2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum vs 2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature | 3 Row Battle! 

Which one do you guys think looks better? Mazda CX9 or Toyota Highlander?

It’s 2023 and I just purchased a 2021 cx 9. Best decision ever . I love it

The Highlander may be more practical and have more tech, but the CX9 looks so good! The Mazda is the one that would make me turn around and take a few second looks before crossing the threshold of my front door after parking it in my driveway.

Cx9 has a much nicer look.

Highlanders have never made me turn around to look at them. Literally every Mazda vehicle (besides the CX 3), on the other hand, always makes me turn my head. I love how they design their vehicles.

I have a Mazda CX-9 .purchased it new in 2011 and I can say it’s been trouble free . Going to look at the 2020

I prefer the Mazda Cx9 as I'm more inclined to look and interior quality and of course the driving dynamics. Mazda has it all though the Highlander is a very good car as well, it's a Toyota after all.

Conflicted on which one to purchase, leaning towards the cx9 Great review sir, we’ll detailed.

I know this is an old video but the Mazda cx9 is still gorgeous after all these years which is why I bought a ‘22 Mazda CX-9 Carbon Edition…. Even though I know the CX-90 is around the corner.

Mazda CX 9 aaaallll the waaaayyy...

Great comparison! These are actually the two CUV's that I'm considering. 2020 thru 2022. I'm actually leaning toward the Highlander. I have a 2019 Mazda CX5 GTR which is basically the same as the CX9 on the inside. It rides really nice and sporty, but I would like something with a little more cargo room. I will be taking this comparison into consideration when the time comes. Thanks and have a Happy New Year!

Excellent video comparison! Especially noise level which most reviewers don't actually check it with a decibel meter.

I saw a new Highlander the other day and it did nothing for me, my emotions were not stirred in an away shape or form, It's just a car. So for my money it would have to be the Mazda.

My two fav SUVs. Currently own a 2015 CX-9 but the Highlander has always been one of my favs

Of course Mazda CX-9. It's a master piece

my fave is highlander but as an exterior design cx-9 is better thx for the vids big bro Sam

Anyday cx 9 is d best. Feels nauseated by looking at new highlander inside out!

I’ve rented the CX-9 a few months ago and feel in love with it. The inside feels comfortable, spacious and just has a luxury feel to it and the features. I’ve never driven the Highlander but was in one taking a Uber and it really was nice. I’m torn. But the CX-9 I can say I love. The only thing I didn’t like was when I hit 60-70mph it has a vibration in the front. Idk if that was because it was a rental or that’s the car itself.

I love the Mazda with this special color

If you are used to Toyota or Mazda, it's hard to convince other brands are good.

Cx 9 high quality like Germany cars 4wd. You can't feel the road Quality of inside car very good

I have always had Mazda, currently, I have a Mazda 3 Grand Touring, are great cars. Great explanation, thank you!!

You mentioned the Highlander will steer it's self to stay within the lanes whereas the CX-9 will only vibrate the steering wheel to alert you. This isn't correct. The CX-9 has lane keep assist above 60kmh where it will actually steer itself also, in order to say within the lane. My new CX-9 Azami AWD will arrive in just a couple of weeks and I CAN"T WAIT!! :D

I wanted to like the new Highlander because of it's resale and reliability but the CX-9 is what we went for as it is far nicer inside and out, feels way more like a premium German Audi on the road with unbelievable handling for its size and even though its got a turbo 4 its faster and quieter. It just is. I also do not like the design of the new Highlander. So far this model has been on the road for almost 5 years and there are high mileage examples out there with zero reported issues. Very reliable.

Never liked Mazda but I gotta admit Mazda bloomed with the big suv they started making and with a turbo 4 cylinder is crazy !!!

The CX9 looks like a German car

I've owned both in top trims. Cx9 blows away the Highlander. Much higher quality interior on the cx9.. The drive quality also much nicer on the he cx9. The seats are luxurious on the cx9 Napa leather with piping stitching

Hands down, it's the Mazda.

cx-9 is better

7:48 the Mazda has a quieter interior than the Toyota on the highway

Toyota really messed up the evolution of the Highlander design. They should have kept going with the bold, squared look than a Suburu Lexus lovechild

Mazda cx9 ，because it‘s made in Japan build in Japan by Japanese hands！ Toyota highlander made in US

Mazda looks and drives and feels more premium . Toyota can not undercut their Lexus while Mazda does not have this problem and it shows not only here... For now while prices remain civilized Mazda remains a hidden gem oh yeah and it is build in Japan.

Looks. Mazda CX-9. Interior. Its a tie between Highlander platinum and the CX9 Signature. I prefer the head up display in the Highlander because it’s way bigger, and it’s massive 12.3 in touch screen. The pano roof also adds more light as well

I'm debating between these 2 cars rn. I like the cx9 for its looks and handling but with a set of 3 yr old twins the space in the highlander seems more practical. Ugh such a hard decision

That Highlander exterior design is terrible. What were they thinking

I love highlander 😊😊

Thank you for the review. It would be good in future to check cargo room with the third row down as well. Thanks again

My parents own a 2020 mdx and cx9 personally my favorite is the mdx most because it has more tech but the interior does look a little dated both being premium vehicles I say the mdx is good but the cx9 is great.The reason we bought the mdx was because the reviews we saw online were good and they were right we bought the Mazda CX-9 because it had my parents attention and like any other person they looked at the reviews they were good now we can agree their both good looking SUV’s But if you like Japanese luxury crossovers than both are a bang for your buck if you want more cargo space and rear legroom then get mdx but at the end of the day luxury is your biggest component get an CX9

We have a Mazda CX-9 I'll tell you what it's a way better car than the Highlander the only thing I like more about the Highlander is the seats it's more comfortable

THANK YOU THANK YOU for using storage bins in your testing

4runner all day and everyday cuz they have better catalytic converters and better access to them. The environment is very important to me.

CX 9 a sophisticated lady looks. Highlander, a square jawed butcher's wife.

I wouldn't use either of these for towing,& the luggage capacity comparison was nonsensical.Those utility tubs are not normal cargo. Otherwise. quite informative video.

I would strongly recommend not buying a Mazda. We purchased a brand new 2016 Mazda CX9 and within 2 years had problems with a rough idle. Was told after second year it just needed new spark plugs. Dealer could never recreate rough idle. 4 years later we took it in for an oil change and was told the cylinder head was leaking coolant.....Cylinder heads on back order for two months due to known problem of leaking. the only solution was either a refurbished engine or New engine from dealer. Warranty just expired but dealer and Mazda just say “sorry either return your loaner car or replace the engine at your cost” Horrible experience......$4600.00 lesson learned. Please do yourself a favor and do not purchase a $40,000 car from Mazda only to have to purchase a $4600.00 engine in less than 4 years and trade in value now only $14,000 after new engine. NEVER again!

The world of today everyone is into the looks, but noone talking that Mazda has 4 cyl when Toyota has beautiful v6. Somehow when you behind the wheel engine doesn't matter for many

Compared to the Mazda the CX-9 the Toyota looks like a rock

Comparing Mazda CX9 to Lexus RX please!

not sure over in canada or in the us, our mazda cx9 lane assist feature actually helps keep the car in lane while vibrating too, our one is a 2020 cx9 azami (top of the range in australia) and i can see the steerin does move if u leave it for us here in australia

Very good comparison

A 3dB difference is a lot. It’s essentially a doubling of sound

Cx9 looks cool

Cx9 anyday !!!!

You forgot the most important bit of driving the newer CX9s, the turbo whooshy noises when you mash on the gas!

Thanks for the review Sam. I'm just not a fan of the Mazda CX-9. The infotainment system is really dated and the cockpit area is tighter. Granted, you do get more steering feedback. I rented this car for two days for a road trip and actually pinched a nerve in my ankle. I found it difficult to find a comfortable driving position and I'm only 5"11. As for the exterior, looks are always subjective, the tail lights on the Mazda are too small. My gripes with the Highlander is they have a 12.3 screen but you cannot take full advantage of that because the AC/Heating controls always have to show and cannot be minimized - that makes no sense to me. Why tout the biggest infotainment screen in the industry but can't make full use of it - you should be able to maximize your favorite apps, especially NAV. Lastly, they could have added another inch or two to the width and length of the Highlander without "supersizing it"... However, the game changer is the Highlander hybrid and outside of the Ford Explorer, there are no real viable options in the segment.

I like how the cx 9 looks and the interior but I ima take the highlander because of tech

Mazda has smaller cargo, only a 2 seater in the 3rd row. Total deal breaker. Might as well get a car with a big backseat. Also, No hybrid option. Rear cupholders are awkwardly placed on the floor (totally unsanitary). Its my favorite looking crossover but unfortunately it's supposed to be driven, and with a family at that. The Highlander hybrid also comes with a 8yr/100k mile warranty. And reliability and resale value of the Highlander is unmatched. Hard to pick against it

It's not really a comparison. CX 9 is way better.

Toyota 7 days/week - our 2003 Highlander Limited Edition V6 had zero issues after 300K miles. Try that with CX9 or any other brand.

How much cost for service and maintenance for cx9 and highlander. Which one is maintenance is cheaper?

I was going to get rx 350 but I looked into fuelly and don't like mpg of rx. . Cx9 mazda a little better mpg and also cheaper and also reliable from what I have read. What is the difference between 2018,19 and 2021 cx9? Looking to buy used one. Will this suv be too big for 2 adults and a 90lbs dog? Dont need the 3rd row, so I feel we will be paying for 3rd row when we don't need it... drove the cx5 but did not like it much, too small in my opinion. Your advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank u. Also looking at venza. We are looking for an suv pretty much.

Which one to choose Honda pilot Or Mazda CX9 Or Nissan x trial Or Toyota Rav 4 And why

Why would anyone get the cx9 over the highlander except for its exterior design.

I’m astonished how many youtube car reviewers are from Ontario. Seems like 1/2 the new channels

How about resale value??

Mazda all the way

CX9 for its drivability.

Beautiful cx8 like diseing

While everyone says highlander faster Mazda faster for this guy)))

no doub about it. MAZDA CX9 is my choice .

I could have EASILY fit both containers in because I had one of those shape-o toys when I was a toddler.

Mazda better exterior, Highlander better Interior

Should compare to lexus

Loving my cx9 :)

The Mazda wins

Which is more space inside for family?

The highlander just looks so boring...

so which one is better?

مازدا Mazda cx9👍👍

Engine sizes makes a difference in these sized vehicles and the v6 always wins in longevity vs turbo.

Those highlanders went downhill in terms of look. Holy shit

Dude tell about how the cx9 and Highlander drives, how handel on corners and body roll?

Mazda CX9 is outdated yet looks better than Toyota

Why cx9 is don't have fog light?

Super Fain mazda CX_9

Both have tiny little brake discs for cars this size.

cx9 looks wayyyyyyyyyyy more better

resale value, reliability, even if its a box with a toyota sign on it- its gonna be toyota if you're buying a 50 k + veh

That Highlander does not look good in white

Mazda cx-9 is a better family car in the segment 👍

hey guys what's your choice ? Subaru outback mazda cx-5 honda cr-v

Have u noticed u've been driven Mazda with dry condition while Toyota's on rainy day? That noise reading would be gr8tly different!!!

My money would go for a Highlander because of the following elements: 1. Classy, elegant and timeless outlook, some angle of CX9 especially the front end looks bulky. 2. V6 NA engine with 8-speed transmission, responsive and effortless output at every rev. 3. New and better interior design especially the cockpit and control console. 4. Air vent grill for the third row which is absolutely good in summer time. 5. Better storage capacity. 6. Reliability and better resell value. Encountered side mirror motor failure on Mazda car.

2020 Highlander all the way!!! Edit: Do you think car prices will be very low this and next month because of the virus?

Mazda anyday

Nice video Sam! But if space is what you're looking for, you wouldn't buy either one of these. The CX9 in fact, has less legroom than the Kia Sorento, which is one class down. Of these two, the Toyota is so much more modern and fresh.

Overall design of the CX-9 simply gorgeous and will age noticeably better than Highlander in my opinion. Current CX-9 has been around since 2016 compared to all new redesigned 2020 Highlander. In fact, I still remember when I first saw this CX-9 at New York auto show back in 2016 with my son. CX-9 looked so stunning then and it still does look very attractive even after almost a half of a decade past. Everything about that Mazda looks and feels done with just right amount. I think both interior and exterior is designed with just right amount of craftsmanship. The only gripe I (may) have is that CX-9 doesn't offer V6 engine. I wish Mazda at least made that optional. But we can't have everything, so that turbo 4 with 6 speed auto better than what most others offer.

Toyota fan here but this highlander is hella ugly.

CX9 .. looks and ride 👍

Highlander for resale value.