2020 Mazda CX-9 vs. Its Competition

2020 Mazda CX-9
Andrew Ganz Andrew Ganz Senior Editor

Three-row crossover SUVs are hard to beat for their utility, and nearly every automaker now has a good one.

The recently redesigned Ford Explorer has good handling and robust power.

Toyota’s new Highlander offers an amazingly frugal hybrid, and its interior is tremendously flexible.

The Chevy Traverse has SUV-like styling and a composed demeanor.

Don’t miss the Subaru Ascent for its standard all-wheel drive and good outward vision.

The Mazda CX-9 has aspirations beyond its typical competition, which is why it may be worth looking at the Volvo XC90 if your budget stretches.

2020 Mazda CX-92020 Mazda CX-9
2020 Chevrolet Traverse2020 Chevrolet Traverse
2020 Ford Explorer ST - First Drive - Portland OR, June 20192020 Ford Explorer
2020 Subaru Ascent2020 Subaru Ascent
2020 Toyota Highlander XLE2020 Toyota Highlander
2020 Volvo XC902020 Volvo XC90
Quick Specs
6.5
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 is a crossover SUV that rewards drivers more than it does other passengers.
5.8
The 2020 Chevy Traverse is a three-row family mainstay with plentiful interior space.
7.0
The 2020 Ford Explorer rediscovers its capable, outdoorsy side without becoming trucklike in any other respect.
6.8
The 2020 Subaru Ascent is nearly as rational a family hauler as a minivan.
7.2
The 2020 Toyota Highlander puts practicality above all else, but handling and styling make worthwhile cameos.
7.3
The 2020 Volvo XC90 gets a few tweaks, but remains a stylish, practical, and safe luxury SUV.
MSRP From     
$33,890$29,800$32,765$31,995$34,600$48,350
Gas Mileage     
20 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy17 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy20 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy20 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy18 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy
Engine     
Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4Gas V6Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded H-4Regular Unleaded V-6Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
EPA Class     
Small SUV 2WDSport Utility VehiclesStandard SUV 2WDStandard SUV 4WDSmall SUV 2WDStandard SUV 2WD
Style Name     
Sport FWDFWD 4-Door LBase RWD8-PassengerL FWD (GS)T5 FWD Momentum 7 Passenger
Drivetrain     
Front Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveAll Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
787887
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
Sport UtilitySport UtilitySport UtilitySport UtilitySport UtilitySport Utility
Transmission     
Automatic w/ODAutomaticAutomatic w/ODCVT w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2020 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2020 Chevrolet Traverse2020 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2020 Ford Explorer2020 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2020 Subaru Ascent2020 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2020 Toyota Highlander2020 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2020 Volvo XC90