Both the CX-9 and the Q7 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
Warranty
Mazda's powertrain warranty covers the CX-9 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Audi covers the Q7. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the Q7 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.
There are over 2 times as many Mazda dealers as there are Audi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the CX-9's warranty.
Engine
The CX-9's 2.5 turbo 4 cyl. produces 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (310 vs. 273) than the Q7 2.0T's standard 2.0 turbo 4 cyl.
Fuel Economy and Range
On the EPA test cycle the CX-9 AWD gets better highway fuel mileage than the Q7 2.0T 4 cyl. (20 city/26 hwy vs. 20 city/25 hwy).
To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mazda CX-9 uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The Q7 requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.
Tires and Wheels
The CX-9 has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn't available on the Q7; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed. Some models of the Q7 don't even offer run-flats.
Suspension and Handling
For better maneuverability, the CX-9's turning circle is 1.9 feet tighter than the Q7's (38.8 feet vs. 40.7 feet).
For greater off-road capability the CX-9 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Q7 (8.8 vs. 8.3 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 750 to 900 pounds less than the Audi Q7.
As tested by Car and Driver while at idle, the interior of the CX-9 Signature AWD is quieter than the Q7 Prestige (41 vs. 43 dB).
Passenger Space
The CX-9 has .9 inches more front headroom, .6 inches more rear legroom, .5 inches more third row legroom and 3.7 inches more third row shoulder room than the Q7.
Cargo Capacity
The CX-9's cargo area provides more volume than the Q7.
|
CX-9 |
Q7 |
Third Seat Folded |
38.2 cubic feet |
37.5 cubic feet |
The CX-9's cargo area is larger than the Q7's in almost every dimension:
|
CX-9 |
Q7 |
Length to seat (3rd/2nd/1st) |
21.4”/49.7”/84.5” |
19.5”/44.7”/80.7” |
Max Width |
57.2” |
52.5” |
Height |
30.3” |
30” |
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 Q7 doesn't offer a remote starting system.
To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the CX-9 has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the Q7 only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn't as good.
Model Availability
The CX-9 is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Q7 doesn't offer a two-wheel drive configuration.
Economic Advantages
According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the CX-9 is less expensive to operate than the Q7 because it costs $306 less to do the manufacturer's suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the CX-9 than the Q7, including $464 less for an alternator, $80 less for front brake pads, $448 less for a starter, $370 less for fuel injection, $261 less for a fuel pump, $1430 less for front struts, $492 less for a timing belt/chain and $407 less for a power steering pump.
Recommendations
The CX-9 was chosen as one of Car and Driver's “Top Five Trucks” in 2008. The Q7 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 Q7 has never been chosen.
The CX-9 was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine's “All Stars” in 2008. The Q7 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 Q7 has never been chosen.