Both the CX-9 and the Highlander Hybrid have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available all-wheel drive, crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.
Safety
Fuel Economy and Range
The CX-9 FWD's standard fuel tank has 1.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the Highlander Hybrid (19 vs. 17.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The CX-9 AWD's standard fuel tank has 2.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Highlander Hybrid (19.5 vs. 17.2 gallons).
Brakes and Stopping
The CX-9 stops shorter than the Highlander Hybrid:
|
CX-9 |
Highlander Hybrid |
|
70 to 0 MPH |
179 feet |
187 feet |
Car and Driver |
60 to 0 MPH |
123 feet |
124 feet |
Motor Trend |
Tires and Wheels
For better traction, the CX-9 has larger tires than the Highlander Hybrid (255/60R18 vs. 245/55R19).
The CX-9 Grand Touring/Signature's tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Highlander Hybrid Limited/Platinum's 55 series tires.
For better ride, handling and brake cooling the CX-9 Grand Touring/Signature has standard 20-inch wheels. The Highlander Hybrid's largest wheels are only 19-inches.
Suspension and Handling
The CX-9 has variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Highlander Hybrid doesn't offer variable-assist power steering.
For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the CX-9's wheelbase is 5.5 inches longer than on the Highlander Hybrid (115.3 inches vs. 109.8 inches).
The CX-9 Signature AWD handles at .80 G's, while the Highlander Hybrid Limited pulls only .77 G's of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.
The CX-9 Signature AWD executes Motor Trend's “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.5 seconds quicker than the Highlander Hybrid Limited (26.7 seconds @ .65 average G's vs. 28.2 seconds @ .62 average G's).
For greater off-road capability the CX-9 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Highlander Hybrid (8.8 vs. 8 inches), allowing the CX-9 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.
Chassis
The Mazda CX-9 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 650 to 750 pounds less than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
Passenger Space
The CX-9 has 1 inch more rear legroom, .3 inches more rear hip room and 3 inches more third row legroom than the Highlander Hybrid.
Cargo Capacity
The CX-9's cargo area provides more volume than the Highlander Hybrid.
|
CX-9 |
Highlander Hybrid |
Behind Third Seat |
14.4 cubic feet |
13.8 cubic feet |
Ergonomics
The CX-9 offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Highlander Hybrid doesn't offer a remote starting system.
The CX-9 Grand Touring/Signature has a standard heads-up display which projects speed and other key instrumentation readouts in front of the driver's line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Highlander Hybrid doesn't offer a heads-up display.
The CX-9's front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Highlander Hybrid's standard rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.
To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the CX-9 Grand Touring/Signature has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Highlander Hybrid doesn't offer cornering lights.
Model Availability
The CX-9 is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Highlander Hybrid doesn't offer a two-wheel drive configuration.
Recommendations
The CX-9 was chosen as one of Car and Driver's “Top Five Trucks” in 2008. The Highlander Hybrid has never been a Car and Driver “Top Five Truck” pick.
Motor Trend selected the CX-9 as their 2008 Sport Utility of the Year. The Highlander Hybrid has never been chosen.
The CX-9 was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine's “All Stars” in 2008. The Highlander Hybrid has never been an “All Star.”
A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the CX-9 as the 2008 North American Truck of the Year. The Highlander Hybrid has never been chosen.