Mazda CX-9 vs MG ZS EV
What's the difference?

Mazda CX-9

$18,990 - $42,990

2021 price

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MG ZS EV

$19,990 - $33,990

2023 price

View pricing & specs

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2021 Mazda CX-9

2023 MG ZS EV

By Justin Hilliard

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.5L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

8.4L/100km (combined)

Electric range

505 km

Energy consumption

17.7 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

72.60 kWh

Seating

Likes

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

440km range on a full charge
Spacious with good storage
Easy to drive

Dislikes

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

Pricey compared to rivals
No reach adjustment for steering wheel
High driver's seat

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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2023 MG ZS EV Summary

If, like just about everybody, you’re a bit concerned that an electric car might not be able to travel as far as you need to go, then the new MG ZS EV Long Range could be the small, fully-electric SUV for you.

We’ve tested the ZS EV Long Range here and can tell you how far you’ll get on a full charge and how much extra you’ll have to pay in price over the standard range version, along with what it’s like to drive, its features, practicality, ownership costs and of course its safety systems.

Be sure to watch the video above, where I’ll take you for a ride and show you my Big Foot tattoo. Yes, seriously.

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Mazda CX-9 2023 MG ZS EV

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.

Verdict

The MG ZS EV Long Range is a practical small SUV that's easy to drive and the 440km it can travel on a full charge makes it the better choice over the standard range ZS EV. The extra 120km offered by the Long Range version reduces anxiety and is truly useful in covering more ground between charging.

The asking price may seem expensive but electric vehicle batteries are extremely costly to produce and will remain so for years to come.

Remember, too, that the MG4 electric car has an even great range for the same money - the only catch is, it's a hatch and not an SUV.

Mazda CX-9 vs MG ZS EV What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda CX-9 vs MG ZS EV
What's the difference?