Honda ZR-V vs Mazda CX-9
What's the difference?

Honda ZR-V

$37,900 - $54,900

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Mazda CX-9

$18,990 - $42,990

2021 price

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Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Honda ZR-V

2021 Mazda CX-9

By Jack Quick

By Justin Hilliard

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.0L/100km (combined)

8.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Finally cheaper hybrid trims
Incredible fuel efficiency
Affordable servicing

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

Dislikes

No spare wheel
Roof-mounted rear centre seatbelt
Small touchscreen

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

2026 Honda ZR-V Summary

Honda used to be a big deal in Australia back in the 1990s and early 2000s but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s moved off your radar in recent years.

The Japanese carmaker has seemingly fallen out of favour in the last few years following its move to an agency retail model which negates haggling on price with dealers.

However, Honda is making a resurgence and it’s putting a heavier focus on hybrid power.

The ZR-V small-to-medium SUV has been updated for 2026 and picks up new, more affordable hybrid trims, among other minor tweaks. Read on to see if this car should be on your shortlist.

View full pricing & specs

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

2026 Honda ZR-V 2021 Mazda CX-9

Verdict

The Honda ZR-V has always been an engaging and fun car that’s the right size for many people. The frugal hybrid powertrain has always been the pick too.

It’s great that Honda has finally introduced more affordable hybrid trims with this update which addresses one of my biggest criticisms of this car previously.

If you’re willing to forgo some luxury features, this entry-level hybrid trim is a fantastic car that still offers enough creature comforts to be driven daily.

Hopefully Honda has some renewed sales success with this car as I believe it’s a clear benchmark for the segment.

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.

Honda ZR-V vs Mazda CX-9 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Honda ZR-V vs Mazda CX-9
What's the difference?