander vs. Mazda CX-9
When we compare 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, 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, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and reliability. 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.
Toyota Highlander vs. Mazda CX-9 Pricing
A used 2023 Toyota Highlander ranges from $37,275 to $52,594 while a used 2023 Mazda CX-9 is priced between $33,994 to $44,041. For a new model, the Toyota Highlander's price is between $38,970 and $53,755, with the Mazda CX-9 priced between $36,965 and $46,945.
Toyota Highlander vs. Mazda CX-9 Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Toyota Highlander loses 38.1 percent of its value and the Mazda CX-9 loses 46.3 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Highlander retains 8.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mazda CX-9.
Toyota Highlander vs. Mazda CX-9 Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Toyota Highlander is 9.0 out of 10 while the Mazda CX-9's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Toyota Highlander being ranked 2 out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs and the Mazda CX-9 being ranked 3 out of 31. Out of 22 Best 7-Seater SUVs, the Toyota Highlander is ranked 2 and the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 3. The Toyota Highlander is also ranked 3 out of 30 Best SUVs with 3 Rows while the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 4 out of 30. The Toyota Highlander is also ranked 6 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 7 out of 66.
Toyota Highlander vs. Mazda CX-9 Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Toyota Highlander is 8.7 out of 10. For the Mazda CX-9 the reliability rating is 8.7 out of 10. This gives the Mazda CX-9 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Toyota Highlander.
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 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 Comparison
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. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Toyota Highlander has the better rating with a Top Safety Pick+ award compared to the Mazda CX-9’s Top Safety Pick award.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
38970 - 53755
Used Asking Price:
37275 - 52594
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.380816
Pricing
New Asking Price:
36965 - 46945
Used Asking Price:
33994 - 44041
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.463103
Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.958187 / 10
Reliability:
8.674561 / 10
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Mazda CX-9 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.27297 / 10
Reliability:
8.718911 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 30Ranking
2 out of / 22Ranking
2 out of / 22Ranking
2 out of / 17Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 8Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 17Ranking
3 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 8Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 15Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 27Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 16Ranking
7 out of / 15Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 22Ranking
8 out of / 17Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 22Ranking
10 out of / 22Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 17Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 22Ranking
13 out of / 18Ranking
13 out of / 17Ranking
13 out of / 17Ranking
14 out of / 25Ranking
14 out of / 22Ranking
14 out of / 17Ranking
16 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 22Ranking
16 out of / 17Ranking
18 out of / 30Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 27Ranking
19 out of / 26Ranking
20 out of / 30Ranking
24 out of / 30Ranking
26 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 31Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
35 out of / 66Ranking
53 out of / 58Mazda CX-9 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 16Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 22Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 8Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 11Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 27Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
8 out of / 30Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 18Ranking
13 out of / 25Ranking
13 out of / 22Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 22Ranking
17 out of / 22Ranking
18 out of / 27Ranking
18 out of / 22Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 22Ranking
20 out of / 30Ranking
21 out of / 22Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
23 out of / 66Ranking
24 out of / 31Ranking
24 out of / 30Ranking
25 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 31Ranking
26 out of / 30Ranking
27 out of / 30Ranking
29 out of / 30Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
30 out of / 31Ranking
33 out of / 66Ranking
38 out of / 66Ranking
43 out of / 66Ranking
52 out of / 58Ranking
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
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Base Drivetrain Specifications
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 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:
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
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Safety Equipment
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 Equipment
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