2021 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2021 Toyota Highlander
In the third-row SUV market, there are a couple of names that immediately rise to the top. The Mazda CX-9 and the Toyota Highlander are both popular SUVs because they offer great performance, a fun driving experience, and tons of style. Both have risen to the top of their class thanks to their consistent offerings and quality.
But unless you have a large family with multiple drivers, you’re likely only in the market for one new vehicle, and you’ll need to choose. Taking a closer look at these two leading SUVs will quickly prove to you that there is one that’s a clear winner, and that’s the 2021 Mazda CX-9.
Exterior Styling
The 2021 Mazda CX-9 and the 2021 Toyota Highlander have distinctive styling. Either of these will turn heads when driving down the street. But both have a unique aesthetic that will appeal to different tastes.
For those who prefer a sophisticated and luxurious sensibility, the 2021 Mazda CX-9 is the clear choice. The CX-9 is all sleek lines and glossy surfaces. It has a streamlined, aerodynamic look with swooping lines and graceful angles. Every element seems carefully chosen, from the finely detailed headlights to the carefully crafted geometric grille to the elegant accents that sweep the body. The Mazda CX-9 is an SUV that will draw attention in any setting.
For those who prefer a more rugged look, the 2021 Toyota Highlander is perhaps the better choice. The Highlighander has a meaty body with more boxy angles than the CX-9. There is just enough detail in the design to make it stylish and not just practical, such as the subtle accent bar running across the trapezoidal grille and the swooping headlights. Think of the Highlander like the more stylish work SUV that you can also drive to work or school, while the CX-9 is the SUV that you can take to all those places and to fancy dates or meetings with clients - anywhere you need to impress.
Interior Styling
Both the 2021 Mazda CX-9 and the 2021 Toyota Highlander have stylish and comfortable interiors, but as is reflected on the outside, the interior of the Mazda CX-9 is slightly more upscale than that of the Highlander. The CX-9 is designed with high-quality materials, and every detail is carefully chosen. The center console has an elegant design that makes everything easy to reach and control without becoming overbearing, whereas the Highlander’s console is a little over-the-top with its design.
Both have a third row of seating, but the Highlander seats one more person than the CX-9 (eight instead of seven). However, the passengers in the CX-9 will notice a bit more room to stretch in all directions, so the passenger experience will be more comfortable. The front seat also gets extras in the Mazda CX-9, such as standard heated seats and driver lumbar support. Overall, you’ll enjoy a more refined interior in the Mazda CX-9 and a more comfortable driving experience.
Technology and Convenience Features
The 2021 Mazda CX-9 is loaded with advanced technology and convenience features that make driving more fun and feel more luxurious. The 2021 CX-9 has some standard and optional features that you won’t find on the Highlander, including HD radio, fog lamps, a rear parking aid, remote engine start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an electrochromic rear mirror, and rain-sensing wipers. Both SUVs offer a wide range of great, standard features, including adaptive cruise control, a vehicle anti-theft system, auto-off headlights, keyless start, steering wheel-mounted controls, keyless entry, heated side mirrors, smart device integration, and a wifi hotspot.
Of course, you can also customize either SUV with options packages and trim upgrades. However, you’ll find that both offer plenty of great features with the standard base trim, though the Mazda CX-9 offers a bit more.
Power and Performance
SUVs are great family vehicles because they offer a comfortable ride for things like the commute to school and work, but they also offer a bit more power than a sedan for when you want to go on weekend adventures. Both the 2021 Mazda CX-9 and the 2021 Toyota Highlander do the same.
The all-new Mazda CX-9 has a 2.5-liter Inline4 turbocharged base engine that puts out 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission for smooth performance. You can also upgrade to all-wheel drive for those off-roading adventures you plan to have. Meanwhile, the 2021 Highlander comes with a 3.5-liter V6 base engine that puts out 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. It has an eight-speed automatic transmission, and it can also be upgraded to all-wheel drive. The Highlander also has an optional 2.5-liter Inline4 hybrid engine.
Though the Highlander puts out a little more horsepower, you’ll likely benefit more from the increased torque on the Mazda CX-9, which gives you more power and traction when you are in tight spots, like rough terrain. That added torque will also let you tow heavier loads when the need arises. Finally, you’ll get slightly better fuel efficiency with the CX-9, which will pay off in dividends year after year.
Choosing the Right Mazda CX-9 for You
The 2021 Mazda CX-9 is an exciting and stylish vehicle that the whole family will love. Though the CX-9 has plenty to offer on the base trim level, you have the option to customize and upgrade your vehicle through several configurations. There are five trim levels for the 2021 Mazda CX-9, including the base levels, and there are option packages that you can add, depending on the trim level.
The friendly and knowledgeable associates at Seacoast Mazda can help you explore the options for the new CX-9 so you can build the perfect configuration to meet your needs. Our finance specialists will then help you explore financing options so you can find the terms to fit your budget. We support you through every step of the process, including offering certified Mazda maintenance and repair in our service shop. Visit us today to find your perfect Mazda CX-9 today!