Toyota Highlander vs. Mazda CX-9 vs. Snowstorm: Which One Do You Want When It Turns Frosty & Frozen?
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- Опубликовано: 25 дек 2020
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The 2021 Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander are three-row, all-wheel drive family haulers promising all-weather capability to get you where you need to go. But how well does that actually hold true in a snowstorm? Andre and Roman take both crossovers into the snowy and icy mountains to find out.
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#Toyota #Mazda #Snowstorm 
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We own a 2019 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD and it is a fantastic driver and a great value for the money!
Truly! It's an excellent car, my only criticism is the backup/360 camera resolution. Other than that it's pretty darn perfect.
Yep I have an older cx9 and it's bulletproof. 140k plus miles and only needed tired and brakes. So rides and drives great.
@@abou824 they actually improve camera resolution in 2021 model, I have 2018ths model and the car is great but I'm a little bit upset about how much new stuff you have if you but it in 2021 for the same money
Ya that thing is sick but I don't think the 2019 model has the offroad assist mode which is a shame
Recently traded in a 2016 cx-5 for a 2021 cx-9 due to more kids and absolutely love it......and as a dad who rides motorcycles the little 2.5L turbo is fun
We own a 2019 cx9 and absolutely love it!!!! Acceleration is fantastic and I have driven on the beach without problems.
I owned and still driving a 2017 CX9 Signature and very satisfied with the car. Exterior, Interior, performance and reliability no issues at all.
My 2012 cx9 176,000 miles. Engine sweet, mpg. Just 12. Power seat broken, power roof broken, lift gate latch broken, driver window fix $600, sway bar and suspension fix $450, no tears on leather, just arm rest tear and panel broken, park break never worked. Drives well dry and snow. Vote to sell or fix and keep?
Can't really compare the old Mazda's to these ones. Those had the V6 terrible fuel economy. And Kia, Mazda, Hyundai have all done much better in these newer years.
Currently owning a CX-9 carbon. The infotainment is a pain to learn, BuT, after a month it all makes perfect sense. Still haven't seen snow yet. Which is why I'm watching this video. Good job guys.
I love the Mazda infotainment system. It works so well when you know it! (We have a 3 and a CX9). Those that criticize it are normally not owners.
This was awesome! Just bought a 2021 Mazda CX-9 2 days ago. This was very informative. Thanks guys!
CX-9 would be my choice over the Toyota, just to piss off Scotty Kilmer....besides, the CX-9 is exceedingly more attractive. Plus the Mazda engine bay has cup holders...
The engine bay has cup holders!? Wait what?!
@@djw5415 ……( actually it’s the insets for the oil and water caps….but they look the size of cup holders…)
Do you know Scotty? 😂
🤣
Currently in the market for a midsize and im not surprised that just like myself a lot of the buyers in this market have narrowed down to CX-9 and Highlander.
I had a Mazda 6 before and a Mazda CX-5 both of which got into very bad accidents (not my fault, i live where ppl dont know how to drive) and the structural integrity and safety has me sold.
The CX-5 was hit by a tractor trailer on the highway and I came out without a scratch. Having sold Mazdas before as well I can confidently say these are the best bangs for your buck!
Mazdas setting an example with quality and reliability and im happy to say im sold for life.
I get the luxury I want, with reliability, safety, and a great price.
Now the question is, Signature or Kuro edition?
Infotainment in the 2021 CX-9 is brand new and a 1000% improvement over the old one. Give em a break.
Not to mention a lot of people are using Android Auto and Carplay
Personally, even the 2019 and 2020 cx9's that i test drove, to me, were very easy to learn even though i test drove them for 10 15 minutes i was able to learn everything. I don't understand why people complain that much. Honestly. They should complain about the toyota's 360 camera. It's horrible. You can see the pixels. Honda pilot has a boring interior (and from reliability, many people including my good friend have troubles with the newer models- honda crv in 1 year twice engine problems)
Umm, I mean, the cx-9 infotainment for 2021 is a Humongous improvement over the 2020 lol... It really is, so why you need the break?
When you buy it new , sure flip a coin , they are similar. But when you want to sell it or trade it in you will be happy you got the toyota
Usually these trips end up being misadventures with Andrey getting the shovel out. :)
The Mazda CX-9 for sure 👍👍👍👍👍
The Mazda is simply gorgeous. Looks like a great white. Majestic and fearless.
Andrey and Roman, thank you for a nice language lesson. 👍
Own a 2018 highlander xle. Works great in the snow and has center diff lock. Was extremely impressed with its engine as well.
Agreed. We have XLE AWD. Got my Tundra with Big KO2’s and lift which does great in snow. Took a Christmas Day trip in the highlander where most of the trip was on snow covered roads, I was very impressed for what it is. Also, the 3.5V6 loves to Rev. that’s one of the most surprising things.
@@kylechrestman6955 we have both as well and when I have to drive in the snow, I always take the Highlander. Both are completely competent in the snow, I just greatly prefer how the Highlander awd handles things
Good video as usual fellas. Those are two very nice vehicles and their AWD systems seem comparable. PLEASE do a video where you put the same set of snow tires on both vehicles and drive them in deep snow to really compare the capabilities of the all wheel drive systems.
Mazda CX-9 it is! This comparison isn't Apple to Apple. Toyota Highlander is based on Toyota Camry/Lexus RX/Toyota Harrier means it is Fake Land Cruiser so don't be surprised it's not available in Asia (the last Highlander was early 2000's) because we don't like fake off-road crossovers.
After all all the goodness and reliability is because; Yamaha = Lexus = Toyota = Mazda.
Great comparison. Nice to see these two AWD vehicles doing ok in snow with just all-seasons.
I just returned my ‘18 highlander le and got in a cx9 touring with prem package. I find cx9 to be a better road going car, better looking and better optioned. But if you need lots of room and storage then HL is it. (I’d argue you should get a mini van if that is the case tough. ) We have two older kids now and we don’t need the room we did before.
cx9 is a better car for us. It’s a great car with useable torque at lower end. Everything looks great in this car. The car is wholly built in Japan! Which speaks to really good fit and finish.
how is your fuel economy?
Yea Leaving Acura for Mazda💯
@@JohnConnor636 probably absolute garbage 🗑 + it's turbo charged. It's for somebody that's gonna 60km and upgrade again 4-5yrs
Dang I'm glad you guys made it through that 1 inch of snow I was worried. Both of the vehicles would do just fine with 6 inches of snow on those roads. Good video.
CX-9 as usual looks stunning.
I own a 2014 AWD Mazda Cx9 Grand. When it reached 100K, it all went down hill with very expensive repairs!! I also own a 2008 Toyota FJ and a 1995 Toyota 4runner. 180K and 675 K. Original trannies and engines!! I will NEVER own anything but Toyota's or Lexuses. Domestic does not have a dog in the fight!!!!
Great review. The parking lot comparisons were getting 😴. Keep it up fellas.
Got the 2021 highlander xse with the black and red interior and it drives real great and it look very great
Funny how they design the plastic engine covers to make it look like a longitudinally oriented engine.
I feel like the test is incomplete without a snow drifting contest in the local walmart parking lot. That is probably going to be where these spend the most time anyway.
🤣
Mazda interior is so much nicer!
Not
is more comfortable and roomy than the Toyota Highlander
Test drove both and preferred the Limited Toyota interior.
Toyota = bland
Mazda = much better interior than Honda or Toyota.
Trueee
My real world awd test is getting buried on all sides with a foot of snow by a city plow and seeing if you can gas it out of there. Seems like there is less than an inch of snow in this vid
haha facts. this snow fall in ny that happened a couple days ago had everything stuck lol
The REAL "city" SUV test :D
My old Explorer used to nail the test you speak of... then it died of rust.
These are not off-road vehicles, and this is not a snow storm, and it is not frost, and not cold. Alaska will say they are capable of snowfall, frost and cold. At least on the road.
Это не внедорожники, и это не снегопад, и это не мороз, и не холод. Аляска скажет способны они на снегопад, мороз и холод. Хотя бы на дороге.
You need four-wheel-drive for a foot of snow I have yet to be impressed by anything all wheel drive and a decent amount of snow
Thanks for this great video. I narrowed my search down to these two vehicles, and your comparison really provided some great information. I ended up purchasing the CX-9 and could not be happier (haven't driven in snow yet, as it is still summer here, but I feel confident my new car will handle it well.)
How did it do? Mine is not doing well in the snow. Super disappointing.
@@abcdefghij2009o winters?
@@abcdefghij2009oI have a Rav4, it does amazingly well in the snow and that was with the originak Toyo Tires Open Country, Toyota is the more proven brand off-road
So I am currently looking at upgrading and this definitely set my mind for the AWD CX-9 upgrade coming from the sport. Color me impressed.
15:56 - A silent hero got credit!
Can you make a video where you start on normal move and then go to a specific mode once it is necessary? Great video.
I would take the CX-9 based off your review. Which makes this very helpful. :)
I love the XSE trim highlander
Tires are everything. It’s hard to compare cars all wheel drives unless both vehicles have the exact same tires.
Softroader test! For the first 5 mins I thought you two were going to pull over and have a break with some wine and cheese at the chalet before going back down the mountain.
I've just test driven the 2021 gas version and it stll accelerates well (I have a 2014 Toyota Highlander V6) but it also still has a lot of torque steer.
I really enjoyed this off road review guys. The way the snow beat us up a couple weeks ago here in Missouri, I would have loved to have that Highlander, I must say.
Now to that 4Runner/Tacoma review...
After a month of everyday use with the Mazda infotainment system you not only get used to it, you prefer it.
Very cool.. well worth watching!
The "snow" button in the Toyota simply starts the transmission in 2nd gear. Really nothing more to it than that.
Ya exactly
That hasn't been true since two generations ago. It reduces torque, which works quite well.
@@redrightandblue45 2nd gear has less torque... lol.
It's also has a MTS and torque vectoring AWD I have one. With better tires the HL system is great.
Which way to the Chalet??...😂😀 I'll try a TFL coffee ☕...this coffee sucks this morning.. great video
I think that after good tires underbody protection is the second highest priority, not low range. After all, off-road is not all about crawling, and using 1st gear should still be slow and torquey enough. So, next to skid plates I think the low range importance is a bit exaggerated (not that I wouldn't put it in the 3rd place of priorities).
Sucks that in canada we didn't get the new 10" screen and new infotainment in the 2021 mazda CX9. I just bought a 100th anniversary edition signature and it has the old system.
F
U
@@misterpimlott6330 r mom
Yup I know. I bought the kuro trim in October and was disappointed that we didn’t get the upgraded infotainment system.
Same as New Zealand, sucks
Mazda has really nailed the body lines across their brand.
Mazda took Consumer Reports reliability top spot.
Impressive.
I’m not saying Mazda isn’t reliable,but consumer reports is literally all bullshit.
@@flippypippy1851 Not true. CR is funded through it's subscription service, not advertisers like most other outlets.
skewed by sales number, toyota sells ton shit more
Own a 2016 Mazda 6, definitely going upgrade to a CX-9 sometime soon 👌
I has a 2016 Highlander limited and the AWD was phenomenal.
Is the Mazda CX-9 AWD system always on, or is there a button to press? Thanks
ANDRE, you should know Mazda's G-vectoring control is not an awd torque vectoring system. It's a system designed to enhance cornering performance by controlling engine power while turning.
Id go with the Mazdoyota
Well ..... I had fun , didn't look like much snow
Consumer Reports just named Mazda as the most overall reliable car brand. I'm going CX-9!
Great choice, excellent vehicles indeed! You can't go wrong with a modern Mazda product
😅
I was going to get rx 350 but I looked into fuelly and don't like mpg of rx. . Cx9 mazda a little better mpg and also cheaper and also reliable from what I have read. What is the difference between 2018,19 and 2021 cx9? Looking to buy used one. Will this suv be too big for 2 adults and a 90lbs dog? Dont need the 3rd row, so I feel we will be paying for 3rd row when we don't need it... drove the cx5 but did not like it much, too small in my opinion. Your advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank u.
Also looking at venza. We are looking for an suv pretty much.
Definitely going Highlander … great video
🌟 I live in California I don’t really go off road meanwhile Mazda is far more sexier and high quality 🤤
Loving my cx9
The Highlander is definitely reliable and sturdy but the cx9 so far is doing the same and has more features standard and looks nicer. The best thing is getting the cx9 used over the Highlander unless you have the money and don't mind paying more for the Highlander.
Have you guys ever done one of these tests with a new Nissan Murano? We got hammered in Pigeon Forge Christmas Eve and there was full size trucks and jeeps having trouble and spinning out on the highway and we cruised right on by never spinning at all . It's a beast but you would never know looking at it but I would say that's a situation where the cvt helps with being easy on the throttle.
Thanks guys! 😎👍❄❄❄
I really like that Toyota.. Id be fine with either, I had a 2016 CX-5 snd loved it.
Im in the market, and have finally decided on the Mazda cx-9 Signature. Had a 2010 Toyota Highland Limited and the seats were
horrible for any long distance, that means anything more then an hour.
It is still the same which sucks bad
I have a 2020 Mazda CX-5 AWD and it has been pretty good in its first Northern Ontario winter.
Looks to me like they both will get you home pretty good if you get caught in a snow storm. And if you want to take the whole family somewhere you should be able to get their with either. As long as that somewhere don't involve a hard offroad trial. I don't think either of the companies,Roman or Adrea are making any claims about either of these being a 4Runner or Wrangler.For some people a nice,comfortable AWD family hauler fits their life.
These are literally the two vehicles I narrowed down to from the 8 I’ve searched. Crazy to find a video comparing the two. Nice work on the testing. Still a very tough decision
Which one did you pick??
Which one did you pick??
Which one did you pick??
Which one did you pick??
@@jimerson98 neither. Ended up buying a GMC Yukon AT4 😂
I do enjoy the way you guys "seem" to have fun while riding through the trails.
I have a Mazda CX9 2020 but it feels it has more sportier suspension than the highlander, but definitely feels more luxurious in the Mazda.
والله ياحسن انا معي هايلاندر وصراحه المازدا مادخلت مزاجي واستجابت التيبربو ضعيفه
@@mohmmed6807 بالعكس والله بالنسبة لي انا كنت باخذ هايلاندر لكن المازدا افخم و شكلها احلى و التوربو تمام معاي يستجيب سريع 👍🏼
@@hassanmohammad1082 والهايلاندر قير سيفيتي ومكينه بنزين وثنتين كهرب وبطاريه فا قويه
@@mohmmed6807 use higher octane gasoline
What style of tires you guys using I always use winter tires
Wait so are these regular all season tires or winter tires??
Back in the day I was stationed at Ft. Leavenworth but lived in Platte City, MO. I had to go to work one morning and the roads were unplowed with at least 7" of fresh snow on them. My '87 Toyota 4Runner made it all the way to the base without issue in 4H. I doubt either of those units could do the same.
My subaru impreza does that without a second thought 😂 I think either of these would be fine. Id have to go with the Mazda though for that situation because it has more ground clearance than the highlander, and lacks the snow shovel chin on the bumper 😂
My 08 Highlander could do it just fine, 50/50 4WD and great tires would rip up any snow covered road.
Highlander all the way !! Know reliability, and resell value
Good review of two "soft roaders".
Try the new Michelin Cross Climate all season tires RATES AS SNOW TIRES ALSO!
The XSE is the SPORT version and if not mistaken it has a different approach angle than the other models
I wish they would give you the volume selling trim levels instead of the higher levels in the near future my wife is looking for a three row crossover she’s not going to buy a loaded one like the ones you test so it’s not much help to most buyers
I did more aggressive off roading than that in a first Gen Mazda 3 manual.
SAME 😂 but mine is a 11 impreza. And that was before I put bigger tires on it haha. I wish they'd take these on more aggressive rocky trails than these dirt roads they use. I wanna see the vehicles WORK to get somewhere!
@@gingercap4803 ya even when they were testing the old Hilux off road Tommy just didn't give it enough throttle when your off-roading open diffs you give it the beans
Those are both mid-size SUVs not Crossovers.
The two things you need for off-road are tyres/wheels (including the right pressure) and ground clearance [obviously 4WD is a given]. Low range isn’t necessary at all as it’s only needed in the toughest of situations.
My 5ft Mazda,I drove luxury cars and all Mazda models,,I love Mazda ❤️
Power vectoring does NOT send power to the wheel with the highest amount of traction. It does send the wheel to the inner or outer wheels when whether the vehicle is turning depending on whether the vehicle is accelerating or decelerating.
Mazda for me 😁
That’s why I got a 2008 Highlander. Approach angle is 10 times better off-road. Just compare the specs between the 2021 and 2008. Front end is much shorter.
So true. I have a 2008 Highlander and it is awsome off road and great aproach angles.
That styling 'chin' is absolutely the Highlander's the 'weak point' here,...the CX9 seems to have a higher step capability but these two are very very close in all other aspects.
Your choice of tire for the season you are driving in is critical. I always have used tires that are rated for the conditions, i.e. winter time, then winter/snow tires.
I didn’t get much out of this video, but the Mazda looks more sophisticated than the Toyota
On my 2nd CX9 I tow 2 snowmobiles and a hybrid trailer with ease!If you have Good studded snow tires you'll be fine in either,as far as the off road I wouldn't want either!! Nothing I'll repeat NOTHING is like the 4 wheel drive in a Subaru....
I own Highlander 2021 I very love it
Great video still undecided, I live in Minny so this video is vital. However I don’t know why you chose the XSE low profile grill over the the regular XLE, limited, or platinum model which has the standard grill front end. Still not sold on Mazda reliability over the tried and true Toyota!
Highlander forever! It’s a beast.
If you put a 2 inch lift on the Highlander and AT tires, would you feel more comfortable taking it on the trail road to your chalet?
Does the Highlander XSE have a slightly sport-tuned (firmer) suspension compared to the regular XLE model?
Yes
I hope Andre finally gets his Trail Boss 🥺
Hi Andrei - I am visiting from the future … make sure your Trail Boss comes with cruise control before signing on the dotted line
Now do the outback and sorrento?
Number one ☝️ is proper shoes for the terrain you will be in. It’s like wearing proper footwear wear that you going to be in example winter boots for cold snowy conditions,hiking boots for hiking,running shoes for running and so on if you get my point.
Why would you need all those modes !? When is awd?
My Mazda was falling apart at 35k miles and the service dept manager insisted that it was completely normal for them. Never again.
Is this HL the XSE trim?
I'd like to see the Highlander go up against a Ford Edge AWD or a Ford Edge ST vs Ford Explorer ST.
Meanwhile in the desert of Saudi Arabia they are hammering their Toyotas land cruisers.
both so great but i like hightlander xse awd sporty suv v6 295ho so confortable hightspeed in hightway and topspeed whendeparture
This seemed like it should have been a Roman & Nathan video.
Either is good butbi take the Mazda because of the driving dynamics and I love to drive
Really wish you'd do a TFLoffroad video about the Subaru Ascent. You have many of it's competitors on here, but not the the Subaru Ascent.
"which one would you rather have?" - "i'd pick a vehicle we're not reviewing". didn't answer the question your entire video was made for.
Wait I thought this was a venza since when was this highlander out????
What’s ur choice between the 2?
Hey guys, I would be very interested to see how an Audi RSQ8 would do up this snowy path? Do you have a friendly Audi dealer in Bolder who would lend you one?