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

Skoda Kamiq

$23,990 - $45,990

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Mazda CX-9

$18,990 - $42,990

2021 price

View pricing & specs

Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

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Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2025 Skoda Kamiq

2021 Mazda CX-9

By Tom White

By Justin Hilliard

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.0L

Turbo 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.5L/100km (combined)

8.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Fun to drive
Practical cabin
Sips fuel

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

Dislikes

Dual clutch can be fiddly
Some minor spec trimmed out
Priced alongside AWD or hybrid alternatives

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

2025 Skoda Kamiq Summary

The Skoda Kamiq might be one of Australia’s most underrated vehicles.

As you may or, more likely, may not know, the Kamiq crossover has always been positioned to compete with mainstream players like the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3 and Subaru Crosstrek in its own quirky way, which we’ve always quite liked here at CarsGuide.

That’s some tough competition, though, so what does this Skoda do differently to deserve your attention, what’s changed for this year’s update, and do we still think this Skoda should be on your shopping list if you’re considering those other cars?

Read on and we’ll find out.

View full pricing & specs

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

Deep dive comparison

2025 Skoda Kamiq 2021 Mazda CX-9

Verdict

The Skoda Kamiq continues to be an overlooked gem. It’s cleverly designed and well equipped, even in base form, and what sets it apart from many other dull options in this segment is how fun it can be to drive.

Despite all of this and keen ownership terms it continues to account for a tiny number of sales in the segment, and I don’t think it’s destined to change as, value or not, its positioning remains the same in a small SUV space where it’s increasingly hard to stand out.

Still, for those who dare to choose something different, there’s a great little car to be found.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

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.

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

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

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