Audi SQ8 vs Mazda CX-9
What's the difference?

Audi SQ8

—

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Mazda CX-9

$18,990 - $42,990

2021 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz Eqe53

Mercedes-Benz Eqs450

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G580

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE400

Mercedes-Benz GLE450

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2025 Audi SQ8

2021 Mazda CX-9

By Emily Agar

By Justin Hilliard

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Twin Turbo V8, 4.0L

Turbo 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

11.9L/100km (combined)

8.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Understated but elegant looks
Gusty engine that delivers serious power
Comfortably fits a large family

New 10.25-inch display
Seven-seater's versatility
Comfortable ride

Dislikes

Never hits any thrilling notes
Technology is harder than it needs to be
Internal storage could be better

Expensive AWD option
Six-seater's compromises
Older ANCAP safety rating

2025 Audi SQ8 Summary

The Audi SQ8 has had a mid-life refresh but this upper large SUV still offers luxury with its powerful V8 engine that fans know and love, as well as the features you would expect in a top model.

It competes against the Mercedes-AMG GLE and Porsche Cayenne but we’re family testing the SQ8 to see how it handles domestic life.

Keep reading to see what we’ve discovered.

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2021 Mazda CX-9 Summary

The second-generation Mazda CX-9 may have been on sale in Australia for nearly five years now, but it remains the second best-selling large SUV using unibody construction (as opposed to old-school, off-road-focused body-on-frame).

That said, it is getting on a bit, so Mazda’s given it an update with a twist for 2021, hoping to inject a little bit more life into its flagship model.

And when we say twist, we mean it. After all, who would’ve thought there’d ever be a six-seat CX-9? Well, we’ve checked it out to see if it’s the version we needed all along. Read on.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2025 Audi SQ8 2021 Mazda CX-9

Verdict

The Audi SQ8 isn’t your typical performance SUV. It’s more refined and less flashy. The tech can be more complicated than it needs to be and if you’re wanting that V8 soundscape, you won’t find it here.

However, the handling and on road experience are superb plus you can comfortably haul the family around and look good doing it.

Verdict

The CX-9 is still a great option for families looking for a large SUV, even if it is starting to show its age as new rivals continue to launch with newer technologies.

That said, the availability of a luxury-focused six-seat configuration (Azami LE AWD) for the first time might be enough to convince some buyers to give it further consideration.

But for others who need the versatility of seven seats, this is still the CX-9 we’ve all come to know and love – but just a little bit better – particularly in its best-selling Azami AWD form.

Audi SQ8 vs Mazda CX-9 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi SQ8 vs Mazda CX-9
What's the difference?