2018 Toyota Highlander vs. 2018 Mazda CX-9 Full Comparison of Specs, Features, and Owner Reviews
2018 Toyota Highlander
Year
2018
Trim
LE
2018 Mazda CX-9
Year
2018
Trim
Sport
Drivetrain
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Engine
3.5L V6 w/D
2.5L SKYACTIV
Number of cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline Fuel
Gasoline Fuel
Fuel Capacity
19.2 gal.
19.5 gal.
Torque
263 ft. lbs.
310 ft. lbs.
Horsepower
295 hp.
227 hp.
MPG (City/Hwy)
19/26
20/26
Transmission
8 Speed Automatic w/OD
6 Speed Automatic w/OD
Seating Capacity
8
7
Cargo Capacity
13.8 cu. ft. - 83.7 cu. ft.
14.4 cu. ft. - 71.2 cu. ft.
Towing Capacity
5000 lbs.
3500 lbs.
Curb Weight
4535 lbs.
4361 lbs.
Tires
P245/60TR18
P255/60HR18
Front Head Room
40.7"
39.3"
Front Leg Room
44.2"
41"
Wheelbase
109.8"
115.3"
Length
192.5"
199.4"
Width
75.8"
77.5"
Height
68.1"
67.6"
Valves per cylinder
4
4
Gross Vehicle Weight
6000 lbs.
5816 lbs.
Payload Capacity
1370 lbs.
Not Available
Exterior Photos & Dimensions
2018 Toyota Highlander
2018 Mazda CX-9
Exterior Features
2018 Toyota Highlander
Trim
LE
2018 Mazda CX-9
Trim
Sport
Steel Spare Wheel
Standard
Standard
Compact Spare Tire Mounted Inside Under Cargo
Not Available
Standard
Compact Spare Tire Stored Underbody w/Crankdown
Standard
Not Available
Wheels: 18" x 8"J Aluminum Alloy
Not Available
Standard
Wheels: 18" Split 5-Spoke Machined-Face Alloy -inc: gunmetal grey finish and black center caps
Standard
Not Available
Wheels w/Silver Accents
Not Available
Standard
Tires: P245/60R18 105S AS
Standard
Not Available
Tires: P255/60R18
Not Available
Standard
Body-Colored Power Heated Side Mirrors w/Manual Folding and Turn Signal Indicator
Standard
Not Available
Body-Colored Power Side Mirrors w/Manual Folding and Turn Signal Indicator
Not Available
Standard
Body-Colored Rear Bumper w/Black Rub Strip/Fascia Accent
Standard
Standard
Chrome Grille
Not Available
Standard
Body-Colored Front Bumper
Standard
Standard
Black Bodyside Cladding and Black Wheel Well Trim
Not Available
Standard
Silver Grille
Standard
Not Available
Chrome Side Windows Trim and Black Rear Window Trim
Not Available
Standard
Body-Colored Door Handles
Standard
Standard
Fixed Rear Window w/Fixed Interval Wiper, Heated Wiper Park and Defroster
Not Available
Standard
Black Wheel Well Trim
Standard
Not Available
Variable Intermittent Wipers
Not Available
Standard
Fully Galvanized Steel Panels
Standard
Standard
Auto Off Projector Beam Led Low/High Beam Daytime Running Auto-Leveling Headlamps w/Delay-Off
Not Available
Standard
Clearcoat Paint
Standard
Standard
Perimeter/Approach Lights
Not Available
Standard
Chrome Side Windows Trim
Standard
Not Available
Variable Intermittent Wipers w/Heated Wiper Park
Standard
Not Available
Deep Tinted Glass
Standard
Standard
Fixed Rear Window w/Fixed Interval Wiper and Defroster
Standard
Not Available
Auto On/Off Projector Beam Halogen Auto High-Beam Daytime Running Lights Preference Setting Headlamps w/Delay-Off
Standard
Not Available
Headlights-Automatic Highbeams
Standard
Not Available
LED Brakelights
Standard
Standard
Tailgate/Rear Door Lock Included w/Power Door Locks
Standard
Standard
Lip Spoiler
Standard
Standard
Liftgate Rear Cargo Access
Standard
Standard
Splash Guards
Standard
Not Available
Exterior Colors
2018 Toyota Highlander
2018 Mazda CX-9
Interior Photos, Dimensions & Features
2018 Toyota Highlander
2018 Mazda CX-9
Interior Features
2018 Toyota Highlander
Trim
LE
2018 Mazda CX-9
Trim
Sport
Front Bucket Seats -inc: 6-way manually adjustable driver's and 4-way passenger seat
Standard
Not Available
Front Bucket Seats -inc: manual driver's seat
Not Available
Standard
60-40 Folding Split-Bench Front Facing Manual Reclining Fold Forward Seatback Rear Seat w/Manual Fore/Aft
Standard
Standard
Cloth Seat Trim
Not Available
Standard
Fabric Seat Trim
Standard
Not Available
Fixed 50-50 Bench 3rd Row Seat Front, Manual Fold Into Floor and 2 Fixed Head Restraints
Not Available
Standard
Fixed 60-40 Split-Bench 3rd Row Seat Front, Manual Recline, Manual Fold Into Floor, 3 Manual and Adjustable Head Restraints
Standard
Not Available
6-Way Driver Seat
Not Available
Standard
Manual Adjustable Front Head Restraints and Manual Adjustable Rear Head Restraints
Standard
Standard
4-Way Passenger Seat -inc: Manual Recline and Fore/Aft Movement
Not Available
Standard
HVAC -inc: Underseat Ducts and Headliner/Pillar Ducts
Standard
Not Available
Leather Steering Wheel
Not Available
Standard
Seats w/Cloth Back Material
Standard
Standard
Interior Trim -inc: Metal-Look Instrument Panel Insert, Metal-Look Door Panel Insert, Colored Console Insert and Chrome/Metal-Look Interior Accents
Not Available
Standard
Manual Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
Standard
Standard
Compass
Not Available
Standard
Cruise Control w/Steering Wheel Controls
Standard
Standard
Full Floor Console w/Covered Storage, Mini Overhead Console w/Storage and 2 12V DC Power Outlets
Not Available
Standard
Instrument Panel Bin, Driver / Passenger And Rear Door Bins
Standard
Not Available
HVAC -inc: Console Ducts
Not Available
Standard
Interior Trim -inc: Metal-Look Instrument Panel Insert, Metal-Look Door Panel Insert and Metal-Look Interior Accents
Standard
Not Available
Driver / Passenger And Rear Door Bins
Not Available
Standard
Gauges -inc: Speedometer, Odometer, Engine Coolant Temp, Tachometer, Trip Odometer and Trip Computer
Standard
Standard
Cargo Area Concealed Storage
Not Available
Standard
Outside Temp Gauge
Standard
Standard
Driver And Passenger Visor Vanity Mirrors w/Driver And Passenger Auxiliary Mirror
Not Available
Standard
Full Floor Console w/Covered Storage, Mini Overhead Console w/Storage, Conversation Mirror and 2 12V DC Power Outlets
Standard
Not Available
Full Carpet Floor Covering -inc: Carpet Front And Rear Floor Mats
Not Available
Standard
2 Seatback Storage Pockets
Standard
Standard
FOB Controls -inc: Cargo Access
Not Available
Standard
Front Center Armrest and Rear Center Armrest
Standard
Standard
Leather/Metal-Look Gear Shifter Material
Not Available
Standard
Driver And Passenger Visor Vanity Mirrors w/Driver And Passenger Illumination, Driver And Passenger Auxiliary Mirror
Standard
Not Available
Glove Box
Not Available
Standard
Cargo Space Lights
Standard
Standard
Power 1st Row Windows w/Front And Rear 1-Touch Up/Down
Not Available
Standard
Cloth Door Trim Insert
Standard
Not Available
Smart Device Integration
Not Available
Standard
Driver Foot Rest
Standard
Standard
Proximity Key For Push Button Start Only
Not Available
Standard
Urethane Gear Shifter Material
Standard
Not Available
Remote Keyless Entry w/Integrated Key Transmitter, 2 Door Curb/Courtesy, Illuminated Entry, Illuminated Ignition Switch and Panic Button
Not Available
Standard
Locking Glove Box
Standard
Not Available
Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning
Not Available
Standard
Day-Night Rearview Mirror
Standard
Standard
E911 Automatic Emergency Notification
Not Available
Standard
Front Cupholder
Standard
Standard
SMS Text Msg Audio Delivery & Reply
Not Available
Standard
Rear Cupholder
Standard
Standard
Digital/Analog Appearance
Not Available
Standard
Full Carpet Floor Covering
Standard
Not Available
Carpet Floor Trim
Standard
Standard
Full Cloth Headliner
Standard
Standard
Power Rear Windows and Fixed 3rd Row Windows
Standard
Standard
Power 1st Row Windows w/Driver And Passenger 1-Touch Up/Down
Standard
Not Available
Fade-To-Off Interior Lighting
Standard
Standard
Front And Rear Map Lights
Standard
Standard
Delayed Accessory Power
Standard
Standard
Power Door Locks w/Autolock Feature
Standard
Standard
Distance Pacing
Standard
Not Available
Remote Releases -Inc: Mechanical Fuel
Standard
Standard
2 12V DC Power Outlets
Standard
Standard
Remote Keyless Entry w/4 Door Curb/Courtesy, Illuminated Entry, Illuminated Ignition Switch and Panic Button
Standard
Not Available
Valet Function
Standard
Not Available
Immobilizer
Standard
Standard
Manual Air Conditioning
Standard
Not Available
Rear HVAC w/Separate Controls
Standard
Standard
Air Filtration
Standard
Standard
Driver Information Center
Standard
Standard
Trip Computer
Standard
Standard
Analog Appearance
Standard
Not Available
Owner Reviews
Omar V
It is very comfortable and speak but it is fuel efficient for an SUV.
In terms of comfort, it offers a great comfort seating. It is engine performance is up to par with what all SUVs which is efficient but still offering that horsepower that can traverse well outside of the city. Just consistent mileage and has lots of space which I used to move from place to place.
Tom F
Responsive for being 6 cylinder. Great on gas.
It is a dream to drive, handles great, responsive, and is smooth. With all the features that I can handle, since I am not tech savvy. Can truly say that it's the best. It has fine lines, looks sleek and a joy for trips. With my 2 dogs in back which is what they like.
Felicity G
Quality car, ideal for families.
Drives very smoothly and easy to maneuver. A quiet ride and feels very safe on all kinds of terrain and in all kinds of weather. Plenty of space, perfect for families with children and dogs. Equipped with a modern Toyota navigation system which is easy to use and customize.
Leyla R
Toyota highlander has great safety features and is very comfortable.
The Toyota highlander was recommended to me by a friend. One of the best features of the car is the safety it provides for the driver and passengers. It has cameras and video to help when backing up. There are helpful lights on mirrors to ensure safe lane changes. I am a better driver because there are alerts to help me stay in the lane and use turn signals. I haven't had any issues on performance. The interior is easy to keep clean and comfortable. There is enough room to fit a large family. It is a very smooth and enjoyable drive. I am able to connect my phone and take work calls while driving. The heating and cooling works well throughout the car. Kids do not complain about it being too hot or cold. There is a lot of room to transport large items in the back. The automatic back door is helpful. Overall, I do not have anything negative to say about the vehicle. It is all positive and I plan on keeping it for a long time.
Roselin V
I really like the rims, the body style. Inside outside.
I have a silver Toyota highlander that I love so much. It interior is very cool with light on the side of the doors inside, the dashboard is very cool too so you customize the light color on it. With a capacitor of 7 seats, those leather seats give you access to cool or warm the seat in the level you want it.
tim d
Not impressed
Decent car, heater controls are awful. Tiny knobs for adjusting temperature, I am barely able to grip them. When you press the a/c button, there is no light on the button (like every other mfg has), only an image on the screen, which washes out in daytime from sunlight! Radio is awful! Lots of road noise on highway! Way more than there should be (and I am hard of hearing!) Entune is decent, but way worse than the Uconnect system in my Ram truck!
Ellen L
It is a nice car in so many ways.
It is a really good and safe car. The insurance institute for highway safety named the 2018 Toyota highlander a top safety pick and gave it the highest rating of good in five out of six crash tests. Also, it is a very comfortable car for long trips. The design is also amazing and attractive.
Christine W
Great reliable family vehicle.
The car has been reliable. The all wheel drive has offered confidence when driving in unfavorable conditions including heavy rain and snow. I love the moon roof and the heated / cooled seats. When the third row is down, there is plenty of room for all your baby gear, groceries, etc. The third row is not enough space for a tall adult, but works for well for children.
Skye B
Great on gas mileage for a 3rd row.
The car drives smooth, no loud sounds or bouncy ness. The added features are a plus. It is great on gas mileage, a full tank of premium gas in Hawaii takes about 40$ to fill a full tank. In Hawaii this is a really good deal for premium gas plus having a 3rd. Row SUV. In idling it is not great on gas, not to sure why. This car has 3rd row seating which is an added bonus easy in and out. Auto everything seats, windows. Keyless entry, push to start, sunroof. It also has sport mode which is great for a super boost and merging quickly on the freeway.
Larry
Car hesitates while accelerating from 40 miles per hour.
I’ve had this hesitation problem since I bought the car and the dealer keeps giving me the run around. They claim that they’ve checked the engine software for the latest revision but they’ve never been able to fix the problem. I love the vehicle but because it hesitates it’s down right dangerous at times.
Tiana R
Mazda cx-9: the best vehicle you will own!
I love the features on my vehicle which include the heads up display, heated seats, lane assist and so much more. The cx-9 also gets great gas mileage and is very reliable. I also love having a third row which allows for extra seating for passengers or extra trunk storage space. Although it is a large vehicle, it drivers very smoothly and quietly.
Phillip R
The main thing of my vehicle is the design and the latest technology.
Overall the brand I use is for my primary vehicle is Mazda and I love their design and the price quality is affordable for the customer. And they use the latest technology one the brand, overall performance reliability comfort and finally features are very good.
Tina P
Family oriented, memories, durable.
Great safety, great performance, durable, roomy, practical for families. Great vehicle that keeps going, and even takes a beating especially during harsh weather like winter. Great vehicle for family trips both just for the day or long trips. Fold down seats, adjustable mirrors.
Felicia L
My everyday car: Mazda model 2018.
I have not had any problems with the car. I like how the car does not eat gas as much as other cars. I also like the fact that it looks very new and modern. The only thing I do not like is the speed. I feel like the car is slow compared to other vehicles. Overall, the car is comfortable and could be a long time car. It has amazing feature like heated seats. It also has apple play and Bluetooth. I can easily see my phone's home screen when I connect it to the device. The car is also good at telling you things. For example, I need an oil change. The car will automatically alert you with anything wrong.
Emily R
Powerful and comfortable family car.
I have a family of 4. Foldable third row lets me take some friends with us, or bring our bicycles or our dogs out. Warm seats and steering wheel is very helpful in the winter. Ac is very powerful- heat or cool. Back up camera amazing even at night. What it needs are foldable mirrors. Windows that close when car is switched off.
John S
Fun to drive, family friendly, plenty of room, mpg
Nice car, fast, roomy, quite, decent mpg, safety features, third row seats, bose speakers, good price
Advantage: 2018 Mazda CX-9
Problems Reported By Owners
2018 Toyota Highlander
Based on owner reviews, 0.7% of users reported having problems with the 2018 Toyota Highlander
Derrick J
Spacious SUV with sedan mpg.
It is a reliable truck that gets better gas mileage than any other SUV I have owned/driven. I have had virtually no mechanical issues since I have owned it. Keeping up with the maintenance schedule has kept it running well. It is a comfortable driving experience, which is one of the main reasons I love it.
David K
Comfortable drive vehicle.
Comfortable driving vehicle plenty of storage and seat capacity and plenty of pickup and gas mileage is good. Only thing I dislike on the vehicle is the side view mirrors especially on the driver's side create a blind spot when looking to the left. Overall I am satisfied with the car.
Melissa Q
Highlander is a good vehicle.
Extremely comfortable seats and smooth ride. Spacious interior. Great safety features. Dislike the remote start because vehicle will not remain running when doors are unlocked. Safety connect will no longer be supported after 2021. Many of the initial features on the apps screen no longer work.
Bailee F
A highlander of the highest quality.
I have yet to have any problems with how my car drives. I love the features on the inside as well. The radio with built in navigation and apps is a real time saver. The only complaint I have is with the beeping that happens when you cross over lines on the road because it gets super annoying. I'd definitely turn that feature off.
2018 Mazda CX-9
Based on owner reviews, 6.0% of users reported having problems with the 2018 Mazda CX-9
Larry
Car hesitates while accelerating from 40 miles per hour.
I’ve had this hesitation problem since I bought the car and the dealer keeps giving me the run around. They claim that they’ve checked the engine software for the latest revision but they’ve never been able to fix the problem. I love the vehicle but because it hesitates it’s down right dangerous at times.
Don Bart
Safety
We have a 2019 CX9 GT- only complaint is that the front sensor gets covered in snow/slush and gives false alarms. Also, it senses people in the crosswalk while you are sitting at a red light... Seems poorly calibrated and designed
Myranda P
Mazda cx 9. 4.5 out of 5 stars. Good little SUV.
Great small SUV for family of 4. Handles well in snow. Good cargo room. I used to drive a Subaru outback and was really concerned about not having all wheel drive but it has not been an issue at all. I think the price point is good. Nice looking but not over styled.
Laurie C
Great style: major electrical issues.
This is a good car for a great value. The third row is roomy. The grand touring is loaded with technology. The styling of the car is greatly improved over the last body style change. I have had no maintenance related issues and limited recall issues. However, I had a massive electrical problem that caused the car to stop running. They had to replace the whole chassis. Since then the electrical system has been intermittently glitchy. This is my third Mazda and the only one I have ever had trouble with.
Nicole B
An Ideal Versatile Car for You
The car runs very smoothly and quietly. I do think the infotainment system should be able to play movies or be pushed down into the dashboard when you're not using it. The mileage is very good and it is comfortable to sit in. The one thing I dislike is the fact that the passenger seats cannot be adjusted electrically. This is a minor inconvenience and does not impact the car's performance.
Advantage: 2018 Toyota Highlander
Pros & Cons from Owners
2018 Toyota Highlander
Julie W.
Lots of cargo space with an optional 3rd row, has many enhanced safety features like lane assistance and beeps when I get too close to a car in front of me. Has seat warmers, AWD, nice sleek design. Captains chairs in 2nd row with a tray table.
Julie W.
No parking assist. There is not a hands free way to open the back trunk. No steering wheel warmer and no ambient lighting throughout. No entertainment system like a DVD player for my child to watch programs while we travel.
Meredith V.
The Toyota Highlander is a reasonable price compared to many other SUVs on the market. I picked this car because it is the few on the market that has bucket seats in the second row. My other favorite parts are that there are no carpeted floors and I like the moonroof.
Meredith V.
I do not like a lot of things in this car (and compared to my prior GMC's). The first is that there is no monitor of the tire pressure in each tire. When get a low tire pressure light, you have no idea which tire is the problem. The gas mileage is not great (but many SUVs are not either). The third row seems to be much smaller than my GMC. I do not like the way the transmission is sometimes. Feels a little jerky.
Wendy T.
Great on saving gas, the look is very nice compared to previous years, leather seats, comfort, how much power it has, and best of all how much room it has with the 3rd row seats when needed, and very roomy in general.
Wendy T.
I cannot think of any cons for this vehicle. I have only had it a year and a half, and so far no big problems, except for the radio display panel wouldn't work right after I bought it, buy Toyota took care of it right away.
Rebecca V.
PROS: 360 camera. Big screen. GPS. Bluetooth. XM Radio. Heated seats and steering wheel. Air conditioned seats. Window shades. Easy to drive and park. Third row. Captain Seats. Safety Sense. Predictive cruise control.
Rebecca V.
Super small third row. Really only children can fit in it. GPS works but can be frustrating in the city and is not as good as phone GPS. Honestly past those two things I do not really have anything else bad to say. I really love my car and it fits our family needs.
Video Reviews
2018 Toyota Highlander
Video Reviews
2018 Mazda CX-9
Entertainment Features
Compare Entertainment Features
2018 Toyota Highlander
Trim
LE
2018 Mazda CX-9
Trim
Sport
Radio: Entune Audio -inc: the Entune Multimedia Bundle (6.1" high resolution touch-screen display, AM/FM CD player, MP3/WMA playback capability, 6 speakers, auxiliary audio jack, USB 2.0 port w/iPod connectivity and control, advanced voice recognition, hands-free phone capability, phone book access ...
Standard
Not Available
Radio: AM/FM Sound System -inc: HD Radio, 6 speakers, auxiliary audio input jack, Bluetooth hands free phone and audio, 7.0" full-color touch-screen display and 2 USB inputs
Not Available
Standard
Radio w/Seek-Scan, Clock, Speed Compensated Volume Control and Steering Wheel Controls
Standard
Standard
Fixed Antenna
Not Available
Standard
Window Grid Diversity Antenna
Standard
Not Available
Aha Internet Radio
Not Available
Standard
2 LCD Monitors In The Front
Standard
Standard
Pandora Internet Radio
Not Available
Standard
Radio Broadcast Data System Program Information
Not Available
Standard
Stitcher Internet Radio
Not Available
Standard
Infotainment System Voice Command
Not Available
Standard
Bluetooth Wireless Phone Connectivity
Not Available
Standard
Safety Ratings & Features
NHTSA Ratings
2018 Toyota Highlander
2018 Mazda CX-9
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
Compare Safety Features
2018 Toyota Highlander
Trim
LE
2018 Mazda CX-9
Trim
Sport
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Standard
Not Available
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Roll Stability Control (RSC)
Not Available
Standard
ABS And Driveline Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring Blind Spot
Not Available
Standard
Side Impact Beams
Standard
Standard
Smart Brake Support and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Standard
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Back-Up Camera
Not Available
Standard
Collision Mitigation-Front
Standard
Standard
Driver Monitoring-Alert
Standard
Not Available
Toyota Safety Sense C
Standard
Not Available
Lane Departure Alert (LDA) Lane Keeping Assist
Standard
Not Available
Lane Departure Alert (LDA) Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Not Available
Low Tire Pressure Warning
Standard
Standard
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
Standard
Standard
Curtain 1st, 2nd And 3rd Row Airbags
Standard
Standard
Airbag Occupancy Sensor
Standard
Standard
Driver Knee Airbag and Passenger Cushion Front Airbag
Standard
Not Available
Rear Child Safety Locks
Standard
Standard
Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and Pretensioners
Standard
Standard
Available Models
Toyota Highlander Models
Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.
2018 Toyota Highlander
Photos may not match model