Mazda CX-9 vs Cupra Ateca

What's the difference?

VS
Mazda CX-9
Mazda CX-9

$23,800 - $52,990

2021 price

Cupra Ateca
Cupra Ateca

$51,990 - $63,490

2025 price

Summary

2021 Mazda CX-9
2025 Cupra Ateca
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 2.5L

Turbo 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
8.4L/100km (combined)

7.1L/100km (combined)
Seating
7

5
Dislikes
  • Expensive AWD option
  • Six-seater's compromises
  • Older ANCAP safety rating

  • Safety tech could be more cutting edge
  • Fuel economy on the high side
  • No head-up display
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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2025 Cupra Ateca Summary

Not many people even know what a Cupra Ateca V is… and this is the second best thing about this small SUV. The first best thing is that Cupra is owned by Volkswagen.

So, this means you can have your mysterious SUV not many other people drive while knowing it’s underpinned by one of the largest car manufacturers in the world which makes cars millions of people drive and one which also has a reputation for high quality vehicles.

The big news here is the Ateca model range has a new and lower entry fee with the arrival of this V grade. See, until now the only Ateca Australians could buy is the high-performance VZx which while really sporty also came with a pretty big price tag.

So, how much is the Ateca V and what do you get for the money? We found this out at the Australian launch along with how practical and safe it is and what it’s like to drive.

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Mazda CX-9 2025 Cupra Ateca

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