2018 Mazda CX-9 vs 2018 Toyota Highlander

Seacoast Mazda

The Mazda CX-9 has made waves in its class since it was introduced for the 2007 model year, separating itself from everyday competitors with its sporty styling, high-power engine, and lengthy list of standard amenities. But as the segment continues to grow more and more competitive, how is the Mazda CX-9 keeping up?

We're digging deep to find out, pitting the 2018 Mazda CX-9 up against one of its biggest rivals: the 2018 Toyota Highlander. Both crossover SUVs offer three rows of seating and advanced safety features that come standard, but what features and specifications set them apart from each other and the rest of their competitive class? Read on to find out!

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2018 Mazda CX-9 vs 2018 Toyota Highlander
2.5L turbo I4: 227 hp; 310 lb.-ft. Engine Specifications 2.7L I4: 185 hp; 184 lb.-ft.
3,500 lbs. Towing Capacity 1,500 lbs.
Standard for all trim levels Blind Spot Monitoring Not available
22/28/24 MPG city/hwy/combined Fuel Economy Rating 20/24/22 MPG city/hwy/combined

The 2018 Toyota Highlander comes in eight trim levels, often leaving SUV shoppers feeling overwhelmed.

The 2018 Highlander's standard 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder engine produces lackluster power, and it's important to note that not only is it less powerful than the 2018 Mazda CX-9's standard engine, but its less fuel-efficient as well. The 2018 Highlander is also missing a variety of features that come standard on the 2018 Mazda CX-9, including Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, a turbocharged engine, automatic climate control, and a leather steering wheel.

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 comes in four trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature. All trims come equipped with a high-power and fuel-efficient 2.5-liter turbocharged SKYACTIV®-G engine that kicks out 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, which is significantly more impressive than the 2018 Highlander's standard engine. The seven-seat crossover also offers plenty of high-quality amenities, with all trims coming equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen display, an infotainment system, Pandora® and Bluetooth® compatibility, LED automatic headlights, a rearview camera, Push Button Start, three-zone automatic climate control, Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Smart City Brake Support.

Have additional questions about the 2018 Mazda CX-9, or any other model in our inventory? If so, we invite you to contact a member of our team here at Seacoast Mazda or stop right in and see us at our location in Portsmouth! Those ready to see all the features and specifications the 2018 Mazda CX-9 has to offer up close and personal are encouraged to schedule an obligation-free test drive online today!

Mazda CX-9
Mazda CX-9
Mazda CX-9
Mazda CX-9