Wyatt Johnson Mazda

Feb 9, 2022
2021 Mazda CX-9 Vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

2021 Mazda CX-9 Vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

For any buyer searching for a three-row SUV, both the Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-9 are excellent vehicles for 2021. But how do these three-row SUVs really stack up against each other? To see which one is a better fit as per individual requirements, go through this write-up carefully. 

Comparisons Under Various Parameters

1) Levels of Safety- Both models here are available with a long list of standard safety and driver-assist systems. The only difference is that Toyota has its own safety suite that is termed the Toyota Safety Sense. For the 2021 Mazda CX-9, safety features include:

  • Lane Keep Assist
  • Smart Brake Support with Collision Warning
  • Enhanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Recognition
  • Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alerts
  • Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go
  • Lane Departure Warning System 

Here are the driver assists available through Toyota Safety Sense for the 2021 Highlander:

  • Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
  • Lane Tracing Assist
  • Lane Departure Alert
  • Road Sign Assist
  • Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection

According to the IIHS, the 2021 Toyota Highlander is a Top Safety Pick+, as is the 2021 Mazda CX-9.

2) Amenities on the Inside- Every person spends a significant amount of time in a new automobile. Fortunately, both of these three-row SUVs come with a long list of desirable interior features. With the 2021 Mazda CX-9, customers will get:

  • Wireless Phone Charging Facility
  • Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
  • Leather Upholstery

 

Those who decide to select the 2021 Toyota Highlander will get features like:

  • Panoramic Moonroof
  • Wireless Phone Charging Facility
  • Dual Toned Leather-Trimmed Seats

 

3) Engines and Towing Capabilities- A 3.5-liter V6 engine sits at the heart of the 2021 Toyota Highlander, churning out 295 hp of power and 263 lb-ft of torque in conjunction with 8-speed automatic transmission. It possesses a towing capability of 5,000 lbs with this engine. However, Toyota does come with a more fuel-efficient hybrid as well.

 

Compared to the above, the 2021 Mazda CX-9 has a turbocharged 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine that produces 227 hp of power and 310 lb-ft of torque, with power being sent through a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Unfortunately, the CX-9 can tow only up to 3,500 lbs and is also not available as a hybrid.

 

4) Size and Space- Mazda CX-9 is longer and broader than the Toyota Highlander, although the Highlander has more overall passenger and load space. The Mazda CX-9 has a total length of 199.4 inches and a wheelbase of 115.3 inches. The Toyota Highlander has a total length of 194.9 inches and a wheelbase of 112.2 inches. The CX-9 is also an inch wider than the Highlander, measuring 77.2 inches against 76 inches for its rival.

 

In terms of cargo capacity, the Highlander takes the lead, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and 84.3 cubic feet behind the first row. In comparison, the CX-9 contains 14.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 38.2 cubic feet after the second row, and 71.1 cubic feet at the rear of the first row.

5) Drivetrains- Both the SUVs offer FWD (Front Wheel Drive) as standard drivetrains, though customers can opt for AWD (All-Wheel Drive).