Kia Stonic vs Mazda CX-9
What's the difference?

Kia Stonic

$28,180 - $35,740

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Mazda CX-9

$18,990 - $42,990

2021 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2026 Kia Stonic

2021 Mazda CX-9

By Andrew Chesterton

By Justin Hilliard

Safety Rating

Engine Type

—

Turbo 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

—

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

—

8.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Nice ride and handling balance
Frugal fuel use
Spacious backseat

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

Dislikes

Sparse cabin trimmings
Little engine can feel wheezy
Feels old in places

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

2026 Kia Stonic Summary

This might be Kia's best defence yet against the wave of cheap Chinese SUVs currently crashing against our shores.

It's the Kia Stonic, and this update brings mild hybrid technology, which lowers your fuel bill while upping your power. There's also some new tech stuff and some new safety stuff, as well as a refreshed front-end look.

Critically, though, it's not actually new. The Stonic launched globally back in 2017, before an updated version arrived in Australia around 2021. This is yet another update, albeit a significant one, which means the Stonic has been given dual-cab ute levels of longevity in the market.

All of that should be helping Kia to keep the pencil sharp, with the new range kicking off at $28,180, plus on-road costs.

Not quite China cheap, but not too far off it.

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.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Kia Stonic 2021 Mazda CX-9

Verdict

Unlike a lot of rivals in this segment, the Stonic's actually quite a bit of fun to drive, and that alone earns it a tick from me.

Yes, it can feel underpowered in places, especially when you're trying to do high-speed overtakes or if you're on a really engaging road and on and off the accelerator. But just cruising around, the little powertrain gives you plenty to get around the city.

And I guess that is the point. This does feel like a very city-friendly vehicle, even if it is undeniably showing its age in places.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer with meals provided.

Note: The author, Andrew Chesterton, is a co-owner of Smart As Media, a content agency and media distribution service with a number automotive brands among its clients. When producing content for CarsGuide, he does so in accordance with the CarsGuide Editorial Guidelines and Code of Ethics (https://www.carsguide.com.au/ethics), and the views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.

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.

Kia Stonic vs Mazda CX-9 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Stonic vs Mazda CX-9
What's the difference?