Compare the2022 Mazda CX-9VS 2022 BMW X7

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Mazda CX-9 are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW X7 doesn’t offer height-adjustable front seat belts.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The CX-9 Carbon Edition/Grand Touring/Signature has standard Rear Smart City Brake Support that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The X7 doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

Both the CX-9 and the X7 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available around view monitors and driver alert monitors.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the CX-9 its highest rating: “Top Pick Plus” for 2021, a rating granted to only 74 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The X7 has not been tested, yet.

Mazda’s powertrain warranty covers the CX-9 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than BMW covers the X7. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the X7 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 56 percent more Mazda dealers than there are BMW dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the CX-9’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the CX-9’s reliability 24 points higher than the X7.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Mazda first in reliability. BMW is ranked 12th.

On the EPA test cycle the CX-9 gets better mileage than the X7:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mazda CX-9 uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The X7 requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The CX-9 stops much shorter than the X7:

The CX-9 Signature handles at .85 G’s, while the X7 pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The CX-9 Signature executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the X7 xDrive40i (26.7 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 27.6 seconds @ .66 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the CX-9’s turning circle is 4 feet tighter than the X7’s (38.8 feet vs. 42.8 feet).

For greater off-road capability the CX-9 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the X7 (8.8 vs. 8.7 inches), allowing the CX-9 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Mazda CX-9 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1000 to 1450 pounds less than the BMW X7.

The CX-9 is 3.9 inches shorter than the X7, making the CX-9 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The CX-9 has 1.2 inches more front legroom, 1.8 inches more rear legroom and 5.2 inches more third row shoulder room than the X7.

The front step up height for the CX-9 is 1.7 inches lower than the X7 (18.3” vs. 20”). The CX-9’s rear step up height is 1.7 inches lower than the X7’s (18.8” vs. 20.5”).

The CX-9’s cargo area provides more volume than the X7.

The CX-9’s cargo area is larger than the X7’s in almost every dimension:

The CX-9’s liftgate lifts up in one piece, completely out of the way of loading and unloading, while sheltering the cargo loading area. The X7’s tailgate’s top part raises up, but the bottom part lowers, getting in the way of loading and making an uneven surface for sliding cargo.

Standard Trailer Stability Assist on the CX-9 uses the Dynamic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The X7 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the CX-9 has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the X7 only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mazda CX-9 (except Sport) offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The X7 doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Insurance will cost less for the CX-9 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the CX-9 will cost $4130 to $11500 less than the X7 over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Mazda CX-9 will be $37620 to $85304 less than for the BMW X7.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Mazda CX-9 and the BMW X7, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The CX-9 was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Five/10Best Trucks” for 4 of the last 14 years. The X7 has never been a Car and Driver “Top Five/10Best Truck” pick.

The Mazda CX-9 outsold the BMW X7 by 53% during the 2021 model year.