2023 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2024 Toyota Highlander Review

Picture of the 2023 Mazda CX-9

2023 Mazda
CX-9

MSRP*: $38,750 to $48,460
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Picture of the 2024 Toyota Highlander

2024 Toyota
Highlander

MSRP*: $39,270 to $51,675
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Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City 20 MPG 21 - 22 MPG
MPG - Hwy 26 MPG 28 - 29 MPG
Seating Capacity 6 seats 7 - 8 seats
Cargo Space 71.2 ft3 84.3 ft3
Engine
  • 227-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 265-hp, 2.4-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Automatic
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive
Horsepower 227 hp 265 hp
Towing Capacity 3,500 lbs 5,000 lbs
Exterior Length 199.4 in 194.9 - 197.4 in
Exterior Width 77.5 in 76.0 in
Leg Room Front 41.0 in
Rear 39.4 in
Front 42.0 in
Rear 38.7 in
Head Room Front 40.1 in
Rear 38.5 in
Front 38.4 - 41.2 in
Rear 37.1 - 39.4 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
The Mazda CX-9 offers rear passengers about the same room to stretch out as the Toyota Highlander, with comparable head- and legroom. As far as headroom and legroom go, there's not much difference between front seat comfort in the Mazda CX-9 and the Toyota Highlander.

Convenience
You'll be making about the same number of stops at the gas station with the Mazda CX-9 as you will with the Toyota Highlander, as they are both able to travel similar distances on a tank of gas.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). When looking only at MSRP, the Mazda CX-9 will have less of an impact on your bank account than the Toyota Highlander.

Dimensions
The Mazda CX-9 is a little wider than the Toyota Highlander, so getting in and out of the car in a crowded parking lot may be a little more of a squeeze. When looking at overall length, the Mazda CX-9 takes up about the same amount of space in your garage as the Toyota Highlander.

Handling
The Mazda CX-9 has a larger turning radius than the Toyota Highlander, making it slightly more difficult to maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
In terms of towing capacity, the Toyota Highlander is clearly the choice over the Mazda CX-9 for pulling heavy loads. The Mazda CX-9 has a little less horsepower than the Toyota Highlander.

Powertrain
With similar torque, the Mazda CX-9 and the Toyota Highlander are about even in transmitting their respective horsepower to the wheels.

Utility
The Mazda CX-9 has less seating than the Toyota Highlander, making the Toyota Highlander the better choice, if you need to chauffeur many passengers. The Mazda CX-9 has less cargo space than the Toyota Highlander, which is okay if you don't need to move a lot in one trip.