Toyota Highlander vs Mazda CX9

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Toyota Highlander vs Mazda CX9

Toyota Highlander

Mazda CX9

If you’re shopping for a three-row, seven seat crossover or SUV, there are plenty on the market to choose from these days. That list includes the popular Toyota HIghlander, of course, but it also includes another option that may not immediately come to mind when thinking about family transportation. The dark horse candidate we’re referring to is the Mazda CX-9, which offers up crossover utility but with a distinctly sedan-like driving experience.

Either will likely prove to be a safe and reliable family vehicle, but only one comes out on top in our comparison. It’s worth noting that the victory is hardly a decisive one, and it really does come down to personality as the deciding factor.

2014 Toyota Highlander

The Mazda CX-9 can trace its family tree to the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX, but it  doesn’t look a thing like either one. Mazda’s distinctive styling is part of the CX-9’s appeal, since it really doesn’t look like anything else on the road (except for its smaller brother, the Mazda CX-7).  While the Mazda has been refreshed somewhat, the basic lines stayed the same, and we say that’s a good thing. The Toyota Highlander, however, is best described as “plain,” with little to make its box-on-box styling stand out in a crowd. Its most distinguishing feature is probably its size, since the Toyota looks to be larger than the Mazda inside and out. If you want a crossover that looks more like a traditional SUV, you’ll probably prefer the Toyota to the Mazda.

Based on its car-like ride and distinctive style, we give the win in this battle to the Mazda CX-9. It’s more engaging to drive and carries itself with a bit more style than the Highlander, which is just enough to squeak out a narrow victory in this competition. You’ll want to drive both before making a purchase decision, but the choice for us is clear enough.

That story may change for 2014, when the Highlander gets a complete redesign, including a somewhat more fashionable interior much like the one in the new RAV4, plus a smooth, more contemporary exterior. Powertrains aren't anything new, however--remaining either a four, a V-6, or a Hybrid. In the 2014 Toyota Highlander, look for better handling, new safety features, and updated connectivity and infotainment.

2014 Toyota Highlander 

2014 Toyota Highlander

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