Mazda CX-9 vs Tesla Model Y

What's the difference?

VS
Mazda CX-9
Mazda CX-9

$23,800 - $52,990

2021 price

Tesla Model Y
Tesla Model Y

$55,900 - $89,400

2025 price

Summary

2021 Mazda CX-9
2025 Tesla Model Y
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 2.5L

Not Applicable, 0.0L
Fuel Type
Unleaded Petrol

Electric
Fuel Efficiency
8.4L/100km (combined)

0.0L/100km (combined)
Seating
7

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

  • Drive mode selector is silly
  • Warranty below average
  • Feels very heavy when pushed
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.

View full pricing & specs
2025 Tesla Model Y Summary

I don’t think I’m overselling it to say that this is the car that could make or break Tesla in Australia and around the world. 

Crazy, right? That seemed impossible not so long ago, back when the brand appeared untouchable. But new competition, largely from China, plus the giant Musk-shaped elefant (it is German for elephant…) in the room, has seen sales and profit plummet.

Just last month, for example, the Tesla Model Y lost its best-seller crown in Australia to BYD, admittedly in the weeks before the new 'Juniper' version arrived.

The point is, a new version of its biggest seller is a Very Big Deal. But have they changed enough, and changed it well enough, to cut through the noise?

We put the cheapest variant, the Tesla Model Y RWD, to the test to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Mazda CX-9 2025 Tesla Model Y

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