Midsize SUVs make great vehicles for moving the whole family. Whether you're driving the kids to softball practice, taking a road trip, or heading off-road, utility vehicles like the Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander check a lot of boxes for drivers near East Stroudsburg, Stroudsburg, Easton, Brodheadsville and Saylorsville.
However, of those two rides, which has more of the qualities you care about? At Ray Price Mazda, we've written this 2018 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2018 Toyota Highlander vehicle comparison to help you decide. Read on for a closer look at these SUVs!
2018 CX-9 vs 2018 Highlander: Interior Dimensions
In terms of driver comfort, the 2018 CX-9 and 2018 Highlander have the space you need to stay relaxed. Each offers well over 40 inches of front legroom, more than enough for all but the tallest of drivers. In the second and third rows, however, the CX-9 has a slight advantage. Let's look closer:
CX-9 second/third legroom (inches): 39.4/29.7- Highlander second/third legroom (inches): 38.4/27.7
CX-9 second/third legroom (inches): 39.4/29.7On long rides, adults will find more comfort and room to stretch out in the rear of the CX-9.
If you're planning on using all three of those rows, the CX-9 also has slightly more cargo space. Behind the third row, it offers 14.4 cubic feet compared to the Highlander's 13.8 cubic feet, but either should supply the room you need for groceries, duffel bags, and more.
Mazda vs Toyota: Infotainment
The 2018 CX-9 features the straightforward MAZDA CONNECT™ infotainment system, complete with a 7-inch touchscreen display, six speakers, and Bluetooth® wireless for connectivity on the go. Its intuitiveness is well-matched by the 2018 Highlander's Entune™ multimedia system (6.1-inch touchscreen, six speakers, and Bluetooth®, too).
The CX-9 even adds standard Push Button Start to streamline your morning routine-no more fumbling for your keys! You'll also find three-zone automatic climate control, letting the driver, front passenger, and your riders in the rear each set their ideal temperature. You can get these features on the Highlander, but they don't come standard as in the CX-9.
Our team at Ray Price Mazda wrote this 2018 Mazda CX-9 review to give you an inside look into this impressive SUV.
Mazda CX-9 vs Toyota Highlander: Specs
Under the hood of the Toyota Highlander, you'll find a base 2.7L I-4 engine that delivers up to 185 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. That's certainly enough to handle all your basic day-to-day driving, but the Mazda CX-9 has a bit more pep in its step, with 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft from its turbo SKYACTIV® I-4 engine.
Besides all that accelerative power, the CX-9 also offers a fuel economy advantage, with an EPA-estimated 22 city/28 highway MPG.1 That'll get you farther without stopping to refuel than the Highlander's EPA-estimated 20 city/26 highway MPG will.
2018 Mazda CX-9 vs 2018 Toyota Highlander: And the Winner Is…
As shoppers near Stroudsburg and Easton can see, a 2018 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2018 Toyota Highlander face-off leaves both rides looking good. If you value performance, spacious rear seats, and modern technology made standard, you may like what you find in the Mazda midsize SUV.
Decide if the 2018 CX-9 is right for your drive around East Stroudsburg, Stroudsburg, Easton, Brodheadsville and Saylorsville. Schedule a test drive at Ray Price Mazda and experience all its most exciting features for yourself!
1 Up to an EPA-estimated 22 city/28 highway MPG for 2018 Mazda CX-9 FWD models. AWD models, 20 city/26 highway MPG. Actual results will vary.