2023 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review

Picture of the 2023 Mazda CX-9

2023 Mazda
CX-9

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

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Picture of the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

2024 Toyota
Highlander Hybrid

MSRP*: $40,970 to $53,375
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City 20 MPG 35 - 36 MPG
MPG - Hwy 26 MPG 34 - 35 MPG
Seating Capacity 6 seats 7 - 8 seats
Cargo Space 71.2 ft3 84.3 ft3
Engine
  • 227-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 243-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gas/Electric Hybrid)
Transmission Automatic Continuously Variable
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive
Horsepower 227 hp 243 hp
Towing Capacity 3,500 lbs 3,500 lbs
Exterior Length 199.4 in 194.9 in
Exterior Width 77.5 in 76.0 in
Leg Room Front 41.0 in
Rear 39.4 in
Front 42.0 in
Rear 38.7 in
Head Room Front 40.1 in
Rear 38.5 in
Front 38.4 - 41.2 in
Rear 37.1 - 39.4 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
The Mazda CX-9 offers rear passengers about the same room to stretch out as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, with comparable head- and legroom. As far as headroom and legroom go, there's not much difference between front seat comfort in the Mazda CX-9 and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Convenience
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid requires fewer stops at the gas station than the Mazda CX-9, 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). Whether you pick the Mazda CX-9 or the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, it's going to cost you about the same.

Dimensions
The Mazda CX-9 is a little wider than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, so getting in and out of the car in a crowded parking lot may be a little more of a squeeze. For some people, bigger is better. If that's the case for you, then you'll be happier with the Mazda CX-9, which is slightly longer than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Handling
The Mazda CX-9 has a larger turning radius than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, making it slightly more difficult to maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
If you've got something you need to pull, the Mazda CX-9 will do just as well as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, since they have about the same towing capacity. The Mazda CX-9 has a little less horsepower than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Powertrain
Due to its much higher torque, the Mazda CX-9 does a much better job of transmitting its engine's horsepower to its wheels than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Utility
The Mazda CX-9 has less seating than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, making the Toyota Highlander Hybrid the better choice, if you need to chauffeur many passengers. The Mazda CX-9 has less cargo space than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which is okay if you don't need to move a lot in one trip.