2025 Acura RDX vs. 2023 Mazda CX-9 Review

Picture of the 2025 Acura RDX

2025 Acura
RDX

MSRP*: $44,700 to $54,450
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

Picture of the 2023 Mazda CX-9

2023 Mazda
CX-9

MSRP*: $38,750 to $48,460
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City 21 MPG 20 MPG
MPG - Hwy 26 - 27 MPG Info not available
Seating Capacity 5 seats 6 seats
Cargo Space Info not available 71.2 ft3
Engine
  • 272-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 227-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Automatic
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive
Horsepower 272 hp 227 hp
Towing Capacity 1,500 lbs 3,500 lbs
Exterior Length 187.4 in 199.4 in
Exterior Width 74.8 in 77.5 in
Leg Room Front 42.0 in
Rear 38.0 in
Front 41.0 in
Rear 39.4 in
Head Room Front 40.0 in
Rear 38.0 in
Front 40.1 in
Rear 38.5 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
Passengers in the backseat will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Mazda CX-9 than in the Acura RDX, due to its greater head- and legroom. The Acura RDX offers just a little more front head- and legroom than the Mazda CX-9, making it a little more comfortable for the driver and front passenger.

Convenience
The Mazda CX-9 requires fewer stops at the gas station than the Acura RDX, making it more convenient to drive.

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). The Acura RDX is somewhat more expensive than the Mazda CX-9.

Dimensions
Since the Acura RDX is much slimmer than the Mazda CX-9, it'll be much easier to find a wide enough space in a crowded parking lot. If you go with the Acura RDX, you'll have a much easier time finding a large enough space to park than you will with the Mazda CX-9.

Handling
The Acura RDX has the same turning radius as the Mazda CX-9, so they both maneuver the same in and out of tight spots.

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

Powertrain
With its lower torque engine, the Acura RDX doesn't do as good a job transmitting power to its wheels as the Mazda CX-9.

Utility
The Acura RDX has less seating than the Mazda CX-9, making the Mazda CX-9 the better choice, if you need to chauffeur many passengers.