The midsize SUV segment is full of competitive players from almost every mainstream automaker. The tried and true Ford
F,
Explorer has been a solid choice in family SUVs for decades, but the Mazda CX-9 gives it a run for its money.
Let’s take a closer look at these 3-row SUVs and find the right one for you and your family.
2022 Mazda CX-9
The Mazda
MZDAY,
CX-9 is an upscale and athletic choice in midsize 3-row SUVs. It upholds its brand’s reputation for well-crafted interiors and engaging driving dynamics at an affordable price point. Pricing starts at $35,630.
Mazda CX-9 Highlights
Premium interior: The Mazda CX-9 offers a premium interior without a premium price tag. The interior design is lovely, and the quality of the materials is better than you might expect at this price point. The Explorer is fancy in the upper trims, but the lower trims aren’t as nice inside as the CX-9.
Agile handling: Mazda SUVs have built a reputation for being fun to drive, and the CX-9 is no exception. This midsize SUV handles like a smaller car. The turbocharged engine is mated to a well-tuned chassis that makes the CX-9 enjoyable to drive for a family SUV.
Standard AWD: The i-ACTIV all-wheel-drive system comes standard with every Mazda CX-9, giving every CX-9 confidence-inspiring traction in poor road conditions and improving handling on dry pavement. By comparison, the Explorer is available with all-wheel drive, but at an extra cost.
Also see: The 2022 Mazda CX-9 vs. the Volvo XC90: Which is better?
2022 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer
Ford
The Ford Explorer is a trusted name in midsize SUVs for good reasons. It has a practical interior, rugged capabilities, and lots of variety in its model range with something for everyone. Pricing starts at $35,510.
Ford Explorer highlights
Model range variety: From the sporty ST model to the rugged Timberline model to the luxurious Platinum and King Ranch trims, the Explorer model range has something for everyone in the market for a midsize SUV. If you’re looking for value, the more affordable trims are still well-equipped.
Big cargo hold: The Explorer has quite a bit more cargo space than the CX-9. The Ford has 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, while the Mazda has 14.4 cubic feet. Fold down the back seats and get a maximum cargo capacity of 87.8 cubic feet in the Explorer versus 71.2 cubic feet in the CX-9.
Hybrid option: The Ford Explorer is available with an efficient hybrid engine. Specifically, a V6 mated to an electric motor with a total output of 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque. It boasts a combined fuel economy rating of up to 27 mpg and can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The hybrid engine is exclusive to the luxurious Platinum trim.
Also see: The 2022 Nissan Kicks is a spacious, fuel-efficient subcompact SUV good for town driving
Similarities
Standard turbo engine, similar sizing, similar pricing, same warranty, 3-row seating
Also on MarketWatch: This 27-year-old spends $1,000 a week at restaurants — and just $36 on groceries
Conclusion
The Mazda CX-9 is good for drivers who need a practical 3-row SUV with AWD but also want something that’s fun to drive with a nice interior. The Explorer has more variety in its model range with offerings like the sporty Explorer ST, the off-road-ready Explorer Timberline, and a hybrid option. It also has more cargo space than the Mazda. Which one is right for you depends on your wants and needs.
| 2022 Mazda CX-9 | 2022 Ford Explorer | |
| Starting Price | $35,630 | $35,510 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 2.3-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 227 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 300 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 20 city/26 highway/23 combined mpg | 21 city/28 highway/24 combined mpg |
| Max Towing | 3,500 pounds | 5,600 pounds |
| Also Available | AWD; 3.0-liter turbo V6; 3.3-liter hybrid V6 | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 115.3 inches | 119.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 199.4 inches | 198.8 inches |
| Width | 77.5 inches | 78.9 inches |
| Height | 67.6 inches | 69.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.8 feet | 39.2 feet |
| Headroom, 1st Row | 39.3 inches | 40.7 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.5 inches | 40.5 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 35.4 inches | 38.9 inches |
| Legroom, 1st Row | 41.0 inches | 43.0 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.4 inches | 39.0 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 29.7 inches | 32.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 1st Row | 57.9 inches | 61.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 61.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.1 inches | 54.6 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 14.4/38.2/71.2 cubic feet | 18.2/47.9/87.8 cubic feet |
This story originally ran on KBB.com.
