2023 CX-9 vs. 2023 Highlander Comparison in Queensbury, NY
2023 Mazda CX-9
2023 Toyota Highlander
2023 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2023 Toyota Highlander
Three-row crossovers offer a perfect blend of comfort, practicality, space, and manageable size. They are easier to slip around tight urban areas while still offering ample space for the family, with three rows of seating when needed. The 2023 Mazda CX-9 and 2023 Toyota Highlander are two popular choices in this market.
The 2023 CX-9 is based on the second generation, which has been around since 2016, but you wouldn’t be able to tell. Mazda’s beautiful Kodo design language has kept it fresh. It certainly looks as fresh as the 2023 Toyota Highlander, which is based on the 2019-released fourth generation.
Here, we will compare the CX-9 vs. Highlander to find out which one is the best three-row crossover. In this Mazda vs. Toyota matchup, we will evaluate them based on interior appointments, safety features, and performance specifications. If you're interested in checking out a 2023 CX-9, the team at DELLA Mazda in Queensbury, NY, is happy to assist.
Interior Comparison
The 2023 CX-9’s cabin still looks current and more upscale than the 2023 Highlander. This is facilitated by the use of higher-quality materials and more comfortable seats. While the 2023 Highlander offers up to eight seats, Mazda focuses on passenger comfort with a 6-seat option. Luggage space in the CX-9 is 14.4 cubic feet with all seats deployed, compared to 16 cubic feet in the Highlander. However, we must remember that the Highlander is appreciably larger.
The 2023 CX-9 also offers more kit than the 2023 Highlander. Both cars come with a power driver seat, dual-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, Wi-Fi hotspot, and rear AC as standard. However, the 2023 CX-9 also adds a powered passenger seat, heated second-row captain chairs, ventilated front seats, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system. It also offers a larger 10.25-inch touch screen, while the Highlander sticks with a smaller 8-inch unit.
2023 Mazda CX-9 Interior
2023 Toyota Highlander Interior
Performance Comparison
Mazda’s fantastic Skyactiv-G engines are renowned for their smooth and powerful nature, and the 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder unit in the 2023 CX-9 is a testament to that. It’s rated for a power output of 227 horsepower, delivered to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. For its size and weight, the CX-9 can do the zero to 60 dash in seven seconds flat.
The 2023 Highlander features Toyota’s downsized 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder unit that delivers 265 horsepower to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard. There's also a hybrid variant that offers a system total of 243 horsepower, a CVT gearbox, and a front-wheel drive as standard. An all-wheel-drive system is optional for either powertrain option.
The 2023 CX-9 is more fuel efficient than the regular gasoline 2023 Highlander, but the hybrid variant does better. However, you can go further between top-ups, as the CX-9 comes with a 19.5-gallon fuel tank, while the Highlander makes do with just 17.9 gallons.
Safety Features Comparison
The 2023 CX-9 and 2023 Highlander have each earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards, which is the highest accolade possible from the IIHS. They come with at least eight airbags, stability control, traction control, brake assist, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The 2023 CX-9 also adds blind spot monitoring, auto leveling headlamps, and cross-traffic alert to the standard safety feature set.
Find the 2023 CX-9 in Queensbury, NY
The 2023 Mazda CX-9 still comes out on top as the best three-row crossover, despite being a tad older than the 2023 Toyota Highlander. It offers a plusher cabin with higher-grade materials, better touchpoints, and nicer tech. While it's not as powerful as the Highlander in the powertrain department, it still manages to hold its own. It also leads the race in standard safety kit. If you're interested in checking out a 2023 CX-9, why not take it for a test drive at DELLA Mazda in Queensbury, NY? Swing by the showroom today.
