Was recently looking at both these cars, Ended up with a Kluger Grande due to a bigger cabin up front & bigger 2nd row seating. I don't agree with the reviewers that the tv screen is redundant, my kids are pretty young and not at the age where they can exclusively use an i pad each. The other reason was for slightly better off road ability, I don't necessarily go off road but I do take the dirtbikes out and some of the places we go can be a bit out there. Besides, you cant go wrong buying a Toyota.
Anything that Kluger can do Off-Road, the CX-9 will be able to match without the diff locking etc. Anything that requires diff locking and lo-range.. the Kluger won't be able to do anyways.
Great review. I've been waiting a while for a one on one comparison between the Highlander and new CX-9 as I'm deciding between these two. You guys are spot on in discerning the differences. I totally agree with the idea of the Mazda being the more desirable passionate choice while the Toyota is ultimately the most sensible choice. Doesn't mean one choice is better than the other. Funny how you guys are put off by the fuel efficiency in both. In Australia, gas is a lot more expensive. In the US, we're paying $2/gallon. Gas consumption no big deal in these. Also, you pointed out the right side of the vehicle having the wider 3rd row access (at least in the Mazda). That's because you guys are driving on the wrong side of the road down there. This was designed primarily for North America so the right side is curb side. Too expensive for Mazda to reverse this for much smaller markets. Bad enough having to make it right hand drive.
Actually Mazda does tend to do a lot of customisations for various markets. It's one thing the factory in Hiroshima was designed from the ground up to do. They're one of the few manufacturers that is organised enough to put 7 different vehicles on a single line. So for example, to get costs down for US vehicles, they generally will rip out things like xenon washers (required for most international markets, but not the US). And as per every Japanese manufacture will do, the swap stalks. The Germans would never do that. You're right that the CX-9 is very US focuses. But I think this was a small oversight. I like the 40:20:40 in the CX-5 more, and that never needed swapping.
- JPL - Actually the US markets have the larger split behind the driver, so it's also on the wrong side here. There's few things about the car that annoy me but this is definitely one of them. Put the larger split on the curb side.
Great review and you picked two 7-seaters on my shortlist. You're evaluation method is spot on. My conclusion - Kluger to please the wife, CX-7 for me. Who wins? Perhaps please the wife. However, Kluger's centre diff lock wins my consent. It gets too complex to go into every model variation but focusing on 2013 models I can get the cheapest Kluger for $20,000 compared to $30,000 for CX-9.
Also, my fuel economy figure is at 12L/100km right now (suburban and city driving, not even highway, which is really great!). The 16.5 shown in the video is gained from literally performance testing the car. To draw out the most accurate figure next time, you must at least finish a complete tank (maybe two) on the cars so they can properly adjust their readings to the driving characteristics.
Exodus227 they drove both cars the same. Obviously the goal was to compare the two cars, and in the short time that they did, the Toyota fell short. Of course, I'd rather have the Toyota on the highway or off-road, but in any other setting I'd rather have the Mazda. More features, better tech, and a much, MUCH better interior. Can't forget that it's cheaper than the Toyota too
Personal choices, yeah can't argue with that. I'm not at all trying to be biased towards the Toyota since I own one though, I'm simply talking on behalf of all cars in a comparison that they must be driven economically to achieve the close to the stated figures.
Exodus227 I agree with you in that sense, that they must be driven economically to achieve the stated figures. With that said, they drove each car pretty aggressively, so the comparison was fair, and the Mazda outperformed the Toyota in that regard. Also, if they had driven the Mazda as economically as you drive your Toyota, the Mazda would very likely have much better fuel economy. There's simply no denying that fact. Here's what it comes down to. The Highlander/Kluger has better power in the top end, feels roomier in the cabin and second row, and has a flip down Blu-ray player w/ headsets. The Mazda has better low end power, has more of a luxurious interior, feels more connected to the road, and has much better fuel economy. From my point of view, an SUV that drives almost like a car and gets the mileage of a car alone is worth the purchase, and I'm not even factoring in the fact that the Mazda is quite a bit cheaper as well. If you were to compare with the CX-9 Signature line, which is something like $3-4k more, you get so much more that it's no longer a fair comparison. Sorry, but unless you do a large amount of highway driving or you absolutely need the cabin space/cabin storage space, the Mazda is the clear choice. And we haven't even touched on the fact that the Mazda has better lighting. Sidenote: I don't own either vehicle, but a friend recently purchased a Highlander, and after riding in it, I have to say that there's really nothing special about it.
Mazda is a dream I don’t know where were you driving but I just took 2200 kms long trip and my mileage was 8.2Lper 100 ks ....love my cx 9 and I am sold to Mazda forever
When you have to force induction to make mountains of torque on a small engine inevitably your going to run into trouble .... 3 years on and now engine failures and turbos letting go in the mazda even though i like them more than the toyota anyone who knows anything about cars or is mechanically minded knows toyota lasts the test of time . If you had to have one of these cars for the rest of your life toyota without question .
What would be better off road.do.you think. I'm going to do the big lap around australia in January and want a vehical that is good both on the road and off road. Not so worried about fuel efficiency, more that I can do offloading effectively
Kruger is the one to go to if you're an ultimate family dedicated dad. But if you still have a bit of young and sporty side left in you go for the cx9. I gotta admit it's like the only good looking 7 seater I've seen out there it drives nice too. It might make less power on paper but the power is available on low Revs unlike the kluger. It would actually feel more powerful in everyday city driving I reckon.
Come on guys , these are NOT SUVs ( Utility vehicles for SPORTS loving people) . These are People movers. A proper UTILITY vehicle should have high ground clearance( at more than 10 inches) , high approach and departure angles and most important a low range locking gearbox. These are AWD Crossovers -- a cross between a wagon and a Utility vehicle.
I loved the interior n exterior.... I wish there is full panoramic roof, more usb ports n AC vents in third row and also Mazda needs to bring the Signature range here in Aus that they have in US.....
These car reviews always astound me when they avoid what's most important. Service costs, parts cost, reliability and resell value.. etc All models have a particular track record that could be referenced for these reviews yet all we get is how everything *feels* and *does it have bluetooth in the very back* .. wtf?? No... people want to know how the thing will or wont f@#k them up financially in the future.
Unfortunately at 2:23 you're both incorrect. In 7 seat vehicles, the 40 split is always behind the passenger, with the 60 split behind the drive. This allows for a single passenger to be disturbed when entering the vehicle and also it's a given you're entering from footpath side rather than the road side. Sure, the 60 split is easier - but try telling two people to get out :) This is why almost all manufacturers build it this way. The Japanese made Mazda CX-9 and US built Toyota Kluger apply this common rule, keeping the correct 40 split behind the passenger, and flip the configuration for the vehicles they sell in the US and Canada. Mazda goes one extra by ensuring that when an ISO Fix seat is installed on either split (ideally though on the 40 split), the seat can move forward enough (with front passenger also moved forward), to allow entry to the rear. One manufacturer that ignores the rule though is GM. The US made GMC/Holden Acadia is also US centric. This means the 40 split is correctly behind the passenger in the US, but the seats are not flipped for export to Australia, and hence the 60 split is behind the passenger. This means that it is both heavier to move the seat, and two passengers must exit the vehicle to flip the seat. Mazda and Toyota are spot on in this case. Japanese manufacturers will always pay attention to flipping of these details. This is most obvious with indicator stalks.
"Oddly, though, both have the larger portion on the driver’s side of the car - questionable, because you’d think you’d want your kids clambering out of the third row on the kerbside of the car, right?" I have never heard any car journalist make such a comment! Every other journalist is in favour of the smaller portion on the kerbside. Reason? Well, if you have experience with ferrying kids, you'll know that with seven in the car, big portion kerbside means you need more kids to get out of the car for a third row passenger to get out. And I assure you that getting one kid out is hard enough! Secondly, kids will be in the back. They will have absolutely no problem getting out through the smaller portion! It'd only ever possibly be an issue for adults!
5 things for Mazda to improve / offer. 1. Third row vents, 2. Panoramic Sun roof, 3. Ventilated and cooled seats on first and 2nd rows, 4. Apple / Android play compatibility, 5. AC outlets. The first three are deal breakers for me. 5 things Toyota should offer / improve. 1. LED headlights, old halogen not acceptable in 45K car, 2. Apple / Android play compatibility, 3. Better JBL system in higher models, the current JBL Green edge design sucks, 4. Improve steering feel, too light, 5. Full range cruise control.
It's odd that the Australian CX-9's windows don't come tinted. Who makes these silly marketing decisions between countries thinking that one country wants it and the other doesn't when both do? Privacy glass is standard in US. The other senseless marketing is using "Azami" as a trim when Australians never heard of the word but they do know what "Signature" means.
Actually, about the tinted windows, it does not come with tinted windows from the manufacturer. The dealer is the one who puts the tint on the windows. Here in the US i bought a CX-9 2018 few days ago and it come with tinted windows and the price is added to the total but the dealer has installed them for $300-$450 dollars. Great exhilaration and great responding and handling. Will see how it handles on the snow. I had a Mercedes ML350 and it was quite sluggish for a 3.5L V6.
I know the darker privacy tinting in the rear that you're talking about in the US. In Australia, that level of tint is illegal and therefore Mazda is unable to put it on the vehicle. Generally, all vehicles must be sold with either no tint, or a very minor in-built tint. Most car dealers will arrange tinting on a scale that is legal. Regarding the names in use, in market research done by Mazda, Australians have taken well to the use of Japanese monikers such as Azami on the CX-9 and Asami on the CX-8, whereas Mazda USA market research showed negative responses to them, instead using Signature for the top trim (which is Azami LE in Australia). Mazda is happy of course to tweak naming on a per country basis. Generally speaking with Mazda vehicles, Australia buys roughly seven times as many Mazda vehicles per capita as the US (roughly 1/2 the total sales as the US). Because of this, the Australian market has more models available, with more options, more grades, more engines and more flexibility. The CX-9 is the most similar though with five grades in Australia and four grades in the US. As you'll note, the Toyota Highlander in this case uses the Australian name, Kluger. This is due to the fact that Hyundai has trademarked the Highlander name for use with the Santa Fe.
Time 9:10 they are trying to look worst the room in the third row of the Highlander. It is not real since the combined legroom in the Highlander is 6 mm greater than that of the CX 9, please check the legroom left in the first row before the test. Sliding the others rows we can manage the space in the third one in both SUVs.
Wonder why the Highlander is $5K more in Australia? They are the same price is the US when comparing similar trims. Both about $44K for Highlander Limited and CX-9 Signature (better equipped than your Azami - real wood, nappa leather, etc).
go for cx9 for a bit more fun in performance driving with stiffer suspension and crying kids at the back less comfort. go for highlander for pure comfort, better reliability, smooth v6 and sleeping kids at the back. get a different car for performance. save the crossovers for soccer moms. the refreshed 2017 highlander gets a new engine with 8speed auto.
is good to have male and female doing the drive test review given more details of comparison. I like the Klugar outsize look more better then CX9 too simplicity outlook like a helmet. But mazda tech is way better than Toyota old tech.. still using old touch screen and outdated apps. overall I still say mazda better than Toyota..
Nice and useful review, thanks guys. But can you get ride of the background music please??? Many times I had to rewind to listen again what you were saying.
Great review. Too bad the Mazda Navigation system was stuck on top of the dash. Fire the designer. BUT overall the CX9 is number one. I have owned a CX9 since 2010 and regularly have driven my friends Highlander. Mazda wins. This new motor will repair the gas guzzling reputation of my older CX9.
Greg Clark it's better there for driver visibility. Think about where most people place their GPS systems. That's why you'll see similar systems in newer cars and some luxury vehicles like the BMW. Though it would be nice if you could fold it out of view when not in use.
Is that stanwell park you were filming at? And 16.5l per 100kms in the klugar? No way would it be that high.... you guys must be working it really hard because my lexus rx350 which is based of the klugar does 14.5l per 100km. and that is city driving only! and 10.9l per 100kms mix driving.
Let me ask you guys this. The cx9 is a large car. Heavy. For a 2.5ltr engine will in no way going to be under pressure? Yes there is a turbo, which doesnt make the 4cyc a 6cyinder. Turbo just takes in air to pump the engine faster producing more power. In the long run i am not sure if a 2.5ltr will last in the long run?. The toyota is a 6cyclinder made for heavy cars. I dont recall back in the 90s a 4cyclinder pushing a heavy car. They were all v6. Blah blah due to emissions nowadays. There is a reason why the landcruiser runs in a v8 and v6 maybe even a diesel.
Engines are built stronger and with much tighter tolerances today. Even in this case, the 2.5 is a modified version of the 2.5 used in the Mazda 6 and CX-5. It's actually built stronger for the CX-9's use to take the pressure. Mazda and other companies wouldn't risk their future by putting and engine in that won't last.
- JPL - modified by putting in a turbo charger so it has power to pull the car. For a little 2.5 engine pulling a big heavy car like this will put strain on the engine. The engine that uses turbos also wear out the engine to those without turbo chargers. How many cars have you seen with turbo engine with having problems let alone lasting a long long time?? Thats why the kluger has the v6. Toyota rav4 has the 2.5.
i think this isn't the top of the line cx0. the top of the line cx9 has red nappa leather and the piano black finishes should have been real rose wood.
Waiting for it myself but my guess will be later than the average model year changeover. The 2016 was 7 months late. The 2017 didn't come out until February of 2017. Mazda hurts themselves with this scheduling. We'll be lucky to see the 2018 by year end. There's already 2018's for sale by other makers.
Blaise review, the kruga has more room with the seat down and up. You clearly show your baise for the cx9.with the all three rows up, kruga is 16 cft and cx9 13cft, with the third row down kruga 42 cft and cx9 38 cft, stop misleading people.
If families are struggling with coin and worried about fuel costs...don't get a $43K new car. Buy a reliable second hand car - if you don't tow a boat or caravan a sedan does the job.
Why you would go for either, beats me. The Santa Fe has a superb diesel, running half the fuel consumption, is fully loaded with comfort and safety features, full panoramic roof and comes with annual fixed price servicing and 5 years warranty. Go for the Sorento and you get 7 years and the same space. Both the Hyundai and Kia can be had for around $50k if you bargain at the right time. Anyone that responds negatively to the brands is a snobby knobjockey.
Turns out the 0-100km/h time of the Kluger is 7.5 seconds, whereas for the CX-9 the time is 7.69. So as stated in the video, you said the CX-9 packs more punch, but in reality the Kluger is actually the punchier, smoother and faster one. Being completely honest here, maybe include some stats for future reference.
Other videos with proper performance and launch tests. Also, doing 0-100km/h timed in my own Kluger. That's the stats I'm referring to. Edit: Also, my current fuel economy in my Kluger sits at 12L/100km suburban/city driving, less highway mileage.
The Mazda carries over its Skyactiv-drvive auto which is one of the best auto transmissions on the market under $100k. This is surprising given it's just a torque convertor. But they spent a LOT of R&D on a clean sheet transmission which has two aims - emulate a manual transmission and get class best fuel economy. It almost DSG quick without the jerk that DSG has in the 1st and 2nd gears. And it's economical like the CVT's without the lack of involvement and drone you get in CVT's. As has been said in thousands of compare videos, the gears the transmission chooses tend to be spot on. In the petrol CX-5's though, they tend to head straight for 6th in city driving for economy, whereas the diesel waits until the highway. But the best thing is that it rev matches when going up and down gears (you'll note that in this video if you listen for it). Mazda is tiny compared to Toyota, so I really find it annoying that they spend more time on making quantity of models and don't spend the same proportion of revenue on R&D that Mazda does. Get under the body and you'll notice that there is a lot of engineering attention to detail on the Mazda that Toyota lacks. Best example of this is CX-5 vs RAV4 suspension. Head over to savagegeese channel and you hear them complain over and over again how Toyota heads for the parts bin, slaps things together and then wonders why it's such a compromised drive. Regarding acceleration, the Kluger should win the 0-100 due to power, but when you're on the highway, torque wins on the 80-120. Strangely not sure when you go 7.69 from. I've checked the specifications in the US which has the same spec lower octane engine and it's 0-60mph in 7.2, which is 0-100 in 7.45s.
Totally right! Also who in the world would complain about .19 seconds, you can never feel the difference, also this is not a sports car where acceleration matters that much, and the mazda does have more torque so it would be much better for overtaking, something that actually matters..
Here in the USA the CX-9 has variable performance based on fuel octane. Using 93 octane over 87 octane nets +30hp resulting in a 7.5 second 0-60. Keep in mind AWD improves that to 7.4 seconds.
Having gone for a ride in a 100 series LandCruiser off-road... so unimpressive.. so I have 0 faith the Kluger will do anything off-road lol. Get an older LandCruiser, Patrol, Pajero, Off-Road pick up trucks like Ranger, Triton, Hilux, etc or something along those lines. If you are buying a Kluger as an off-road vehicle. You're looking in the wrong places. I'd definitely go the CX-9.
