Mazda CX-9 vs Toyota Highlander

If you’re in the market for a three-row midsize SUV or crossover, you’re probably trying to decide between the 2023 Mazda CX-9 and the Toyota Highlander. Both of these family-friendly SUV models offer standard three-row seating, impressive capacity for cargo and passengers, and great safety technologies, all at a competitive price point.

However, in the contest between two crossover SUVs, only one can reign supreme. Does the 2023 Toyota Highlander or Mazda CX-9 take the crown? In this blog, the team at Seiner Mazda Las Vegas has put each to the test in three categories to see which SUV is the one you want.

Mazda CX-9 Vs. Toyota Highlander: Safety and Reliability

When it comes to your family, reliability and safety are two of the most important features of any vehicle. Luckily, both the 2023 CX-9 and the Toyota Highlander perform particularly well on this front, with comprehensive suites of standard safety technologies and driver-assistance systems.

As automotive brands, both Mazda and Toyota are known for their reliable powertrains that are built to last. What’s more, each brand is also renowned for its low cost of ownership and high resale value, so you really can’t go wrong either way for dependability and safety.

Toyota Highlander Vs. Mazda CX-9: Design and Features

When you compare the CX-9 vs. the Highlander, you’ll find that the Mazda CX-9 offers premium amenities as standard features, while the Toyota will make you shell out extra for similar amenities. For example, the 2023 CX-9 features standard heated seats, adjustable driver lumbar support, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Mazda’s designers have focused on driver engagement and safety over flashy gadgetry in the Mazda SUV models, meaning you’ll have an intuitive commander knob to operate the infotainment system instead of having to navigate touch screen menus on the Toyota.

Mazda’s designers have focused on driver engagement and safety over flashy gadgetry in the Mazda SUV models, meaning you’ll have an intuitive commander knob to operate the infotainment system instead of having to navigate touch screen menus on the Toyota.

Mazda also offers the following features on the CX-9 that the Toyota Highlander simply doesn’t:

• Nappa leather-trimmed seats
• Mazda Navigation System
• Polymetal Gray Metallic paint
• Red leather interior
• Smart City Brake Support-Reverse
• and more

Mazda CX-9 Vs. Toyota Highlander: Performance and Efficiency

When it comes to power and performance, each of these SUVs offer one engine for drivers to choose from. This means that it’s fairly easy to compare the powertrains of the 2023 CX-9 and the Highlander:

As you can see from the table, both of these SUVs have similar power and payload capacity. However, the CX-9 edges out the Highlander in everything except towing capacity—but we think the standard all-wheel drive compensates for that.

Which Is Better, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 or Toyota Highlander?

While both of these SUVs make high marks for their safety, performance, cargo space, design, and technology, one of them is inches ahead to win the title of best family-friendly SUV of 2023: The Mazda CX-9.

But don’t take our word for it—come see for yourself at Seiner Mazda Las Vegas! We have an expansive inventory of new and used Mazda SUVs for sale near Las Vegas, and we’re happy to answer any questions you may have about our models. Plus, our financial team is standing by to help you get the best deal possible on a new Mazda! Call us or come visit today.