Compare the2023 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 use rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a 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 performance in IIHS driver-side and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, updated side impact, headlight, and daytime pedestrian crash prevention testing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the CX-9 the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2023, a rating granted to only 53 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 54 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 12 points higher than the X7.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda above average in long-term dependability. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, BMW is rated lower.

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.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Mazda CX-9 higher (5 out of 10) than the BMW X7 (3). This means the CX-9 produces up to 16.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the X7 every 15,000 miles.

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 has a standard 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 $4565 to $10525 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 $36001 to $80990 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 Mazda CX-9 outsold the BMW X7 by 13% during 2022.