Mazda CX-9 vs Toyota Highlander: reliability compared
From 2007 to 2023, owners filed an average of 88 complaints per model year about the Mazda CX-9 and 251 about the Toyota Highlander.
Side by side
| Mazda CX-9 | Toyota Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2007-2023 | 2007-2023 |
| Owner complaints | 1,496 | 4,271 |
| Complaints per model year | 88 | 251 |
| Recalls | 13 | 42 |
| Years to avoid | 20082010201120122018 | 20192021 |
| Best years | 201520202021 | 200720092016 |
| Most common problem | Brakes | Transmission |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 23 mpg combined (2023) | 24-35 mpg combined (2023) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| CX-9 | Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 448 | 536 |
| Engine | 383 | 492 |
| Transmission | 165 | 895 |
| Suspension | 158 | 52 |
| Airbags | 147 | 297 |
| Electrical | 87 | 527 |
| Body | 32 | 367 |
| Fuel system | 46 | 314 |
Questions about the Mazda CX-9 vs Toyota Highlander
Which is more reliable, the Mazda CX-9 or the Toyota Highlander?
Between 2007 and 2023, the Mazda CX-9 has 5 years to avoid and the Toyota Highlander 2. The Toyota Highlander has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Mazda CX-9 drew fewer complaints per model year (88 vs 251), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Mazda CX-9 or the Toyota Highlander?
From 2007 to 2023, the Mazda CX-9 was covered by 13 recalls and the Toyota Highlander by 42.
What years of the Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander should you avoid?
Mazda CX-9: 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2018. Toyota Highlander: 2019 and 2021.
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