Mazda CX-5 vs. CX-9

Moving to an SUV-heavy lineup hasn’t stopped Mazda from putting its sporty and upscale spin onto its high-riding vehicles. The CX-9 was one of the first modern Mazdas to have sporty driving dynamics and an upscale design. The midsize SUV has consistently been one of the few vehicles that embodies Mazda’s spirit of making enjoyable cars, but wraps it in a versatile body with three rows of seating.

The compact CX-5 may not have three rows of seating, but it also delivers the same enjoyable driving characteristics as the CX-9. It also has an artful exterior design and a rich interior.

Choosing between the CX-5 and CX-9 may seem simple, but the decision may be harder than you think. We’ll compare the two SUVs to one another when it comes to pricing, size, performance, and fuel economy to help you find the model that’s right for you.

Mazda CX-5 vs. CX-9 Price

While the CX-5 and CX-9 have a lot of similarities, they vary wildly when it comes to pricing. The compact CX-5 starts at $27,975 with destination. The midsize CX-9 carries a starting price tag of $40,025. For shoppers on a budget, the $12,050 difference between the CX-5 and CX-9 is a massive savings in the CX-5’s favor.

In addition to being more affordable to purchase, the CX-5 is also much cheaper to lease than the CX-9. Lease deals for the CX-5 start at $299 for 30 months with $2,999 due at signing. The CX-9 is available with a lease deal for $401 per month for 30 months with $3,499 due at signing.

Both the CX-5 and CX-9 are slightly more expensive than similarly equipped rivals from South Korea, Japan, and America.

Mazda CX-5 vs. CX-9 Size & Cargo

Size is one of the main factors that separates the CX-5 from the CX-9. The midsize CX-9 is 19 inches longer, two inches taller, and five inches wider than the compact CX-5. The CX-9’s size puts it firmly in the midsize category, while the CX-5 is on the smaller side for the compact class.

The CX-9’s larger size allows the midsize SUV to have three rows of seats to be able to seat up to seven people, while the CX-5 maxes out at five. Passengers comparing the front seats in the two SUVs will find the CX-9’s seats to offer slightly more space, while the second rows are evenly spacious.

Unsurprisingly, the larger CX-9 offers more cargo capacity than the CX-5. The three-row SUV offers up to 71.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the two rear rows of seats folded. Maximum cargo capacity in the CX-5 measures in at 59.3 cubic feet of cargo space.

Mazda CX-5 vs. CX-9 Specs

While one would expect the CX-9 to be the more powerful option of the two, the CX-5 is available with a more powerful engine. Mazda offers the CX-5 with two engines. The SUV comes with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 187 horsepower. A turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 256 hp is available. The CX-9 is only available with the turbocharged engine that’s rated at 250 hp.

Both SUVs come with standard all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission.

Mazda CX-5 vs. CX-9 Gas Mileage

When it comes to fuel economy, the CX-5 and CX-9 have similar ratings. The CX-5 is rated to get up to 26 mpg combined with the base four-cylinder engine. The CX-9 is rated to get up to 23 mpg combined. When comparing the turbocharged engines to one another, the CX-5 has a combined fuel economy rating of up to 24 mpg.

The 3 mpg difference between the two isn’t a huge distinction and only results in $300 fuel savings with the CX-5 over a year according to the EPA. With the available turbocharged engine in the CX-5, you’ll only be saving $100 over the CX-9.

CX-5 vs. CX-9: Which Mazda Is Better?

For consumers that aren’t in need of a three-row SUV, the Mazda CX-5 is the better option of the two for most shoppers. The CX-5 received a refresh for 2022, helping it remain fresh in the competitive segment. Adding the turbocharged engine to the CX-5 results in an SUV that’s incredibly enjoyable to drive and easy to live with.

While the CX-9 is far more versatile than the CX-5 thanks to its standard third row and larger cargo area, it’s far more expensive than the compact SUV. It’s also older than the CX-5, which has aged gracefully. We recommend looking into both SUVs to find the option that fits your specific needs.

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