Toyota Land Cruiser vs Mazda CX-9
What's the difference?

Toyota Land Cruiser

$99,270 - $156,740

2026 price

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Mazda CX-9

$15,990 - $42,990

2021 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz Eqb250

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA35

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC300

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE450

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz Gls450

Mercedes-Benz S450

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Mercedes-Benz X-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Volkswagen Transporter

Volvo XC40

Volvo XC60

Volvo XC90

Summary

2026 Toyota Land Cruiser

2021 Mazda CX-9

By Marcus Craft

By Justin Hilliard

Safety Rating

Engine Type

—

Turbo 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

—

8.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Familiar package
Nice open-road Cruiser
Very capable off-road

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

Dislikes

Price tag
Hybrid set-up has negligible positive impact
Needs more aggressive all-terrain tyres

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

2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Summary

The Toyota LandCruiser has joined the ranks of the new wave of hybrid vehicles with a powertrain that combines a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine and an electric motor.

The 'i-Force Max' hybrid set-up, borrowed from the USA’s big ol’ Tundra, is aimed at improving the LandCruiser’s performance on- and off-road, rather than achieving greater fuel efficiency.

And with substantial increases in power (up 114kW to 341kW combined peak output) and torque (up 90Nm to 790Nm combined peak output) off-road enthusiasts are justifiably interested in how this unit’s on-paper impressiveness transfers into real-world efficacy.

The Cruiser has always been renowned for its prowess in the dirty stuff so will this hybrid powertrain make the classic off-road tourer a whole lot better?

Read on.

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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

2026 Toyota Land Cruiser 2021 Mazda CX-9

Verdict

The i-Force Max hybrid set-up is aimed at improving performance rather than fuel efficiency, but its effectiveness in that respect is hard to fathom.

Increases in power and torque are welcome, of course, but the 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel Cruiser is just as good as the hybrid off-road and with a bigger fuel tank and greater driving range.

The hybrid LandCruiser will certainly appeal to some buyers, but the lion’s share of those interested in the 300 Series are looking to tow big loads and go long distances in comfort, which is why the diesel Cruiser at this stage is the better pick of the two powertrains.

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.

Toyota Land Cruiser vs Mazda CX-9 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Toyota Land Cruiser vs Mazda CX-9
What's the difference?