2018 Mazda CX-9 vs 2018 Toyota Highlander

If you’re the designated carpool driver around Doral, Miami, Hialeah, or Kendall, then you’ll love the Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander. These midsize SUVs not only have lots of interior room, but they also have advanced technologies and dependable performances.

While these vehicles have many similarities, they do have defining differences, which we’ll highlight in this 2018 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2018 Toyota Highlander comparison. Learn all about each SUV below, and contact us at Ocean Mazda if you have any questions.

Interior Space & Amenities

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 and 2018 Toyota Highlander offer lots of space for seven or eight passengers, respectively.

This is especially the case for the rear-seat passengers. The Mazda CX-9 has 39.4 inches of second-row legroom and 29.7 inches of third-row legroom. The Highlander, on the other hand, offers 38.4 inches of second-row legroom and 27.7 inches of third-row legroom.

However, each SUV has lots of amenities to help keep everyone comfortable, especially in the wintertime. They include heated front and second-row seats, along with a heated steering wheel.

Did you know? The Mazda CX-9 was ranked number one by Car and Driver! Take a test drive and find out why today!

In addition, the Mazda CX-9 comes standard with a three-zone automatic climate control system. This lets the driver, front-seat passenger, and backseat passengers adjust individual temperature settings. As a result, no one will have to stay too hot or too cold.

The Toyota Highlander has this same climate control system. But, you have to upgrade to a higher trim level to get it.

High-Tech Features

With so many people on board, you’ll want a vehicle that can keep everyone connected and entertained. Luckily, the 2018 Mazda CX-9 and 2018 Highlander offer lots of cutting-edge technologies to help make that happen.

They both come standard with Bluetooth® technology with hands-free phone and audio streaming capability. Plus, they each offer a trial subscription to SiriusXM® Satellite Radio. With over 100 music, sports, news, and comedy stations to choose from, you’ll always find something new to listen to.

In the Mazda CX-9, you’ll find the MAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment System. This standard feature comes with popular internet radio apps like Aha™, Pandora®, and Stitcher™, for your listening pleasure.

The Highlander offers a suite of popular apps, too. But, again, you’ll have to upgrade to a higher trim level to enjoy it.

Performance Specs

The Mazda CX-9 is known for being an athletic SUV, with engaging driving dynamics and a thrilling performance around corners.

It comes standard with a SKYACTIV®-G 2.5T Dynamic Pressure Turbo 4-cylinder engine. It’s paired with a SKYACTIV®-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission, and delivers 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

Not only is it powerful, but it’s quite fuel-efficient, too, achieving an EPA-estimated 22 city/28 highway MPG.*

The Toyota Highlander, on the other hand, has a good ride quality, but less-than-engaging handling. Its standard engine doesn’t offer much power, either. The 2.7L 4-cylinder delivers only 185 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.

And, unfortunately, it’s not as fuel-efficient as the Mazda CX-9. The Highlander achieves an EPA-estimated 20 city/24 highway MPG, which means you might have to stop to refuel more frequently than you would in the Mazda model.

2018 Mazda CX-9 vs 2018 Highlander: Verdict

The 2018 Toyota Highlander is a great SUV in its own right. That being said, the 2018 Mazda CX-9 has the space, technology, and performance you need for fun drives around Doral or Miami.

If you live near Hialeah or Kendall, and want to experience the Mazda CX-9 for yourself, then schedule a test drive at Ocean Mazda today!

*EPA-estimated mileage. Actual results will vary.