Head-to-head
2023 Mazda CX-9 vs 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime
The Mazda CX-9 wins clearly, 91.5 to 69.5, on tech & comfort, safety, performance. The Toyota RAV4 Prime is ahead on fuel & range.
A
2023 Mazda CX-9
The 2023 Mazda CX-9 is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact SUV. The most efficient version, the CX-9 4WD, is EPA-rated at 23 mpg combined. NHTSA lists no recall c…
vs
B2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid compact SUV. The most efficient version, the RAV4 Prime 4WD, is EPA-rated at 38 mpg combined.…
More Mazda CX-9 head-to-heads More Toyota RAV4 Prime head-to-heads Every CX-9 vs RAV4 Prime model year
Verdict · default weights
2023 Mazda CX-9
Clear winThe Mazda CX-9 wins clearly, 91.5 to 69.5, on tech & comfort, safety, performance. The Toyota RAV4 Prime is ahead on fuel & range.
Tech & comfort 2023 Mazda CX-9 leads by 78.3
Fuel & range 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime leads by 39.6
Safety 2023 Mazda CX-9 leads by 26.1
| Category · weight | 2023 Mazda CX-9overall 91.5 | 2023 Toyota RAV4 Primeoverall 69.5 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricenot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 60.4 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 100 | 73.9 | |||||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 100 | 83.7 | |||||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 100 | 72.6 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 21.7 | |||||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | |||||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Overall | 91.5 | 69.5 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 5 of 7 categories compared
Mazda CX-9: base trim Touring AWD · Toyota RAV4 Prime: base trim SE AWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2023 Mazda CX-9 wins
- It lists 24 standard driver-assist features against 1.
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (13 against 65 filed with NHTSA).
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (46 points against 10 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
Where the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime answers
- It costs $1,150 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,750 against $2,900).
- It is rated 38 combined against 23 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
54 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Mazda CX-9Touring AWD | Toyota RAV4 PrimeSE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | twin turbo | — |
| Cylinder count | 4 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 2,488 cc | 2,487 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 2.5L I4 Dynamic Pressure Turbo DOHC 16-valve | 2.5-liter Dynamic Force 4-cylinder, aluminum alloy block with aluminum alloy cylinder head |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | D-4S |
| Valve configuration | DOHC 16-Valve | DOHC 16-Valve |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 227 hp | 177 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 165 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 20 mpg | 40 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 23 mpg | 38 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 26 mpg | 36 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 4.411 | — |
| Transmission speeds | 6 | — |
| Transmission type | automatic | Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) with sequential shift mode |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 8.8 in | 8.1 in |
| Overall height | 67.6 in | 67 in |
| Overall length | 199 in | 181 in |
| Overall width | 77.2 in | 73 in |
| Wheelbase | 115 in | 106 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 71.2 cu-ft | 63.1 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 38.2 cu-ft | 33.4 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | 14.3 cu-ft | — |
| Total interior volume | 135 cu-ft | — |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 7 | 5 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 39.3 in | 37.7 in |
| Second-row headroom | 38.5 in | 39.5 in |
| Third-row headroom | 35.4 in | — |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 41 in | 41 in |
| Second-row legroom | 39.4 in | 37.8 in |
| Third-row legroom | 29.7 in | — |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 4,409 lbs | 4,235 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 4,409 lbs | 4,235 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 5,822 lbs | 5,530 lbs |
| Payload capacity | — | 1,295 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Independent MacPherson Strut coil spring and stabilizer bar | MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar |
| Rear suspension type | Independent Multi-link coil spring and stabilizer bar | Multi-link with stabilizer bar |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Rack and Pinion | Electric Power Steering (EPS) rack-and-pinion |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 19.4 ft | 36.1 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 320 mm | 328 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | epb | epb |
| Rear brake diameter | 325 mm | 315 mm |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | ventilated disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 18 in | 18 in |
| Wheel material | alloy | alloy |
| Wheel width | 8 in | 7 in |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | P255/60R18 | 225/60R18 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 19.5 gal | 14.5 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Mazda Connected Services | — |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | 36 months | — |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 57.9 in | 57.8 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | 58.1 in | 56.4 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | 53.1 in | — |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
162 features · differences first, then sharedSafety23 differ · 24 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-9Touring AWD | Toyota RAV4 PrimeSE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Smart City Brake Support with pedestrian detection (includes night-time pedestrian detection) | std | — |
| Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Stop and Go function | std | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | std | — |
| Advanced dual front air bags (SRS) | std | — |
| Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) | std | — |
| Lane Keep Assist (LKA) | std | — |
| Rearview camera | std | — |
| Side air curtains - front, rear, and 3rd row with roll-over protection | std | — |
| Side-impact air bags -front | std | — |
| Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) , Traction Control (TCS) and Trailer Stability Control | std | — |
| LATCH system - rear seat child safety seat lower anchors & upper tethers | std | — |
| 3-point safety belts for all seating positions | std | — |
| Auto-hold function | std | — |
| Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) | std | — |
| Child safety rear door locks | std | — |
| Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) , Traction Control (TCS) and Trailer Stability Control | std | — |
| Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) , Traction Control (TCS) and Trailer Stability Control | std | — |
| Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) | std | — |
| Front safety-belt pretensioners with force limiters | std | — |
| Headlights - High Beam Control (HBC) | std | — |
| Hill Launch Assist | std | — |
| Engine immobilizer anti-theft system | std | — |
| Tire pressure monitoring system | std | — |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) | std | std |
Infotainment10 differ · 10 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-9Touring AWD | Toyota RAV4 PrimeSE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| MAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment System - Mazda Connect 4G LTE Wi-Fi powered by AT&T | std | — |
| 10.25" full-color center display | std | — |
| 6-speaker sound system | std | — |
| MAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment System | std | — |
| Multi-Function Commander Control | std | — |
| Speed - sensing automatic volume control (Automatic Level control) | std | — |
| Steering wheel-mounted audio, phone and cruise controls | std | — |
| USB Audio Inputs - 2nd-Row (2 ports) | std | — |
| USB Audio Inputs - Center Console (2 ports) | std | — |
| Wireless Phone Charger | std | — |
Convenience6 differ · 6 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-9Touring AWD | Toyota RAV4 PrimeSE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Remote keyless entry system - Mazda advanced keyless entry & start system | std | — |
| Power door locks - speed sensitive with 2-stage unlocking | std | — |
| Power Rear Liftgate with programmable height adjustment | std | — |
| Power Windows with one-touch auto up/down feature (4) | std | — |
| Remote fuel-door and hood release | std | — |
| 12V power outlets - (2) front and cargo area | std | — |
Climate1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-9Touring AWD | Toyota RAV4 PrimeSE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Air conditioning - automatic climate control operation with three zones | std | — |
Seating10 differ · 10 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-9Touring AWD | Toyota RAV4 PrimeSE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 8-way Power driver's seat with power lumbar support | std | — |
| Heated front seats with 3 level adjustments | std | — |
| 2nd-row bench seats with 60/40 split fold-down reclining | std | — |
| 2nd-row bench seats with easy slide and tilt rear-access mechanism | std | — |
| 2nd-row captain's chairs with armrests and center walk through, reclining seatback | std | — |
| 3rd-row seats - 50/50 split fold-down | std | — |
| 6-passenger seating capacity with 2nd-row captain's chairs | std | — |
| 6-way power adjustable passenger seat | std | — |
| 8-way power adjustable driver's seat w/ power lumbar support | std | — |
| Seat material - leather (1st and 2nd row outboard seating positions - Black or Sand) | std | — |
Interior29 differ · 29 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-9Touring AWD | Toyota RAV4 PrimeSE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Rearview mirror - frameless, auto-dimming with Homelink® | std | — |
| 4.6-inch TFT LCD meter display | std | — |
| Assist handles - (4) | std | — |
| Coat Hook - (2) Rear | std | — |
| Courtesy Lamps, Front doors | std | — |
| Engine Starter Ring - satin chrome Finish | std | — |
| EPA Passenger Volume: 98.9 cu. ft. w/moonroof / 101.3 cu. ft. without moonroof | — | std |
| Headroom w/ moonroof - First: 37.7 in. | — | std |
| Headroom w/ moonroof - Second: 39.5 in. | — | std |
| Hip Room - First: 54.3 in. | — | std |
| Hip Room - Second: 47.7 in. | — | std |
| Illumination - front door pocket | std | — |
| Legroom - First: 41.0 in. | — | std |
| Legroom - Second: 37.8 in. | — | std |
| Multi-Information Display (MID) Type B | std | — |
| Rearview mirror - auto-dimming with Homelink® | std | — |
| Seating Capacity: 5 | — | std |
| Shoulder Room - First: 57.8 in. | — | std |
| Shoulder Room - Second: 56.4 in. | — | std |
| Steering wheel – leather-wrapped | std | — |
| Storage - bottle holders - front and rear door panels | std | — |
| Storage - cup holders, (2) front , (2) 2nd Row & (4) 3rd row | std | — |
| Storage -2nd-row center console with armrest and storage for bench seats | std | — |
| Steering wheel - tilt & telescopic | std | — |
| Sun visors - dual covered vanity mirrors w/ illumination | std | — |
| Floor mats - carpeted front, 2nd-row and 3rd-row | std | — |
| Storage - front seatback pockets (driver and passenger) | std | — |
| Storage - overhead console with sunglasses holder | std | — |
| Trip computer - Odometer, Trip meter A & B, current and average fuel economy, distance-to-empty | std | — |
Exterior30 differ · 31 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-9Touring AWD | Toyota RAV4 PrimeSE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Power moonroof, sliding with one-touch open/close and interior sunshade | std | — |
| Headlights - LED with auto-leveling | std | — |
| 18 x 8J inch aluminum alloy wheels with Gray Metallic Finish | std | — |
| Antenna - roof-mounted "shark fin" | std | — |
| Approach/Departure Angle: 18.6 / 21.4 degrees | — | std |
| Badging - AWD badge | std | — |
| EPA Class: Small SUV | — | std |
| Fog lights - front (LED) | std | — |
| Front grille - with Bright Finish | std | — |
| Ground Clearance: 8.1 in. (SE) / 8.3 in. (XSE) | — | std |
| Headlights - Auto On/Off feature | std | — |
| Headlights - LED daytime running lights | std | — |
| LED taillights | std | — |
| License plate lamp (LED) | std | — |
| Lower molding color - front, side, rear (Black) | std | — |
| Overall Height (with antenna): 67.0 in. (SE) / 67.2 in. (XSE) | — | std |
| Overall Length: 180.9 in. | — | std |
| Overall Width: 73.0 in. | — | std |
| Roof rails - aluminum with satin chrome finish | opt | — |
| Side Mirrors - body-color, dual power remote with LED turn signal indicators | std | — |
| Side Mirrors - driver and passenger heated | std | — |
| Tire Size: 225/60R18 (SE) / 235/55R19 (XSE) | — | std |
| Wheel Size: 18 x 7.0 in. (SE) / 19 x 7.5 in. (XSE) | — | std |
| Wheel Type and Material: Standard aluminum alloy | — | std |
| Wheelbase: 105.9 in. | — | std |
| Windshield wipers - rain-sensing, variable-intermittent | std | — |
| Windshield wipers - rear intermittent with washer | std | — |
| Privacy glass - rear side windows and rear liftgate glass | std | — |
| Rear window defogger with timer | std | — |
| Rear Roof spoiler - body color | std | — |
| Spare Tire/Wheel: Temporary | std | std |
Powertrain28 differ · 29 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-9Touring AWD | Toyota RAV4 PrimeSE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 3.3 kW Charging Time (120V at 12A/240V at 16A): 12 / 4.5 hr. | — | std |
| Battery Pack Type: 18.1 kWh Lithium-Ion | — | std |
| Battery Voltage: 355.2V | — | std |
| Bore x Stroke: 87.5 x 103.4 mm | — | std |
| Charger: 3.3 kW on-board charger (optional 6.6 kW on XSE) | — | std |
| Compression Ratio: 14.0:1 | — | std |
| Displacement: 2,487 cc | — | std |
| Electric Driving Range: 42 miles | — | std |
| Electric Motor Power Output, front/rear: 179/53 hp (134/40 kW) | — | std |
| Electric Motor Torque, front/rear: 199/89 lb.-ft. | — | std |
| Electric Motors Type: Permanent Magnet Synchronous | — | std |
| Emission Certification: SULEV | — | std |
| Engine Oil: SAE OW-16; 4.8 qt. with oil filter change | — | std |
| Engine Type: 2.5-liter Dynamic Force 4-cylinder, aluminum alloy block with aluminum alloy cylinder head | — | std |
| EPA Estimated Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined MPG): 40/36/38 | — | std |
| Fuel Capacity: 14.5 gal. | — | std |
| Fuel System: D-4S | — | std |
| Horsepower: 177 hp @ 6,000 rpm | — | std |
| Hybrid System Net Horsepower: 302 combined net hp | — | std |
| MPGe: 94 | — | std |
| Off-Road Traction Assist | std | — |
| Recommended Fuel: 87-octane unleaded or higher | — | std |
| SKYACTIV-G® 2.5 Dynamic Pressure Turbo DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine | std | — |
| SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS: G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) | std | — |
| Torque: 165 lb.-ft. @ 3,600 rpm | — | std |
| Transmission Type: Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) with sequential shift mode | — | std |
| Transmission, SKYACTIV®-Drive 6-Speed AT with manual-shift mode and Sport mode | std | — |
| Valve train: 16-valves (four-valve/cylinder), Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC) with Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system by Electric motor (VVT-iE) on the intake camshaft, and Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system (VVT-i) on the exhaust camshaft | — | std |
| Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | std | std |
Chassis17 differ · 17 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-9Touring AWD | Toyota RAV4 PrimeSE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes Front Diameter: 12.9in. | — | std |
| Brakes Front Type: Ventilated disc | — | std |
| Brakes Rear Diameter: 12.4in. | — | std |
| Brakes Rear Type: Ventilated disc | — | std |
| Curb Weight: 4,235 lbs. (SE) / 4,300 lbs. (XSE) | — | std |
| GVWR: 5,530 lbs. | — | std |
| Independent front MacPherson strut suspension with stabilizer bar | std | — |
| Independent rear multi-link suspension with stabilizer bar | std | — |
| Parking: Electronic Parking Brake | — | std |
| Payload: 1,295 lbs. (SE) / 1,230 lbs. (XSE) | — | std |
| Stabilizer Bar Diameter (front/rear): 25.4/23.2mm | — | std |
| Steering Overall Ratio: 14.3:1 (SE) / 14.4:1 (XSE) | — | std |
| Steering Turning Circle Diameter (curb-to-curb): 36.1 ft. (SE) / 37.4 ft (XSE) | — | std |
| Steering Turns (lock-to-lock): 2.76 (SE) / 2.65 (XSE) | — | std |
| Steering Type: Electric Power Steering (EPS); rack-mounted parallel-type electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system | — | std |
| Suspension Front: MacPherson strut front suspension with stabilizer bar | — | std |
| Suspension Rear: multi-link rear suspension with stabilizer bar | — | std |
Cargo5 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-9Touring AWD | Toyota RAV4 PrimeSE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Volume - Behind front row w/ second row folded: 63.1 cu. ft. w/ moonroof / 63.2 cu. ft. without moonroof | — | std |
| Cargo Volume - Behind second row: 33.4 cu. ft. w/moonroof / 33.5 cu. ft. without moonroof | — | std |
| Max Towing Capacity: 2,500 lbs. | — | std |
| Maximum Tongue Weight (10% of Tow Rating): 250 lbs. | — | std |
| Storage - cargo area storage boxes and under floor storage | std | — |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPMazda CX-9
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 0
Owner complaints 13 · 3 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Unspecified (4), Forward Collision Avoidance (3), Steering (2)
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Toyota RAV4 Prime
Safety Signal 89 B
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 2
Owner complaints 65 · 5 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Electrical System (43), Unspecified (20), Vehicle Speed Control (6)
Top recalls
- moderate Back Over Prevention 25V744000 · 1,024,407 vehicles
- moderate Electrical System 25V595000 · 591,377 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Mazda CX-9Touring AWD | Toyota RAV4 PrimeSE AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — (base trim) | $43,690 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | — 5 trims | $43,690 – $47,560 2 trims |
| Powertrains | GAS | PHEV |
| EPA configuration compared | CX-9 4WD | RAV4 Prime 4WD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 23 | 38 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,900 | $1,750 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | — | 3 yr / 36,000 mi (make terms) |
| Powertrain warranty | — | 5 yr / 60,000 mi (make terms) |
| Roadside assistance | — | 2 yr |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 or the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime?
The Mazda CX-9 wins clearly, 91.5 to 69.5, on tech & comfort, safety, performance. The Toyota RAV4 Prime is ahead on fuel & range. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2023 Mazda CX-9 scores 91.5 and the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime 69.5. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which has the better safety record, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 or the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime?
2023 Mazda CX-9: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 0 recalls. 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime: 5 NHTSA stars, grade B, 2 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2023 Mazda CX-9 and the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime?
Where the 2023 Mazda CX-9 wins: it lists 24 standard driver-assist features against 1, has drawn fewer owner complaints (13 against 65 filed with NHTSA), and lists more comfort and tech equipment (46 points against 10 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½). Where the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime answers: it costs $1,150 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,750 against $2,900) and is rated 38 combined against 23 (EPA mpg or MPGe). What they share: 5 NHTSA stars.