Mazda CX-9 vs Volvo XC60
What's the difference?

Mazda CX-9

$18,990 - $42,990

2021 price

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Volvo XC60

$74,990 - $101,990

2026 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

2026 Volvo XC60

By Justin Hilliard

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.5L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

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Fuel Efficiency

8.4L/100km (combined)

7.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Tried and tested family practicality
Pretty road manners
Relative value for segment

Dislikes

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

Facelift is too subtle
Gremlins in media system
Big price jumps between trims

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 Volvo XC60 Summary

The Volvo XC60 has long been an understated achiever of the premium mid-size SUV crowd.

It doesn’t shout for attention like some of its rivals, but it’s built a reputation for quiet confidence and family-friendly practicality. For 2026, the XC60 Ultra B5 Dark keeps the same engine but has received a facelift in other areas. Is it enough to keep family buyers who want a mix of practicality and luxury happy?

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Mazda CX-9 2026 Volvo XC60

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 facelifted Volvo XC60 Ultra B5 Dark is the car at school pick-up that doesn’t need to brag. It just gets on with things and it looks good doing it. It offers a strong mix of family-focused features, comfortable and composed road manners and thoughtful practicality throughout the cabin.

The updated media system is crisp and responsive, though it could use a few tweaks to be truly intuitive. Overall, the XC60 mild-hybrid remains a solid choice for families who value understated luxury, comfort and safety over flash. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does what it does well.

Mazda CX-9 vs Volvo XC60 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda CX-9 vs Volvo XC60
What's the difference?