Mazda CX-9 vs Skoda Kodiaq
What's the difference?

Mazda CX-9

$18,990 - $42,990

2021 price

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Skoda Kodiaq

$37,790 - $77,490

2025 price

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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

2025 Skoda Kodiaq

By Justin Hilliard

By Emily Agar

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)

9.2L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Generous feature list for a base model
Clever, family friendly touches
Comfortable ride with solid cabin space

Dislikes

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

Engine can feel flat under pressure
Glitchy infotainment and climate controls
Reversing camera quality isn’t great

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 Skoda Kodiaq Summary

In the eight years it’s been in our market, the Skoda Kodiaq large SUV has only seen modest updates, but the second-generation seven-seater marks a firm step forward.

You still get all of the clever practicality that Skoda is known for, but it now features a (slightly) sharper design, a raft of new features, improved technology and more room inside.

This week, my family of three has been living with the base 140TSI Select variant to find out whether this understated contender deserves more attention and if its rivals should start to worry.

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Mazda CX-9 2025 Skoda Kodiaq

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 new Skoda Kodiaq Select 140TSI is a quiet achiever. It may not be as flashy as some of its rivals, and the engine won’t knock your socks off, but it delivers where it counts. This is a well-rounded seven-seater that’s comfortable, practical and cleverly equipped with more standard features than you’d typically expect from a base grade. If you’re after a family SUV that flies under the radar but ticks all the right boxes, the Kodiaq deserves a close look.

Mazda CX-9 vs Skoda Kodiaq What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda CX-9 vs Skoda Kodiaq
What's the difference?