Toyota Kluger Grande vs Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring

The Kluger's versatile -- it can be a luxury sedan, van, people-mover or (almost) 4WD. Capped-price servicing is $1020 for three years plus there's a high 57 per cent three-year resale value. The Grande has handy power tailgate, sunroof, satnav and 19-inch alloys.

This Mazda matches the Kluger's basic attributes and is also quite opulent for a family-focused SUV. It gets sunroof, power tailgate, satnav, rear aircon vents, three rows, 10-speaker audio and bold 20-inch wheels. Resale is a solid 56 per cent but there's no capped-price servicing.

It has two-box simplicity, is bland but functional and it ages well. The cabin improves on the exterior with neat dash and rear rows of folding/sliding/removable seats. Big doors and high hip points benefit kids and the elderly. Extra fruit gives Grande a luxury-car feel.

New nose copies the smaller CX-5 and Mazda6 sedan. The silhouette is very neat, helped by the alloys, and beats the Kluger on style. Despite the sliding/folding seats, it's not as flexible as the Kluger. The leather-clad interior is better than cloth when cleaning up after young kids.

The 3.5-litre V6 (201kW/337Nm) is practically identical to that in the Aurion, Tarago and various Lexus. The five-speed auto drives the front wheels with a full-time system to the rear. Kluger gets electric-assist steering to save fuel, and averages 11.6L/100km.

The 3.7-litre V6 (204kW/367Nm) returns 11.2L/100km. The six-speed auto is silky and the drivetrain is mainly FWD with on-demand drive to the rear. As with the Kluger, it has a foot-operated park brakes (indicative of US market focus) but retains hydraulic steering.

Kluger augments its five-star crash rating with seven airbags, electronic stability and traction control, brake assist and brakeforce distribution, reverse camera and rear park sensors. Spare is a full-size alloy.

This has more standard safety gear than cars costing twice as much. The Grand Touring gets forward obstruction warning, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitor and high-beam control, roll stability control, six airbags, brake assist and so on. The spare is a temporary job.

An easy drive with light steering and a dominant driving position. The engine is smooth but lacks the oomph of the Mazda. Loaded up, it feels the strain, upsetting fuel economy. The seats are a bit firm for long hauls and for a luxury version.

If all other factors are similar, driving shows the major differences. The CX-9 feels more solid, the engine is more responsive and the steering connects better. Ride is more compliant and there's less suspension noise. Seats are softer, dash clearer but vision isn't as good.