2021 Mazda CX-9/2021 Toyota Highlander Comparison

2021 Mazda CX-9 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

Mazda vehicles are renowned for their upscale cruising style, and the 2021 Mazda CX-9 is the premium SUV option that fits this idea. Passengers will adore the cabin and all of its carefully implemented features to maximize their enjoyment while on the road. The driver of the CX-9 will appreciate the effortless handling of the SUV while having enough performance to get wherever they need to go efficiently. Other SUVs, such as the 2021 Toyota Highlander, try to compete with the Mazda but fall short in several aspects.

Performance

The SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L engine that comes standard in the 2021 Mazda CX-9 delivers 227 horsepower for enough performance to handle anything Michigan can bring. This competitive power is channeled through the SKYACTIV®-Drive six-speed automatic transmission for silky smooth acceleration that leaves the ride feeling comfortable and smooth. The CX-9 comes with FWD standard and has the i-Activ AWD® system available on all trim levels. The 2021 Toyota Highlander comes with a 3.5L V6 engine as the standard engine equipment. This engine generates 295 horsepower and is accompanied by an automatic eight-speed transmission. Both SUVs offer comparable estimated fuel economy estimates, with the 2021 CX-9 having 22 MPG city/28 MPG highway numbers and the 2021 Highlander having 21 MPG city/29 MPG highway numbers.

Interior Features

The interior of the Mazda CX-9 has premium comfort and entertainment features that make it a classy choice for the discerning Michigan driver. The powered front seating of the Mazda has heated functionality at the base level, whereas the Highlander and its base level trim lack this addition. The tri-zone climate control systems found in both vehicles have extra filtration to ensure the cabin has both optimal temperature and air quality for prime cruising. Infotainment applications including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are shared between the two SUVs to provide similar trip-enhancing experiences through personalized media. The CX-9 has HD Radio™ as part of its standard media suite, while the Highlander has SiriusXM® radio as part of its standard infotainment suite.

Safety Features

Both the 2021 CX-9 and the 2021 Highlander have shared safety features installed to help make them much easier to operate in a wide array of conditions. The Mazda has Dynamic Stability Control with added Traction Control while the Toyota has a similar Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control system that is also enhanced with Traction Control. The two SUVs even share innovative driver-assistance technology, which makes the Mazda the more cost-effective option of the two. Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning are both present in the two vehicles. The CX-9 comes with Lane Keeping Assist, while the Lane Departure Warning system on the Highlander has elements of a conventional Lake Keep Assist system included.

Get the 2021 Mazda CX-9 at Thelen Mazda

With all the benefits of the 2021 Mazda CX-9, this SUV is ideal for the modern Michigan family who wants to add some style to their daily drives. For those who are interested in adding the Mazda to their fleet of vehicles, stop by Thelen Mazda in Bay City today. Proudly catering to mid-Michigan cities including Midland, Mount Pleasant, Saginaw, and Cass City, our superior customer satisfaction and flexible financing options are what set us apart from the rest of our competition.