Mazda CX-9 vs Honda CR-V

What's the difference?

VS
Mazda CX-9
Mazda CX-9

$18,990 - $49,475

2021 price

Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V

$41,900 - $64,400

2026 price

Summary

2021 Mazda CX-9
2026 Honda CR-V
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 2.5L

Inline 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
Unleaded Petrol

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

5.7L/100km (combined)
Seating
7

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

  • Could do with more gear for the price
  • Technology needs refinement and upgrade
  • Can sound whiny under load
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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2026 Honda CR-V Summary

Honda has refreshed the CR-V, with more than half the line-up now featuring a hybrid powertrain. It’s a clear move to stay competitive against rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.

After a week behind the wheel, the question is simple - does this hybrid deliver on the family-friendly practicality the CR-V is known for, while also meeting its efficiency claims?

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Mazda CX-9 2026 Honda CR-V

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