Compare the2022 Mazda CX-9VS 2022 Acura MDX

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the CX-9. But it costs extra on the MDX.

Both the CX-9 and the MDX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, 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.

There are over 2 times as many Mazda dealers as there are Acura dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the CX-9’s warranty.

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the CX-9’s engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the MDX’s camshafts. If the MDX’s belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

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 40 points higher than the MDX.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are better in initial quality than Acura vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda 23rd in initial quality. With 23 more problems per 100 vehicles, Acura is ranked 26th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Acura vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Mazda first in reliability. Acura is ranked 28th.

The CX-9’s 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 53 lbs.-ft. more torque (320 vs. 267) than the MDX’s 3.5 SOHC V6.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mazda CX-9 is faster than the Acura MDX:

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

The CX-9 has a gallon more fuel capacity than the MDX (19.5 vs. 18.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The CX-9 stops much shorter than the MDX:

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the CX-9’s wheelbase is 1.5 inches longer than on the MDX (115.3 inches vs. 113.8 inches).

The CX-9’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (54.7% to 45.3%) than the MDX’s (58% to 42%). This gives the CX-9 more stable handling and braking.

The CX-9 Signature handles at .85 G’s, while the MDX SH-AWD pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The CX-9 Signature executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the MDX SH-AWD (26.7 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 27.2 seconds @ .63 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the CX-9’s turning circle is 1.7 feet tighter than the MDX’s (38.8 feet vs. 40.5 feet).

For greater off-road capability the CX-9 has a 1.5 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the MDX (8.8 vs. 7.3 inches), allowing the CX-9 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The CX-9 has .8 inches more front headroom, .4 inches more rear headroom, .9 inches more rear legroom and .6 inches more third row legroom than the MDX.

The CX-9’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The MDX’s standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the CX-9 Carbon Edition/Grand Touring/Signature has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The MDX doesn’t offer cornering lights.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Mazda CX-9, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Acura MDX isn't recommended.

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