Compare the2023 Mazda CX-9VS 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Both the CX-9 and the Outlander PHEV 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, 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 Outlander PHEV has not been tested, yet.

The CX-9’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Outlander PHEV’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

There are over 67 percent more Mazda dealers than there are Mitsubishi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the CX-9’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are better in initial quality than Mitsubishi vehicles. With 46 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Mazda higher than Mitsubishi.

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 Mitsubishi 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, Mitsubishi is rated lower.

The CX-9 has 4.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the Outlander PHEV (19.5 vs. 14.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better traction, the CX-9 has larger tires than the Outlander PHEV (255/60R18 vs. 235/60R18).

The CX-9 has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Outlander PHEV; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the CX-9’s wheelbase is 8.8 inches longer than on the Outlander PHEV (115.3 inches vs. 106.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the CX-9 is 2.6 inches wider in the front and 2.2 inches wider in the rear than on the Outlander PHEV.

For greater off-road capability the CX-9 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Outlander PHEV (8.8 vs. 7.8 inches), allowing the CX-9 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

For excellent aerodynamics, the CX-9 has standard flush composite headlights. The Outlander PHEV has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The CX-9 has 9.6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Outlander PHEV (135.1 vs. 125.5).

The CX-9 has 2.8 inches more front hip room, 1.3 inches more rear legroom, 4.1 inches more rear hip room, 2.2 inches more rear shoulder room, 2.3 inches more third row headroom, 10.6 inches more third row legroom and 1.9 inches more third row shoulder room than the Outlander PHEV.

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

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

The CX-9’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Outlander PHEV’s (3500 vs. 1500 pounds).

The CX-9’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Outlander PHEV’s standard passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

On a hot day the CX-9’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Outlander PHEV can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The CX-9’s power window, power lock and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Outlander PHEV’s power window and power lock switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

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 Outlander PHEV’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 Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The CX-9’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mitsubishi only offers heated mirrors on the Outlander PHEV SE/SEL.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the CX-9 Touring Plus/Carbon Edition/Grand Touring/Signature keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

A built-in pollen filter removes pollen, exhaust fumes and other pollutants from the CX-9’s passenger compartment. This helps prevent lung and/or sinus irritation which can trigger allergies or asthma. The Outlander PHEV’s air conditioner doesn’t offer a filtration system.

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. Only the Outlander PHEV SE/SEL offers wireless charging.

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