Toyota Highlander vs. Mazda CX-9 Review

Utility
The Toyota Highlander and the Mazda CX-9 can accommodate the same number of passengers.

Dimensions
The Toyota Highlander's tank is approximately the same size as the Mazda's, though the Mazda CX-9's is a tad larger. The Toyota and the CX-9 compete for the same parking spaces.

Convenience
The Mazda CX-9's fuel tank will need to be replenished slightly more often than the unit in the Toyota Highlander.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs almost the same to get the Mazda CX-9 to the dealership as the Toyota Highlander. When it comes to fuel economy, the Highlander bests the Mazda. The Mazda CX-9 guzzles a lot of gasoline compared to the Toyota Highlander. Regarding MSRP, the Toyota doesn't cost much less than the Mazda CX-9.

Handling
With their comparable turning circles, the Mazda CX-9 and the Toyota Highlander likely handle about the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The Mazda has a more massive engine than the Toyota Highlander. Bear in mind that smaller engines are often cheaper to fix, but a smaller engine usually has to work a little harder. Torque is roughly equivalent to acceleration, and in this respect, the Mazda CX-9 is substantially more powerful than the Toyota Highlander. Torque equals pickup, and the Mazda CX-9 will have picked up and gone by the time the Toyota finally gets moving.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Toyota Highlander offers a bit more head room than the Mazda, there frankly isn't much of a difference. While the rear of the Mazda CX-9 offers a bit more head- and leg-room than the Toyota Highlander, there honestly isn't much of a difference.

Warranty
The Mazda CX-9 and the Highlander have the same basic warranty.