Toyota Highlander vs. Mazda CX-9 vs. Snowstorm: Which One Do You Want When It Turns Frosty & Frozen?
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- čas přidán 25. 12. 2020
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The 2021 Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander are three-row, all-wheel drive family haulers promising all-weather capability to get you where you need to go. But how well does that actually hold true in a snowstorm? Andre and Roman take both crossovers into the snowy and icy mountains to find out.
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#Toyota #Mazda #Snowstorm - Auta a dopravní prostředky
We own a 2019 cx9 and absolutely love it!!!! Acceleration is fantastic and I have driven on the beach without problems.
I owned and still driving a 2017 CX9 Signature and very satisfied with the car. Exterior, Interior, performance and reliability no issues at all.
My 2012 cx9 176,000 miles. Engine sweet, mpg. Just 12. Power seat broken, power roof broken, lift gate latch broken, driver window fix $600, sway bar and suspension fix $450, no tears on leather, just arm rest tear and panel broken, park break never worked. Drives well dry and snow. Vote to sell or fix and keep?
Can't really compare the old Mazda's to these ones. Those had the V6 terrible fuel economy. And Kia, Mazda, Hyundai have all done much better in these newer years.
We own a 2019 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD and it is a fantastic driver and a great value for the money!
Truly! It's an excellent car, my only criticism is the backup/360 camera resolution. Other than that it's pretty darn perfect.
Yep I have an older cx9 and it's bulletproof. 140k plus miles and only needed tired and brakes. So rides and drives great.
@@abou824 they actually improve camera resolution in 2021 model, I have 2018ths model and the car is great but I'm a little bit upset about how much new stuff you have if you but it in 2021 for the same money
Ya that thing is sick but I don't think the 2019 model has the offroad assist mode which is a shame
Recently traded in a 2016 cx-5 for a 2021 cx-9 due to more kids and absolutely love it......and as a dad who rides motorcycles the little 2.5L turbo is fun
CX-9 would be my choice over the Toyota, just to piss off Scotty Kilmer....besides, the CX-9 is exceedingly more attractive. Plus the Mazda engine bay has cup holders...
The engine bay has cup holders!? Wait what?!
@@djw5415 ……( actually it’s the insets for the oil and water caps….but they look the size of cup holders…)
Do you know Scotty? 😂
🤣
Infotainment in the 2021 CX-9 is brand new and a 1000% improvement over the old one. Give em a break.
Not to mention a lot of people are using Android Auto and Carplay
Personally, even the 2019 and 2020 cx9's that i test drove, to me, were very easy to learn even though i test drove them for 10 15 minutes i was able to learn everything. I don't understand why people complain that much. Honestly. They should complain about the toyota's 360 camera. It's horrible. You can see the pixels. Honda pilot has a boring interior (and from reliability, many people including my good friend have troubles with the newer models- honda crv in 1 year twice engine problems)
Umm, I mean, the cx-9 infotainment for 2021 is a Humongous improvement over the 2020 lol... It really is, so why you need the break?
Currently owning a CX-9 carbon. The infotainment is a pain to learn, BuT, after a month it all makes perfect sense. Still haven't seen snow yet. Which is why I'm watching this video. Good job guys.
I love the Mazda infotainment system. It works so well when you know it! (We have a 3 and a CX9). Those that criticize it are normally not owners.
When you buy it new , sure flip a coin , they are similar. But when you want to sell it or trade it in you will be happy you got the toyota
The Mazda CX-9 for sure 👍👍👍👍👍
Own a 2018 highlander xle. Works great in the snow and has center diff lock. Was extremely impressed with its engine as well.
Agreed. We have XLE AWD. Got my Tundra with Big KO2’s and lift which does great in snow. Took a Christmas Day trip in the highlander where most of the trip was on snow covered roads, I was very impressed for what it is. Also, the 3.5V6 loves to Rev. that’s one of the most surprising things.
@@kylechrestman6955 we have both as well and when I have to drive in the snow, I always take the Highlander. Both are completely competent in the snow, I just greatly prefer how the Highlander awd handles things
Currently in the market for a midsize and im not surprised that just like myself a lot of the buyers in this market have narrowed down to CX-9 and Highlander.
I had a Mazda 6 before and a Mazda CX-5 both of which got into very bad accidents (not my fault, i live where ppl dont know how to drive) and the structural integrity and safety has me sold.
The CX-5 was hit by a tractor trailer on the highway and I came out without a scratch. Having sold Mazdas before as well I can confidently say these are the best bangs for your buck!
Mazdas setting an example with quality and reliability and im happy to say im sold for life.
I get the luxury I want, with reliability, safety, and a great price.
Now the question is, Signature or Kuro edition?
This was awesome! Just bought a 2021 Mazda CX-9 2 days ago. This was very informative. Thanks guys!
The Mazda is simply gorgeous. Looks like a great white. Majestic and fearless.
Mazda interior is so much nicer!
Not
is more comfortable and roomy than the Toyota Highlander
Test drove both and preferred the Limited Toyota interior.
Toyota = bland
Mazda = much better interior than Honda or Toyota.
Trueee
I feel like the test is incomplete without a snow drifting contest in the local walmart parking lot. That is probably going to be where these spend the most time anyway.
🤣
I just returned my ‘18 highlander le and got in a cx9 touring with prem package. I find cx9 to be a better road going car, better looking and better optioned. But if you need lots of room and storage then HL is it. (I’d argue you should get a mini van if that is the case tough. ) We have two older kids now and we don’t need the room we did before.
cx9 is a better car for us. It’s a great car with useable torque at lower end. Everything looks great in this car. The car is wholly built in Japan! Which speaks to really good fit and finish.
how is your fuel economy?
Yea Leaving Acura for Mazda💯
@@JohnConnor636 probably absolute garbage 🗑 + it's turbo charged. It's for somebody that's gonna 60km and upgrade again 4-5yrs
Usually these trips end up being misadventures with Andrey getting the shovel out. :)
Funny how they design the plastic engine covers to make it look like a longitudinally oriented engine.
Great comparison. Nice to see these two AWD vehicles doing ok in snow with just all-seasons.
15:56 - A silent hero got credit!
My real world awd test is getting buried on all sides with a foot of snow by a city plow and seeing if you can gas it out of there. Seems like there is less than an inch of snow in this vid
haha facts. this snow fall in ny that happened a couple days ago had everything stuck lol
The REAL "city" SUV test :D
My old Explorer used to nail the test you speak of... then it died of rust.
These are not off-road vehicles, and this is not a snow storm, and it is not frost, and not cold. Alaska will say they are capable of snowfall, frost and cold. At least on the road.
Это не внедорожники, и это не снегопад, и это не мороз, и не холод. Аляска скажет способны они на снегопад, мороз и холод. Хотя бы на дороге.
You need four-wheel-drive for a foot of snow I have yet to be impressed by anything all wheel drive and a decent amount of snow
Good video as usual fellas. Those are two very nice vehicles and their AWD systems seem comparable. PLEASE do a video where you put the same set of snow tires on both vehicles and drive them in deep snow to really compare the capabilities of the all wheel drive systems.
Mazda CX-9 it is! This comparison isn't Apple to Apple. Toyota Highlander is based on Toyota Camry/Lexus RX/Toyota Harrier means it is Fake Land Cruiser so don't be surprised it's not available in Asia (the last Highlander was early 2000's) because we don't like fake off-road crossovers.
After all all the goodness and reliability is because; Yamaha = Lexus = Toyota = Mazda.
The "snow" button in the Toyota simply starts the transmission in 2nd gear. Really nothing more to it than that.
Ya exactly
That hasn't been true since two generations ago. It reduces torque, which works quite well.
@@redrightandblue45 2nd gear has less torque... lol.
It's also has a MTS and torque vectoring AWD I have one. With better tires the HL system is great.
I love the XSE trim highlander
Andrey and Roman, thank you for a nice language lesson. 👍
Id go with the Mazdoyota
🌟 I live in California I don’t really go off road meanwhile Mazda is far more sexier and high quality 🤤
I own a 2014 AWD Mazda Cx9 Grand. When it reached 100K, it all went down hill with very expensive repairs!! I also own a 2008 Toyota FJ and a 1995 Toyota 4runner. 180K and 675 K. Original trannies and engines!! I will NEVER own anything but Toyota's or Lexuses. Domestic does not have a dog in the fight!!!!
CX-9 as usual looks stunning.
I have a Mazda CX9 2020 but it feels it has more sportier suspension than the highlander, but definitely feels more luxurious in the Mazda.
والله ياحسن انا معي هايلاندر وصراحه المازدا مادخلت مزاجي واستجابت التيبربو ضعيفه
@@mohmmed6807 بالعكس والله بالنسبة لي انا كنت باخذ هايلاندر لكن المازدا افخم و شكلها احلى و التوربو تمام معاي يستجيب سريع 👍🏼
@@hassanmohammad1082 والهايلاندر قير سيفيتي ومكينه بنزين وثنتين كهرب وبطاريه فا قويه
@@mohmmed6807 use higher octane gasoline
Great review. The parking lot comparisons were getting 😴. Keep it up fellas.
Very cool.. well worth watching!
Got the 2021 highlander xse with the black and red interior and it drives real great and it look very great
I did more aggressive off roading than that in a first Gen Mazda 3 manual.
SAME 😂 but mine is a 11 impreza. And that was before I put bigger tires on it haha. I wish they'd take these on more aggressive rocky trails than these dirt roads they use. I wanna see the vehicles WORK to get somewhere!
@@gingercap4803 ya even when they were testing the old Hilux off road Tommy just didn't give it enough throttle when your off-roading open diffs you give it the beans
Thanks for this great video. I narrowed my search down to these two vehicles, and your comparison really provided some great information. I ended up purchasing the CX-9 and could not be happier (haven't driven in snow yet, as it is still summer here, but I feel confident my new car will handle it well.)
How did it do? Mine is not doing well in the snow. Super disappointing.
@@abcdefghij2009o winters?
@@abcdefghij2009oI have a Rav4, it does amazingly well in the snow and that was with the originak Toyo Tires Open Country, Toyota is the more proven brand off-road
Well ..... I had fun , didn't look like much snow
Loving my cx9
ANDRE, you should know Mazda's G-vectoring control is not an awd torque vectoring system. It's a system designed to enhance cornering performance by controlling engine power while turning.
Softroader test! For the first 5 mins I thought you two were going to pull over and have a break with some wine and cheese at the chalet before going back down the mountain.
Tires are everything. It’s hard to compare cars all wheel drives unless both vehicles have the exact same tires.
So I am currently looking at upgrading and this definitely set my mind for the AWD CX-9 upgrade coming from the sport. Color me impressed.
I would take the CX-9 based off your review. Which makes this very helpful. :)
Dang I'm glad you guys made it through that 1 inch of snow I was worried. Both of the vehicles would do just fine with 6 inches of snow on those roads. Good video.
I've just test driven the 2021 gas version and it stll accelerates well (I have a 2014 Toyota Highlander V6) but it also still has a lot of torque steer.
Sucks that in canada we didn't get the new 10" screen and new infotainment in the 2021 mazda CX9. I just bought a 100th anniversary edition signature and it has the old system.
F
U
@@misterpimlott6330 r mom
Yup I know. I bought the kuro trim in October and was disappointed that we didn’t get the upgraded infotainment system.
Same as New Zealand, sucks
Can you make a video where you start on normal move and then go to a specific mode once it is necessary? Great video.
Mazda for me 😁
Which way to the Chalet??...😂😀 I'll try a TFL coffee ☕...this coffee sucks this morning.. great video
Highlander all the way !! Know reliability, and resell value
Looks to me like they both will get you home pretty good if you get caught in a snow storm. And if you want to take the whole family somewhere you should be able to get their with either. As long as that somewhere don't involve a hard offroad trial. I don't think either of the companies,Roman or Adrea are making any claims about either of these being a 4Runner or Wrangler.For some people a nice,comfortable AWD family hauler fits their life.
I hope Andre finally gets his Trail Boss 🥺
Hi Andrei - I am visiting from the future … make sure your Trail Boss comes with cruise control before signing on the dotted line
I think that after good tires underbody protection is the second highest priority, not low range. After all, off-road is not all about crawling, and using 1st gear should still be slow and torquey enough. So, next to skid plates I think the low range importance is a bit exaggerated (not that I wouldn't put it in the 3rd place of priorities).
I has a 2016 Highlander limited and the AWD was phenomenal.
Definitely going Highlander … great video
I didn’t get much out of this video, but the Mazda looks more sophisticated than the Toyota
The highlander did very good it seems bigger then the mazda.
Mazda CX-9 it is! This comparison isn't Apple to Apple. Toyota Highlander is based on Toyota Camry/Lexus RX/Toyota Harrier means it is Fake Land Cruiser so don't be surprised it's not available in Asia (the last Highlander was early 2000's) because we don't like fake off-road crossovers.
After all all the goodness and reliability is because; Yamaha = Lexus = Toyota = Mazda.
@@RIZFERD are you copying and pasting your reply to all the comments?
@@RIZFERD So, Mazda CX-9 it is? So, what awesome off-road platform is the CX-9 based on?
Test them when you have 6 inches of snow on the ground. This isn't much of a real world test.
I’ve been in about 8 inches of snow in 2016 Mazda CX-9 signature edition it did really well in the snow just fine I was really surprised. When it hit about 10 inches and the snow got a bit hard from melting I ended up getting high centered because a 4x4 with big tires previously hit the trail and had to get winched out. The towing company said I was crazy as hell and said they are very surprised I made it as far as I did lol
That’s why I got a 2008 Highlander. Approach angle is 10 times better off-road. Just compare the specs between the 2021 and 2008. Front end is much shorter.
So true. I have a 2008 Highlander and it is awsome off road and great aproach angles.
These are literally the two vehicles I narrowed down to from the 8 I’ve searched. Crazy to find a video comparing the two. Nice work on the testing. Still a very tough decision
Which one did you pick??
Which one did you pick??
Which one did you pick??
Which one did you pick??
@@jimerson98 neither. Ended up buying a GMC Yukon AT4 😂
That styling 'chin' is absolutely the Highlander's the 'weak point' here,...the CX9 seems to have a higher step capability but these two are very very close in all other aspects.
Your choice of tire for the season you are driving in is critical. I always have used tires that are rated for the conditions, i.e. winter time, then winter/snow tires.
Im in the market, and have finally decided on the Mazda cx-9 Signature. Had a 2010 Toyota Highland Limited and the seats were
horrible for any long distance, that means anything more then an hour.
It is still the same which sucks bad
I really like that Toyota.. Id be fine with either, I had a 2016 CX-5 snd loved it.
I own Highlander 2021 I very love it
Have you guys ever done one of these tests with a new Nissan Murano? We got hammered in Pigeon Forge Christmas Eve and there was full size trucks and jeeps having trouble and spinning out on the highway and we cruised right on by never spinning at all . It's a beast but you would never know looking at it but I would say that's a situation where the cvt helps with being easy on the throttle.
Thanks guys! 😎👍❄❄❄
Take them on a backroad, and you will see they are not similar lol.
Mazda CX-9 it is! This comparison isn't Apple to Apple. Toyota Highlander is based on Toyota Camry/Lexus RX/Toyota Harrier means it is Fake Land Cruiser so don't be surprised it's not available in Asia (the last Highlander was early 2000's) because we don't like fake off-road crossovers.
After all all the goodness and reliability is because; Yamaha = Lexus = Toyota = Mazda.
Back in the day I was stationed at Ft. Leavenworth but lived in Platte City, MO. I had to go to work one morning and the roads were unplowed with at least 7" of fresh snow on them. My '87 Toyota 4Runner made it all the way to the base without issue in 4H. I doubt either of those units could do the same.
My subaru impreza does that without a second thought 😂 I think either of these would be fine. Id have to go with the Mazda though for that situation because it has more ground clearance than the highlander, and lacks the snow shovel chin on the bumper 😂
My 08 Highlander could do it just fine, 50/50 4WD and great tires would rip up any snow covered road.
Highlander forever! It’s a beast.
Either is good butbi take the Mazda because of the driving dynamics and I love to drive
Those are both mid-size SUVs not Crossovers.
The two things you need for off-road are tyres/wheels (including the right pressure) and ground clearance [obviously 4WD is a given]. Low range isn’t necessary at all as it’s only needed in the toughest of situations.
I really enjoyed this off road review guys. The way the snow beat us up a couple weeks ago here in Missouri, I would have loved to have that Highlander, I must say.
Now to that 4Runner/Tacoma review...
Meanwhile in the desert of Saudi Arabia they are hammering their Toyotas land cruisers.
I am going to miss that Silverado
Yep
The Mazda looks a lot bigger. It seems they both did well.
The Mazda is larger. The Mazda is on the large side of the segment while the Highlander is on the small side of the segment. Given the Mazda’s exterior size it doesn’t have as much interior space as others.
The Highlander looks bigger.
It is actually smaller, I have both in my family
CX-9=5,075mm & Highlander=4,950mm, a 5 inches difference!
What style of tires you guys using I always use winter tires
I was going to get rx 350 but I looked into fuelly and don't like mpg of rx. . Cx9 mazda a little better mpg and also cheaper and also reliable from what I have read. What is the difference between 2018,19 and 2021 cx9? Looking to buy used one. Will this suv be too big for 2 adults and a 90lbs dog? Dont need the 3rd row, so I feel we will be paying for 3rd row when we don't need it... drove the cx5 but did not like it much, too small in my opinion. Your advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank u.
Also looking at venza. We are looking for an suv pretty much.
The Highlander is definitely reliable and sturdy but the cx9 so far is doing the same and has more features standard and looks nicer. The best thing is getting the cx9 used over the Highlander unless you have the money and don't mind paying more for the Highlander.
That misaligned Toyota badge was put on the Friday before a holiday. Oof @ 6:36
Toyota's quality is slipping. Mazda just took most overall reliable car brand award by Consumer Reports.
The XSE is the SPORT version and if not mistaken it has a different approach angle than the other models
Now do the outback and sorrento?
Wait so are these regular all season tires or winter tires??
I do enjoy the way you guys "seem" to have fun while riding through the trails.
Love my Mazda
I think it’s better to compare with the same tires... in this case probably a snow tire.
This drive was no challenge
Would be nice to see a lot more challenging route
Don’t want more of a challenge than this, not in these, the snow hides a lot here, you can push it more, but I wouldn’t risk it if I owned it. That’s what 4Runner is for.
Own a 2016 Mazda 6, definitely going upgrade to a CX-9 sometime soon 👌
On my 2nd CX9 I tow 2 snowmobiles and a hybrid trailer with ease!If you have Good studded snow tires you'll be fine in either,as far as the off road I wouldn't want either!! Nothing I'll repeat NOTHING is like the 4 wheel drive in a Subaru....
Number one ☝️ is proper shoes for the terrain you will be in. It’s like wearing proper footwear wear that you going to be in example winter boots for cold snowy conditions,hiking boots for hiking,running shoes for running and so on if you get my point.
Is the Mazda CX-9 AWD system always on, or is there a button to press? Thanks
Good review of two "soft roaders".
Try the new Michelin Cross Climate all season tires RATES AS SNOW TIRES ALSO!
As much as I love a good Mazda, and the CX-9 is a good one, I'd rather use my '22 Stelvio Veloce with its Blizzaks in those conditions.
It also has a limited slip rear differential, and is RWD biased, so would get through the stuff that would get the Mazda and Toyota stuck.
I wish they would give you the volume selling trim levels instead of the higher levels in the near future my wife is looking for a three row crossover she’s not going to buy a loaded one like the ones you test so it’s not much help to most buyers
Consumer Reports just named Mazda as the most overall reliable car brand. I'm going CX-9!
Great choice, excellent vehicles indeed! You can't go wrong with a modern Mazda product
😅
This seemed like it should have been a Roman & Nathan video.
Mazda has really nailed the body lines across their brand.
Mazda took Consumer Reports reliability top spot.
Impressive.
I’m not saying Mazda isn’t reliable,but consumer reports is literally all bullshit.
@@flippypippy1851 Not true. CR is funded through it's subscription service, not advertisers like most other outlets.
skewed by sales number, toyota sells ton shit more
Power vectoring does NOT send power to the wheel with the highest amount of traction. It does send the wheel to the inner or outer wheels when whether the vehicle is turning depending on whether the vehicle is accelerating or decelerating.
Does the Highlander XSE have a slightly sport-tuned (firmer) suspension compared to the regular XLE model?
Yes
I'd like to see the Highlander go up against a Ford Edge AWD or a Ford Edge ST vs Ford Explorer ST.
I have sold both Mazda and Toyota. When I worked at Toyota the service department would ring a big brass bell every time
a Toyota came in that had 300K miles or more and the bell rang often. Mazda designs and builds great vehicles but Toyota
is the world leader in "most reliable" manufacture. For those of you who say it is Lexus you are correct but a Lexus is simply a high end Toyota with many sharing the same parts including the engine and drive train.
Toyota is the one behind in the entertainment/ tech department....they JUST got CarPlay/ Android Auto. Even at that, Mazda is still one step ahead with Wireless CarPlay/ Android Auto...no Toyota has that yet.
It's always been that way. I remember when Toyotas had front power windows and non at the backseat. All other brands had power windows front and back.
@@Malc664 That's crazy... Looks like some things don't change no matter how many generations go by
In the Toyota line-up... If your going off road once in a while and want a large SUV, got to bite the bullet and pay more for the low gas mileage option of the Sequoia. If your ok with a smaller SUV, then the 4Runner is it. I guess the Highlander is good with a relatively smooth gravel road. As for the Mazda, I just do not trust 4 cylinder turbo engines for long term reliability/engine life. The cost to repair an old sophisticated 4 cylinder turbo will probably be super high. Simple is usually better in the long term... I dink... Both are city/highway cars...like a minivan with a touch more clearance and a bit less room... in my humble opinion...