Three-row SUV customers have extra decisions than ever. So many decisions it may be paralyzing. We hate to complicate issues, however the Mazda CX-9 creates a little bit of a conundrum by itself. Mazda has been shifting upmarket lately, providing dealing with traits and, with its priciest trims, inside refinement to rival some luxurious vehicles. So, can the CX-9 maintain its personal towards choices from luxurious opponents?
The Acura MDX is a well-reviewed 3-row SUV from the posh division of Honda. Mazda doesn’t function a separate luxurious division, content material to pit its mainstream automobiles towards the posh fashions of different producers. Can the CX-9 actually keep within the ring with the MDX?
Let’s discover out.
2023 Mazda CX-9
Amongst inexpensive 3-row SUVs, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 is the one with the great-to-drive status. It’s going to do household hauling obligation like all good midsize SUV. However drop the youngsters off and take the winding street to work, and it’ll reward you in methods most others can’t. It begins at $38,750.
Mazda CX-9 Highlights
Finest-in-class dealing with: Our take a look at driver calls the CX-9 “the 3-row SUV that doesn’t drive like a 3-row SUV.” Torque vectoring, tight steering, and a turbocharged engine that may put out as much as 250 horsepower when fed premium gas give it “a je ne sais quoi not typically present in a automotive — and virtually by no means present in a mainstream 3-row SUV just like the Mazda CX-9.”
Greater than $10,000 inexpensive: The true purpose to purchase an expensive mainstream SUV as an alternative of a luxury-badged SUV is the posh of additional cash in your pocket each month. A well-equipped CX-9 gives you a enjoyable driving expertise, indulgences like quilted Nappa leather-based seating, and applied sciences like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However the top-of-the-line CX-9 trim is inexpensive than the entry-level MDX.
Normal all-wheel drive (AWD): The CX-9 comes normal with Mazda’s i-Activ AWD with off-road traction help. The MDX comes with front-wheel drive (FWD), except you pay $2,200 additional for AWD.
Examine this week’s Truthful Buy Worth or see the Mazda CX-9 fashions on the market close to you.
2023 Acura MDX
A 3-row SUV from the posh division of Honda, the 2023 Acura MDX is understood for its tech-rich inside and the choice of Acura’s well-regarded Tremendous Dealing with All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. It boasts virtually the identical cabin measurements because the CX-9 however extra energy and two years of free upkeep. Costs begin at $49,550.
Acura MDX Highlights
V6 energy: The CX-9 does a convincing impression of a luxurious SUV in every single place however underneath the hood. The MDX’s normal 290 horsepower V6 outclasses something the CX-9 can provide and does it with virtually the identical gas economic system numbers.
Longer guarantee, complimentary upkeep: Proudly owning a luxurious automotive is barely partly concerning the automotive itself. It additionally means an ideal long-term possession expertise. Acura provides you an extended fundamental guarantee, an extended powertrain guarantee, and two years of free upkeep with the MDX.
Accessible Kind S bundle: It’s going to price you, however Acura can put collectively a high-performance MDX that can run away from the CX-9’s great-for-its-price efficiency. Acura’s well-regarded SH-AWD system, an adaptive air suspension, and Brembo brakes make it a category above.
Examine this week’s Truthful Buy Worth or see the Acura MDX fashions on the market close to you.
Similarities
For automobiles historically thought of in numerous classes, these two have loads in widespread, together with related passenger and cargo house, and should you think about the CX-9’s top-of-the-line Signature trim, pretty interiors with luxurious soft-touch supplies
Conclusion
Automotive journalists are inclined to type vehicles into inexpensive and luxurious classes to assist customers cross-shop related automobiles. However typically, these strains blur. A completely geared up Mazda CX-9 provides you a luxury-like expertise for much less. The MDX can outclass it while you begin including choices to the Acura. However the CX-9 is an actual various to entry-level luxurious 3-row SUVs.
Specs
2023 Mazda CX-9 | 2023 Acura MDX | |
Beginning Worth | $38,750 | $49,550 |
Well-liked Powertrains | ||
Engine | 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 3.5-liter V6 |
Horsepower | 227 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 290 hp @ 6,200 rpm |
Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm | 267 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm |
Transmission | 6-speed computerized | 10-spd computerized |
Gas Financial system | 23 mpg (20 metropolis/26 hwy) | 22 mpg (19 metropolis/26 hwy) |
Towing capability | 3,500 kilos | 5,000 kilos |
Specs | ||
Fundamental guarantee | 3 years/36,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
Powertrain Guarantee | 5 years/60,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles |
NHTSA Total Security Score | 5 stars | 5 stars |
Max Seating Capability | 7 | 7 |
Wheelbase | 115.3 inches | 113.8 inches |
Total Size | 199.4 inches | 198.4 inches |
Width | 77.5 inches | 78.7 inches |
Top | 69.0 inches | 67.1 inches |
Turning Diameter | 38.8 ft | 40.5 ft |
Headroom, Entrance | 40.1 inches | 38.5 inches |
Headroom, Rear | 38.5 inches | 38.1 inches |
Headroom, third Row | 35.4 inches | 36.2 inches |
Legroom, Entrance | 41.0 inches | 41.6 inches |
Legroom, Rear | 39.4 inches | 38.5 inches |
Legroom third Row | 29.7 inches | 29.1 inches |
Shoulder Room, Entrance | 57.9 inches | 61.9 inches |
Shoulder Room, Rear | 58.1 inches | 60.3 inches |
Shoulder Room, third Row | 53.1 inches | 55.2 inches |
Cargo Quantity | 14.4/38.2/71.2 cubic ft | 16.3/39.1/71.4 cubic ft |