MAZDA CX-5 vs. MAZDA CX-9: What's the Difference?

2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Mazda CX-9
2023 MAZDA CX-5

vs.

2023 MAZDA CX-9
SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with Cylinder Deactivation

Engine

SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 Dynamic Pressure Turbo DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with VVT
187 hp

Horsepower

227 hp
186 lb-ft of torque

Torque

310 lb-ft of torque
5

Seating Capacity

6-7
No

Third-Row Seating

Yes
2,000 pounds

Towing Capacity

3,500 pounds
24 city/30 highway mpg*

EPA-Estimated Fuel Efficiency

20 city/26 highway mpg*
59.3 cubic feet

Max Cargo Volume

71.2 cubic feet

If you’re looking for a stylish, reliable new SUV in the Sarasota area, the Mazda CX-5 and Mazda CX-9 are both great choices! These sleek crowd-favorite SUVs have recently been refreshed for the 2023 model year, bringing powerful performance specs and next-generation features to the roads, alongside spacious interior cabins and next-generation technology.

They’re both great choices, to be sure, but which one best suits your unique driving needs? Cox Mazda has all the details on the difference between the 2023 Mazda CX-5 and Mazda CX-9 in the guide below. Compare Mazda SUVs, then head to our inventory to see what we currently have available!

2023 MAZDA CX-5 vs. MAZDA CX-9: Which is More Fuel-Efficient?

Let’s start our comparison guide by seeing the difference between the 2023 Mazda CX-5 and Mazda CX-9 under the hood. As with anything, there are important trade-offs to consider based on your driving priorities. The larger Mazda CX-9 offers more horsepower, torque, and towing capacity, but the compact Mazda CX-5 is more fuel-efficient, allowing you to save at the gas pump on the Tampa roads. Here are all the details:

2023 MAZDA CX-5 Engine Specs

2023 MAZDA CX-9 Engine Specs

2023 MAZDA CX-5 vs. MAZDA CX-9: Which is Bigger?

If you’re stuck deciding between the 2023 Mazda CX-5 or Mazda CX-9, take a look at how they stack up inside the cabin! They’re both SUVs, but the Mazda CX-5 is classified as a compact SUV while the Mazda CX-9 is a three-row full-size model. Compare the interior dimensions for both SUVs below:

2023 MAZDA CX-5 Interior Space

  • Seating capacity – 5
  • Third row – no
  • Maximum cargo area – 59.6 cubic feet

2023 MAZDA CX-9 Interior Space

  • Seating capacity – 7
  • Third row – yes
  • Maximum cargo area – 71.2 cubic feet

Find Your Next MAZDA SUV at Cox Mazda!

Still on the fence about deciding between the 2023 Mazda CX-5 and Mazda CX-9? See how they handle on the roads of Bradenton to make your determination! Contact our Bradenton Mazda dealership to see what we have available, then head to our dealership to set up a test drive around Palmetto. You can also contact us or check out our model research for more information on any of the models in our current Mazda lineup.

*EPA-estimated mileage. Actual results will vary.

2022 MAZDA CX-5 vs. MAZDA CX-9: Price

Compared to the Mazda CX-9, the Mazda CX-5 is more affordable. However, the Mazda CX-9 is more powerful and larger than the Mazda CX-5. Both SUVs offer Tampa drivers excellent value for the money, and choosing between the two is a matter of whether you’re willing to spring for the higher costs of the more powerful Mazda CX-9.

2022 MAZDA CX-5 vs. MAZDA CX-9: Engine Specs

Regardless of whether you choose the 2022 Mazda CX-9 or 2022 Mazda CX-5, you can expect fierce performance and capable tow ratings. That said, since the Mazda CX-9 costs more than the Mazda CX-5, it features a more powerful engine. Compare engine specs below:

2022 MAZDA CX-5 Engine Specs

  • Horsepower – 187 hp
  • Torque – 186 lb-ft of torque
  • Towing Capacity – 2,000 pounds

2022 MAZDA CX-9 Engine Specs

  • Horsepower – 227 hp
  • Torque – 310 lb-ft of torque
  • Towing Capacity – 3,500 pounds

2022 MAZDA CX-5 vs. MAZDA CX-9: Interior Specs

The biggest difference between these Mazda SUV models is that the Mazda CX-9 features a third-row with a seating capacity of 7, whereas the Mazda CX-5 can only seat 5. Still, a smaller SUV is easier to park and maneuver. Compare their interior specs below:

2022 MAZDA CX-5 Interior Space

  • Seating capacity – 5
  • Third row – no
  • Maximum cargo area – 59.6 cubic feet

2022 MAZDA CX-9 Interior Space

  • Seating capacity – 7
  • Third row – yes
  • Maximum cargo area – 71.2 cubic feet

2021 MAZDA CX-5 vs. MAZDA CX-9: Interior Dimensions

One of the major differences you’ll find on the Mazda CX-5 compared to a Mazda CX-9 is maximum seating capacity. The 2021 Mazda CX-5 seats five passengers, but those Tampa who want more capacity should go for the seven-seater Mazda CX-9, with its third row. Like other Mazda SUV models, both have useful split-folding rear seats to help you maximize the cargo space

Want a smaller crossover that still can seat five? Check out the Mazda CX-30 vs. Mazda CX-5 dimensions.

2021 MAZDA CX-5 vs. MAZDA CX-9: Engine Specs and Performance

Mazda vehicles are known for their great performance specs. It’s not just the zippy handling on each of these vehicles that sets them apart in Palmetto, but the enviable fuel economy ratings and the optional AWD for extra control. Here are the important numbers for the Mazda CX-5 compared to the Mazda CX-9 engine.

2021 MAZDA CX-5 Engine:

  • Skyactiv®-G2 2.5L DOHC engine
  • 187 horsepower
  • 186 lb-ft of torque
  • 2,000-pound towing capacity
  • EPA-estimated 25 city/31 highway MPG*

2021 MAZDA CX-9 Engine:

  • Skyactiv®3-G 2.5T 4-cylinder engine
  • 227 horsepower
  • 310 lb-ft of torque
  • 3,500-pound towing capacity
  • EPA-estimated 22 city/28 highway MPG*

As you can see, there are some trade-offs. The larger Mazda CX-9 demands a sturdier engine, and it comes with better towing capacity. But the Mazda CX-5 boasts more fuel economy. Both Mazda SUV models are some of the best on the market.

Difference Between the 2020 MAZDA CX-5 & MAZDA CX-9: Price & Trim Levels

You can’t compare Mazda SUVs without touching on their pricing. Fortunately, like every other Mazda model, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 and Mazda CX-9 provide an impressive MSRP, especially for the amount of features and amenities you’ll get to enjoy out on the Sarasota roads. You help you choose between the 2020 Mazda CX-5 or Mazda CX9, here are their prices and trim levels:

2020 MAZDA CX-5 Trim Levels

  • MAZDA CX-5 Sport: $25,190 MSRP
  • MAZDA CX-5 Sport AWD: $26,590 MSRP
  • MAZDA CX-5 Touring: $26,830 MSRP
  • MAZDA CX-5 Touring AWD: $28,230 MSRP
  • MAZDA CX-5 Grand Touring: $30,310 MSRP
  • MAZDA CX-5 Grand Touring AWD: $31,710 MSRP
  • MAZDA CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve AWD: $35,135 MSRP
  • MAZDA CX-5 Signature AWD: $37,155 MSRP

2020 MAZDA CX-9 Trim Levels

  • MAZDA CX-9 Sport: $33,890 MSRP
  • MAZDA CX-9 Touring: $35,710 MSRP
  • MAZDA CX-9 Sport AWD: $35,790 MSRP
  • MAZDA CX-9 Touring AWD: $37,610 MSRP
  • MAZDA CX-9 Grand Touring: $41,550 MSRP
  • MAZDA CX-9 Grand Touring AWD: $43,450 MSRP
  • MAZDA CX-9 Signature AWD: $46,215 MSRP

When you compare these Mazda SUVs, it’s no surprise that the 2020 Mazda CX-9 comes in at a higher price tag. The Mazda CX-9 features more interior room and a more powerful standard engine, which means its starting price will naturally be higher. With that being said, both of these vehicles come in various configurations to fit a variety of Tampa lifestyles. Apply for financing today to determine if the 2020 Mazda CX-5 or Mazda CX-9 is right for your budget.

Difference Between the 2020 MAZDA CX-5 & MAZDA CX-9: Engine Specifications

In the 2020 Mazda CX-5 vs. Mazda CX-9 comparison, it’s clear that both of these vehicles feature a different standard engine and you can schedule a test drive for more information. In the meantime, compare these Mazda SUVs and their engine specifications below to learn more:

2020 MAZDA CX-5 Engine Specs

  • Engine Options: SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L I4 / SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L turbocharged I4
  • Horsepower: 187 hp to 250 hp (with premium unleaded fuel)
  • Torque: 186 lb-ft – 320 lb-ft (with premium unleaded fuel)
  • Fuel Economy: 25 mpg city/31 mpg highway*
  • Towing Capacity: 2,000 pounds

2020 MAZDA CX-9 Engine Specs

  • Engine Options: SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L turbocharged I4
  • Horsepower: 250 hp (with premium unleaded fuel)
  • Torque: 320 lb-ft (with premium unleaded fuel)
  • Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway**
  • Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 vs. Mazda CX-9 engine comparison shows that the standard engines in both models provide impressive performance. However, the Mazda CX-9 offers more performance off the bat and a higher towing capacity. With that being said, the Mazda CX-5 provides better fuel efficiency and offers the option to upgrade to a more powerful engine if you’d like more performance on your Palmetto travels.

Difference Between the 2020 MAZDA CX-5 & MAZDA CX-9: Interior Dimensions

When you’re deciding between the 2020 Mazda CX-5 or Mazda CX-9, you’ll also want to consider their interior dimensions. While both of these Mazda SUVs will have no problem keeping you comfortable around Bradenton, their interior dimensions are different. The 2020 Mazda CX-5 vs. Mazda CX-9 interior dimensions can be found below:

2020 MAZDA CX-5 Interior

  • Seating Capacity: 5 passengers
  • 1st/2nd-Row Headroom: 39.7 inches/39.6 inches
  • 1st/2nd-Row Legroom: 41.0 inches/39.6 inches
  • Passenger Volume: 103.6 cubic feet
  • Cargo Volume Behind 1st/2nd-Row Seats: 69.6 cubic feet/30.9 cubic feet

2020 MAZDA CX-9 Interior

  • Seating Capacity: 7 passengers
  • 1st/2nd/3rd-Row Headroom: 40.1 inches/38.5 inches/35.4 inches
  • 1st/2nd/3rd-Row Legroom: 41.0 inches/39.4 inches/29.7 inches
  • Passenger Volume: 135.8 cubic feet
  • Cargo Volume Behind 1st/2nd-Row Seats: 71.2 cubic feet/38.2 cubic feet/14.4 cubic feet

While the interior dimensions of the Mazda CX-5 are impressive, the Mazda CX-9 is a larger vehicle with more interior room so you can bring along the whole family when you’re tackling a long road trip. With that being said, the smaller size of the Mazda CX-9 will be great for drivers that need something easy to take around town. Both of these SUVs offer outstanding dimensions and interior comfort and we know you won’t be let down when you visit Cox Mazda to see them in person.

*Up to an EPA-estimated 25 city/31 highway MPG for 2020 Mazda CX-5 FWD models. AWD models with SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, 24 city/30 highway MPG. Actual results will vary.

**Up to an EPA-estimated 22 city/28 highway MPG for 2020 Mazda CX-9 FWD models. AWD models, 20 city/26 highway MPG. Actual results will vary.

2018 MAZDA CX-5 vs. CX-9: Similarities

Tampa drivers would be well served by either the 2018 Mazda CX-5 or the 2018 Mazda CX-9. That’s because both crossover SUVs:

  • Provide three years and 36,000 miles of roadside assistance
  • Boast the Mazda-exclusive SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY and Kodo Soul of Motion design
  • Features technology like the MAZDA CONNECT™ infotainment system, advanced safety systems including automatic emergency braking, and Bluetooth connectivity

2018 MAZDA CX-5 vs. CX-9: Differences

Consider how the 2018 Mazda CX-5 and the 2018 Mazda CX-9 differ and what your driving demands are to help with your decision.

  • Passenger capacity: The Mazda CX-5 seats five people, and the Mazda CX-9 seats seven passengers.
  • Dimensions: The Mazda CX-5 offers 30.9 cubic feet as standard for cargo, and the Mazda CX-9 provides 14.4 cubic feet when all seats are occupied and 71.2 cubic feet total.
  • Performance: Both models run on 2.5L inline-four engines, but the Mazda CX-5 achieves a balanced 186 hp and 187 lb-ft of torque, while the Mazda CX-9 reaches 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.

Cox Mazda, Cortez Road West, Bradenton, FL, USA

 

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