2025 Ford Explorer vs. 2023 Mazda CX-9 Review

Picture of the 2025 Ford Explorer

2025 Ford
Explorer

MSRP*: $39,625 to $57,205
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Picture of the 2023 Mazda CX-9

2023 Mazda
CX-9

MSRP*: $38,750 to $48,460
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MPG - City Info not available 20 MPG
MPG - Hwy Info not available Info not available
Seating Capacity 6 - 7 seats 6 seats
Cargo Space Info not available 71.2 ft3
Engine
  • 300-hp, 2.3-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 400-hp, 3.0-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 227-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Automatic
Drivetrain Four Wheel Drive, Rear Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive
Horsepower 300 - 400 hp 227 hp
Towing Capacity 5,000 lbs 3,500 lbs
Exterior Length 198.8 in 199.4 in
Exterior Width 78.9 in 77.5 in
Leg Room Front 42.9 - 43.0 in
Rear 38.3 - 39.0 in
Front 41.0 in
Rear 39.4 in
Head Room Front 38.9 - 40.7 in
Rear 38.2 - 40.5 in
Front 40.1 in
Rear 38.5 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Rear passengers will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Ford Explorer than in the Mazda CX-9. The Ford Explorer will be popular with taller drivers and passengers in the front seat, due to its greater front head- and legroom than the Mazda CX-9.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Ford Explorer is somewhat more expensive than the Mazda CX-9.

Dimensions
The Ford Explorer is a little wider than the Mazda CX-9, so getting in and out of the car in a crowded parking lot may be a little more of a squeeze. When looking at overall length, the Ford Explorer takes up about the same amount of space in your garage as the Mazda CX-9.

Performance
When considering towing capacity, the Ford Explorer is clearly the choice over the Mazda CX-9 for pulling heavy loads. The Ford Explorer has a little more horsepower than the Mazda CX-9.

Powertrain
With similar torque, the Ford Explorer and the Mazda CX-9 are about even in transmitting their respective horsepower to the wheels.

Utility
The Ford Explorer offers greater seating capacity than the Mazda CX-9, making it a better choice for those who find themselves chauffeuring others around.