2019 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2019 Chevy Traverse

Midsize SUVs are versatile and capable vehicles. These vehicles can offer you great capability, technology, and plenty of passenger space. The 2019 Mazda CX-9 and the 2019 Chevy Traverse are two different midsize SUV options. Check out their similarities and differences below so that you can determine which of these options is best for you.

EXTERIOR COMPARISON

The 2019 Mazda CX-9 has an elongated hood and tapered roofline to show its athletic ability and beautiful design. This design works to show strength, energy, and motion because it is based on a KODO: Soul of Motion design philosophy. The 2019 Mazda CX-9 looks powerful and luxurious. With this SUV, you will be the envy of others.

The 2019 Chevy Traverse has dynamic contours on the outside of this vehicle that are both stylish and functional because they give increased aerodynamics. This vehicle also has stylish chrome accents that make it eye-catching. You can also get the special Redline Edition of the Traverse that has some great exterior upgrades. Some of these upgrades include 20-inch high-gloss black wheels, a signature black ice grille, black bowtie emblems, black roof rails, dark headlamps, and more.

INTERIOR AND TECHNOLOGY

The interior of the 2019 Mazda CX-9 has three rows of seating with standard cloth seats for seven people. You get captain’s chairs standard in the CX-9 as well as cloth upholstery and a leather wrapped steering wheel. Available interior upgrades include premium Nappa leather seats, power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. The interior of the Mazda CX-9 feels very high-end compared to its competition.

Standard technology features in the 2019 Mazda CX-9 start with the 7-inch touchscreen and Mazda Connect infotainment system. This infotainment interface is one of the best options out there. The CX-9 also offers you technology like two USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Mazda CX-9 also offers you some standard safety technology which includes features like blind spot monitoring, Smart City Brake Support, a rearview camera, and rear cross traffic alert.

You can upgrade your 2019 CX-9 to add more safety features as well as more technology features. The optional safety features include lane departure warning, parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, a surround-view monitor, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Available interior features and technology include a sunroof, a proximity key, a 12-speaker Bose surround-sound system, a navigation system, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a 7-inch LCD driver’s display.

In the base configuration of the 2019 Chevy Traverse, you have seating for eight people with a standard second-row bench seat. This is standard cloth seating. However, if you want to upgrade your interior, you can choose second-row captain’s chairs along with other interior upgrades. These other upgrades include leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, heated front and second row seats, ventilated front seats, and power-adjustable front seats.

As for technology, the 2019 Traverse gives you standard tech features like the Chevy MyLink infotainment, a seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. You also get Bluetooth, six USB ports, a rearview camera, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Chevy’s Teen Driver standard.

Available upgrades for the Traverse include a larger 8-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, wireless device charging, a sunroof, a rear-seat entertainment system, and some active safety features. The available active safety features include forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, front pedestrian braking, and more.

There are some differences between the interiors of these two vehicles. One big difference is the standard seating. The Mazda has standard second-row captain’s chairs, but in the Traverse, you have to upgrade to get those. The interior of the Mazda also feels more luxurious than the Traverse. You also get some great standard safety features in the CX-9 like Smart City Brake Support, rear cross traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring, which you would have to pay extra for to get in the Traverse.

PERFORMANCE

The 2019 Mazda CX-9 is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. This turbocharged engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The CX-9 can give you up to 250-horsepower. This vehicle also gives you 22 city and 28 highway miles per gallon. When you look at the numbers, the engine in the CX-9 doesn’t seem overly powerful, but this engine is responsive, and it can accelerate quickly. This vehicle also has great handling to make your driving experience more enjoyable.

There are two different engine options available in the 2019 Chevy Traverse, but most Traverse vehicles come with the V6 engine. The 3.6-liter V6 engine is the standard option for the Traverse, and it is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine produces 310-horsepower, and it gives you an estimated 18 city and 27 highway miles per gallon.

Your second engine option for the Traverse is available in the RS trim level. This engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 255-horsepower. This engine also comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission. In the turbo-four, you can expect to get 20 city miles per gallon and 26 highway miles per gallon.

When it comes to performance, the 2019 Chevy Traverse has the slightly more powerful engine option, but the 2019 Mazda CX-9 offers you a fun driving experience and better fuel efficiency.

WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Both of these three-row SUVs have a lot to offer you. The Chevy Traverse has a more powerful engine, but the Mazda CX-9 has a more fuel-efficient one. These vehicles also both offer you some great exterior style and function. However, on the interior, the Mazda CX-9 has some great standard safety features that the Traverse makes you pay more for. The 2019 CX-9 also has an interior that feels more high-end with a standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and standard second-row captain’s chairs. The 2019 Mazda CX-9 wins in this midsize SUV comparison.