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

MG ZST

$14,000 - $24,990

2024 price

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Mazda CX-9

$18,990 - $42,990

2021 price

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Summary

2024 MG ZST

2021 Mazda CX-9

By Emily Agar

By Justin Hilliard

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.3L

Turbo 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.3L/100km (combined)

8.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Happy little price tag
Good features list
Nice kerb-side presence

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

Dislikes

Tech needs improving
Upholstery/trims feel plasticky
Rivals have brand new five-star ANCAP ratings

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

2024 MG ZST Summary

The ZST is essentially an upgraded version of MG's popular small SUV, the ZS.

The ZST sees some tweaks to the overall design and some added standard safety features. So, if you like the original, there's a good chance you'll like the ZST and I've been driving the top-grade Essence variant with my family of three.

The ZST Essence has some stiff competition from similarly specified rivals like the GWM Haval Jolion Lux and Chery Omoda 5 EX offering affordable packages and similar driving experiences. So, what makes the ZST stand out?

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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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Deep dive comparison

2024 MG ZST 2021 Mazda CX-9

Verdict

Will the MG ZST Essence fit a small family? Absolutely, and all but the middle seat passenger will be comfortable but there are areas open for improvement. Like it's safety, laggy tech and adding a few extra items in the back seat.

Yet, it still offers a good host of features and an attractive package for a reasonable price tag. Unfortunately, my son missed having the basic amenities but did like the sun roof.

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.

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

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

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