My 2 cents, I chose the CX9 because when I'm not hauling the family, the dogs or the little league team and its just me, the Mazda's driving dynamics let me feel like I'm not in the family truckster. Second reason is price reality, Mazda is selling a product fully amortized in production costs. I got a fully loaded touring with premium package and AWD for 7k less than then a comparable Highlander plus zero % financing. I like Toyota, owned several, but Mazda being the underdog worked hard to earn my business and has been very responsive post purchase. I'd say try both like new shoes and go with the one that fits you best, can't go wrong with either of these SUV's. My wife's input, the Mazda has more elegant lines.
non of them i would choose! they both sucks! mazda if they make over the car like the highlander it will be way better and it will be like the mazda6 interior which i think will be WAY better than the very ugly highlander. there are a better options in this segment
***** it called reliability and taking care of your car! ThEy can go farther then 200k. They actually can do five hundred k miles. If you take care of your cars.
when i am looking at the CrossSUVs, i see 2 things; the CX9 can seat adults in the 3rd row, for highlander its a challenge even getting in! Secondly, the feel and sportier drive on the road, Highlander moves like a huge dinasour where as the CX9 just responds to every command. & for the value of the money, CX9 offers more then the Highlander. & i have owned mazdas and toyotas, mazdas are easier to maintain then toyotas!
The mazda Engine has a time proven design. Transmission is AISIN which is a toyota company. These SUVs were great even by today's standards. Ecxept mpg
Test drove many, many 3 row SUVs. The CX-9 won for us and we took one home. Though admittedly it didn't win by much. The mazda really isn't the "best" in any category, but it is consistently good across many. The fun to drive / feels smaller than it is really sealed the deal though.
I can't believe nobody mentioned that the CX-9 is just a recent refresh of an aging platform where the Highlander is all new. This competition will be quite different when /if a new CX-9 arrives with skyactive tech.
That's true . Toyota is huge and has the financial resources compared to Mazda, that being said , I like that Mazda although small is still in the fight. Peugeot , Isuzu Citroen to name a few left the North America market due to poor sales etc . Yet Mazda refuses to give up and is still thinking outside the box. ( Skyactive).....
Going in with Ford saved their bacon for sure. The awesome thing is that they're doing better than they have since the 70's now that they're back solo.
The wife and I went to purchase a 2021 Highlander limited and on the way there my nephew asked me to test drive a Mazda CX 9 which I had never considered Mazdas before went home did some quick research and I got to say the only thing I’m not really fond of is the four-cylinder turbo 2.5 I would much rather have a naturally aspirated 3.5 V6 like the Highlander has however the wife and I both liked everything else about the Mazda so yes we ended up purchasing a 2021 signature Sweet Ride
If I'm driving a big car, l want feel like driving a big car, l like the front of the highlander, the Mazda front look like a sedan to me. I'm getting a used Mazda because a used highlander is too expensive, almost double price.
styling is very subjective, so it wins for you, and nothing to do with anyone else or the cars objective points. I do find this reveiw worthless for the following points: -Performance: So it stops faster, and it accelerates faster, but less athletic, so the CX9 gets the vote? I can't make sense of this. -Comfort: CX93rd row gets the nod for adults. But its too firm of a ride for the CX9 so it doesn't get the vote! -Interior: CX9 size, OK that is something to consider if needed. HL is more lux. while claiming 8seater, its seatbelts vs room. This is where I thought CX9 was getting the vote! HL quality gets the vote! What category are we scoring??!! -Fun to Drive: CX9 gets the vote(But just earlier in "Comfort" it was too firm!??) -Value: Crash scores, MPG for the HL, and CX9 got 5mpg less in HIS testing. Perhaps he was more peppy while driving, as he scored it more Fun To Drive?
I wasn't sold on the looks of the HL. With those lights sticking out like bug eyes. But I actually liked the aggressive front. It just needs that smile taken off, and some paint or coating over that chrome smile would do it. But overall the look has grown on me. I never thought it was ugly. The CX9 is in no way ugly to me either. Most of these SUVs have started to look so generic, they seam to have adopted the formula they use to design refrigerators! No design concept and indivuality what so ever. They are too afraid to offend. Formula for having ZERO character.
All l can say is it was a nice comparison however I would take a Mazda CX-9 home any day over a Toyota Highlander. Its way more stylish personally the interior looks great it is very comfortable and have way more storage then the highlander (I have a 2013 CX-9 GT) with all the bells except DVD players which I will be adding soon. Overall it beats the toyota anyday. And or a vehicle that wins in every category for me I was willing to compromise on the gas milage.
They evaluate room, and they give the Highlander the point on quality. I followed their logic to that point, but since when does Quality have to do with room?
I love and own both a mazda and a toyota. I love both of theses suvs but that motor that highlander has is incredible. If you could buy the body of the Mazda on the frame of the highlander you would have an amazing suv. That crappy ford 3.7l v6 is really bringing this car down. Cant wait for the turbo 4 or the new v6.
2 mpg is not a big deal I rather fun and performance than boring for the sake of 2 mpg. I would never consider a Hybrid so it's a non issue. Also like most cargo room and full size adults in 3rd row not paying for cubbies
The AWD system in the Highlander does a great job in the snow. Recently had 7" and the Highlander just beasted through it. Interior and safety features (a safety pick+) far surpass the CX-9 as do the materials and tech features. In addition to all the former add superior fuel economy and the Highlander is a no brainer. Driving dynamics are nice, but they are small part to the overall sum.
Toyota Highlander "fastest 3 row crossover SUV tested"? Fastest than a Hemi Powered Durango? Ford Explorer Sport? I don't have the numbers in front of me but I have a hard time believing it could beat either. Please correct me if I'm wrong
Of course the Highlander WON the Mazda looks dull as shit on the inside and the drive is not better it worse everything it rough and tough in the Mazda the Highlander has seats you can practically sleep in....GO TOYOTA
The CX-9 has better performance, really good handling and much more response than the highlander. The highlander is hesitant in pick up, really feels like a big car. Overall, I test drove the CX-9 grand touring and Highlander limited platinum. Driving feel, CX-9 is fun to drive and highlander is just boring. CX-9 exterior styling is gorgeous (highlander looks ordinary), interiors are better on Grand touring compared to highlander limited platinum. What I did not like about CX-9 is the touch screen and navigation, which is small screen size, slow and not as responsive for 2015 technology. I would still buy CX-9 over highlander.
Dear God, AGAIN, no off-road, even mud? A dirt-road or simulation of snow or whatever? How's the AWD? Not everyone lives in SoCal, those of us in the Northern states buy these things with mud/snow/dirt roads in mind. C'mon Edmunds, think about the buyers and where they live. It would have taken you one afternoon on a dirt road to answer the concerns of a lot of us.
A new CX-9 is coming, probably 2016. Adults in the 3rd row of a CX-9, are you kidding me? The Highlander loses a seat in higher trim levels. Yes the 4 cylinder in a Highlander is pointless. Toyota should have offered a base model Hybrid instead.
how many milles ??? I love the cx-9 but MPG are killing me, I can choose a XC-60 too..... But mazda is cheaper in maintenance. Please tell me MPG in the cx-9!!!!!
+gothops154 A crossover utility vehicle uses a unibody car platform. A n SUV uses a body on frame truck platform like the Toyota 4Runner that uses the Tacoma platform. This is basically a Camry vs 6 in utility vehicle clothing.
I drove that for almost a month, and was glad to get rid of it. If you like low resolution video games that you just love spending hours to figure out with bad interface and touch...and for some reason love the bleeding red color of the lighting...perhps thats OK, but try opening the door without it slamming into the car next to you..Its hindged off balance!! Was happy to get rid of it.
yiyangcheng I drove the 2014. The inside was nice, great comfort and leather, and yes space was also very nice. But I'm not missing it. It also had a wind or cross wind noise at higher speeds on the freeway: Unacceptable!
My 2 cents, I chose the CX9 because when I'm not hauling the family, the dogs or the little league team and its just me, the Mazda's driving dynamics let me feel like I'm not in the family truckster. Second reason is price reality, Mazda is selling a product fully amortized in production costs. I got a fully loaded touring with premium package and AWD for 7k less than then a comparable Highlander plus zero % financing. I like Toyota, owned several, but Mazda being the underdog worked hard to earn my business and has been very responsive post purchase. I'd say try both like new shoes and go with the one that fits you best, can't go wrong with either of these SUV's. My wife's input, the Mazda has more elegant lines.
i know I'm kind of randomly asking but does anyone know a good website to stream new series online?
Edmunds A-Rated Crossover SUVs Face Off: TOYOTA Highlander vs Mazda USA CX-9
Which would you choose?
The highlander would be my choice over the CX-9. The choice would be tougher if the Pathfinder was thrown into the mix.
Why my gps does not talking anymore.
non of them i would choose! they both sucks! mazda if they make over the car like the highlander it will be way better and it will be like the mazda6 interior which i think will be WAY better than the very ugly highlander. there are a better options in this segment
***** it called reliability and taking care of your car! ThEy can go farther then 200k. They actually can do five hundred k miles. If you take care of your cars.
i would choose highlander, mazda's after 4-5 years start rusting and are unreliable
I picked the CX-9 over the Highlander and have never looked back. It's Bullet proof and hauls anything and everything everywhere.
when i am looking at the CrossSUVs, i see 2 things; the CX9 can seat adults in the 3rd row, for highlander its a challenge even getting in! Secondly, the feel and sportier drive on the road, Highlander moves like a huge dinasour where as the CX9 just responds to every command.
& for the value of the money, CX9 offers more then the Highlander. & i have owned mazdas and toyotas, mazdas are easier to maintain then toyotas!
The mazda Engine has a time proven design. Transmission is AISIN which is a toyota company. These SUVs were great even by today's standards.
Ecxept mpg
Test drove many, many 3 row SUVs. The CX-9 won for us and we took one home. Though admittedly it didn't win by much. The mazda really isn't the "best" in any category, but it is consistently good across many. The fun to drive / feels smaller than it is really sealed the deal though.
Try kluger
Always rock
And tough mate
I can't believe nobody mentioned that the CX-9 is just a recent refresh of an aging platform where the Highlander is all new. This competition will be quite different when /if a new CX-9 arrives with skyactive tech.
That's true . Toyota is huge and has the financial resources compared to Mazda, that being said , I like that Mazda although small is still in the fight. Peugeot , Isuzu Citroen to name a few left the North America market due to poor sales etc . Yet Mazda refuses to give up and is still thinking outside the box. ( Skyactive).....
Going in with Ford saved their bacon for sure. The awesome thing is that they're doing better than they have since the 70's now that they're back solo.
you hit it on the nail, i'm from the future, the new cx-9 is amazing
@@markwilliams6378
Nothing wrong with Mazda Good Stuff!
Great work and great video
For something that is 8 years old in design, the CX-9 really holds up a good competition.
The wife and I went to purchase a 2021 Highlander limited and on the way there my nephew asked me to test drive a Mazda CX 9 which I had never considered Mazdas before went home did some quick research and I got to say the only thing I’m not really fond of is the four-cylinder turbo 2.5 I would much rather have a naturally aspirated 3.5 V6 like the Highlander has however the wife and I both liked everything else about the Mazda so yes we ended up purchasing a 2021 signature Sweet Ride
Highlander is quicker than CX-9? Seriously, Have you driven the CX-9? check again.
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER FOREVER
Love these 5 category comparisons! Keep it up!
If I'm driving a big car, l want feel like driving a big car, l like the front of the highlander, the Mazda front look like a sedan to me. I'm getting a used Mazda because a used highlander is too expensive, almost double price.
love my MAZDA cx9
Always be grateful with what you have!
"unless you have a passion for gas stations" lol nice
Mazda is underrated these days
Still would chose my 2013 CX-9 over the new Highlander if given the choice. Just on styling alone the Mazda wins!
styling is very subjective, so it wins for you, and nothing to do with anyone else or the cars objective points.
I do find this reveiw worthless for the following points:
-Performance: So it stops faster, and it accelerates faster, but less athletic, so the CX9 gets the vote? I can't make sense of this.
-Comfort: CX93rd row gets the nod for adults. But its too firm of a ride for the CX9 so it doesn't get the vote!
-Interior: CX9 size, OK that is something to consider if needed. HL is more lux. while claiming 8seater, its seatbelts vs room. This is where I thought CX9 was getting the vote! HL quality gets the vote! What category are we scoring??!!
-Fun to Drive: CX9 gets the vote(But just earlier in "Comfort" it was too firm!??)
-Value: Crash scores, MPG for the HL, and CX9 got 5mpg less in HIS testing. Perhaps he was more peppy while driving, as he scored it more Fun To Drive?
Cx9 is ugly
Too you! But I also think the front end of the new Highlander is just hideous!
I wasn't sold on the looks of the HL. With those lights sticking out like bug eyes. But I actually liked the aggressive front. It just needs that smile taken off, and some paint or coating over that chrome smile would do it. But overall the look has grown on me. I never thought it was ugly. The CX9 is in no way ugly to me either. Most of these SUVs have started to look so generic, they seam to have adopted the formula they use to design refrigerators! No design concept and indivuality what so ever. They are too afraid to offend. Formula for having ZERO character.
Look at Ford, they said , "Hey the Range Rover looks nice! Lets take there details and some parts". Now the Range Rover has lost its uniqueness~!
All l can say is it was a nice comparison however I would take a Mazda CX-9 home any day over a Toyota Highlander. Its way more stylish personally the interior looks great it is very comfortable and have way more storage then the highlander (I have a 2013 CX-9 GT) with all the bells except DVD players which I will be adding soon. Overall it beats the toyota anyday. And or a vehicle that wins in every category for me I was willing to compromise on the gas milage.
They evaluate room, and they give the Highlander the point on quality. I followed their logic to that point, but since when does Quality have to do with room?
+AcuraT True that. It was a biased review.
I love and own both a mazda and a toyota. I love both of theses suvs but that motor that highlander has is incredible. If you could buy the body of the Mazda on the frame of the highlander you would have an amazing suv. That crappy ford 3.7l v6 is really bringing this car down. Cant wait for the turbo 4 or the new v6.
2 mpg is not a big deal I rather fun and performance than boring for the sake of 2 mpg. I would never consider a Hybrid so it's a non issue. Also like most cargo room and full size adults in 3rd row not paying for cubbies
I prefer performance fun and styling over conservative and boring I'd pick the cx9
just the opposite I have a 6-speed challenger SRT8 got a 2012 SE highlander I can relax now!
Who beats who in resale value?
The AWD system in the Highlander does a great job in the snow. Recently had 7" and the Highlander just beasted through it. Interior and safety features (a safety pick+) far surpass the CX-9 as do the materials and tech features. In addition to all the former add superior fuel economy and the Highlander is a no brainer. Driving dynamics are nice, but they are small part to the overall sum.
Toyota Highlander "fastest 3 row crossover SUV tested"? Fastest than a Hemi Powered Durango? Ford Explorer Sport? I don't have the numbers in front of me but I have a hard time believing it could beat either. Please correct me if I'm wrong
Price difference is much larger. It's almost a different category.. or else I could add in Lexus, etc.
Justin Hardt point taken sir.
I think he meant fastest 3rd row crossover they have tested, i dint think they have tested the Durango SRT 8
0-60 is 7seconds. it is a lean and quick car. Hard to believe, but it is!
you wish it was faster than a hemi
Of course the Highlander WON the Mazda looks dull as shit on the inside and the drive is not better it worse everything it rough and tough in the Mazda the Highlander has seats you can practically sleep in....GO TOYOTA
The CX-9 has better performance, really good handling and much more response than the highlander. The highlander is hesitant in pick up, really feels like a big car. Overall, I test drove the CX-9 grand touring and Highlander limited platinum. Driving feel, CX-9 is fun to drive and highlander is just boring. CX-9 exterior styling is gorgeous (highlander looks ordinary), interiors are better on Grand touring compared to highlander limited platinum. What I did not like about CX-9 is the touch screen and navigation, which is small screen size, slow and not as responsive for 2015 technology. I would still buy CX-9 over highlander.
Mazda CX-9
Cx9 all the way, toyota its kinda boring
I think highlander wins
Yes Toyota won
TheKingSalmon ! Subjective. Younger drivers would prefer the better driving dynamics of the CX-9...not to mention that the CX-9 is better looking
Please do CLA 250 VS Audi A3 2.0T
The highlander back seat feel like metal
Best stay out of the back seat!
HIGHLANDER IS WAY BETTER
Dear God, AGAIN, no off-road, even mud? A dirt-road or simulation of snow or whatever? How's the AWD? Not everyone lives in SoCal, those of us in the Northern states buy these things with mud/snow/dirt roads in mind. C'mon Edmunds, think about the buyers and where they live. It would have taken you one afternoon on a dirt road to answer the concerns of a lot of us.
Oh my friend then you need a Fore-Runner!
A new CX-9 is coming, probably 2016. Adults in the 3rd row of a CX-9, are you kidding me? The Highlander loses a seat in higher trim levels. Yes the 4 cylinder in a Highlander is pointless. Toyota should have offered a base model Hybrid instead.
Your last point is superb!
Btw in Canada the hybrid comes in le trim :p
Sadly it loses a usable second row seat! FAIL. But overall is a great car. Just not worth over $32K
How come mike always gets the losing car? If there is a next review with mike, give him the more popular option then review
how many milles ??? I love the cx-9 but MPG are killing me, I can choose a XC-60 too..... But mazda is cheaper in maintenance. Please tell me MPG in the cx-9!!!!!
Toyota highland
Highlander nyday
The CX-9 is just way too dated in body design even with a third refresh cycle.
Apparently you can just call anything a cross over because these are clearly midsize SUVs
+gothops154
A crossover utility vehicle uses a unibody car platform. A n SUV uses a body on frame truck platform like the Toyota 4Runner that uses the Tacoma platform. This is basically a Camry vs 6 in utility vehicle clothing.
They suck!
Toyota boring--Mazda FUN!
The highlander is faster then the cx-9 and has better brakes also
Mazda is goodare then highlander
@@supandi1000
You mean mo-Better?
I'd rather have Acadia
I drove that for almost a month, and was glad to get rid of it. If you like low resolution video games that you just love spending hours to figure out with bad interface and touch...and for some reason love the bleeding red color of the lighting...perhps thats OK, but try opening the door without it slamming into the car next to you..Its hindged off balance!! Was happy to get rid of it.
I feel like it's bigger than others and perhaps the refemreshed version is maybe much better than the pre refreshed ones
yiyangcheng
I drove the 2014. The inside was nice, great comfort and leather, and yes space was also very nice. But I'm not missing it. It also had a wind or cross wind noise at higher speeds on the freeway: Unacceptable!
LMAO.