Compare the2024 Chrysler PacificaVS 2023 Mazda CX-9

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and middle seat shoulder belts of the Chrysler Pacifica 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 Mazda CX-9 doesn’t offer height-adjustable middle seat belts.

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Pacifica are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The CX-9 doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Chrysler Pacifica has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The CX-9 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The Pacifica offers optional Emergency Vehicle Alert System, a system that seamlessly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The CX-9 doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from other vehicles.

Compared to metal, the Pacifica’s plastic fuel tank can withstand harder, more intrusive impacts without leaking; this decreases the possibility of fire. The Mazda CX-9 has a metal gas tank.

Both the Pacifica and the CX-9 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 all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Chrysler Pacifica is safer than the Mazda CX-9:

	Pacifica	CX-9
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	168	212
Neck Stress	230 lbs.	309 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	75/194 lbs.	107/424 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	196	337
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.6 inches
Neck Injury Risk	25%	40%
Neck Stress	117 lbs.	183 lbs.
Neck Compression	51 lbs.	165 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	440/251 lbs.	376/375 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Chrysler Pacifica is safer than the Mazda CX-9:

	Pacifica	CX-9
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	72	88
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	66	208
Spine Acceleration	54 G’s	54 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	15 inches

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the Pacifica is 3.5% to 5% less likely to roll over than the CX-9.

Warranty

There are over 4 times as many Chrysler dealers as there are Mazda dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Pacifica’s warranty.

Reliability

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Pacifica has a standard 180-amp alternator (220-amp - Pacifica optional). The CX-9’s 150-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

Engine

The Pacifica Hybrid’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6 hybrid produces 10 more horsepower (260 vs. 250) than the CX-9’s 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder. The Pacifica’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6 produces 37 more horsepower (287 vs. 250) than the CX-9’s 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Chrysler Pacifica V6 is faster than the Mazda CX-9:

	Pacifica	CX-9
Zero to 30 MPH	2.3 sec	2.7 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	6.7 sec	7.5 sec
Zero to 80 MPH	11.1 sec	13.4 sec
Passing 45 to 65 MPH	3.5 sec	4.2 sec
Quarter Mile	15.1 sec	15.9 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	92.4 MPH	87.3 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Pacifica Hybrid running on electricity gets better mileage than the CX-9 (87 city/77 hwy MPGe vs. 20 city/26 hwy).

The Pacifica Hybrid can travel with zero emissions for 32 miles. The CX-9 can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the Pacifica Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The CX-9 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Pacifica’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip (not available Hybrid). The CX-9 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Chrysler Pacifica uses regular unleaded gasoline. The CX-9 requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 82.8 cents more per gallon.

The Pacifica has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The CX-9 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Chrysler Pacifica higher (7 out of 10) than the Mazda CX-9 (5). This means the Pacifica produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the CX-9 every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Chrysler Pacifica, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the CX-9.

The Pacifica Hybrid has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The CX-9 doesn’t offer a CVT.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Pacifica’s brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-9:

	Pacifica	Pacifica AWD	CX-9
Front Rotors	13 inches	13.8 inches	12.6 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	13.4 inches	12.8 inches

The Pacifica stops much shorter than the CX-9:

	Pacifica	CX-9
70 to 0 MPH	164 feet	183 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	122 feet	130 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	141 feet	143 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

Having a flat tire is dangerous, inconvenient and expensive. The self-sealing tires available on the Pacifica can automatically seal most punctures up to 3/16 of an inch, effectively preventing most flat tires. The CX-9 doesn’t offer self-sealing tires.

Suspension and Handling

The Pacifica’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The CX-9 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Pacifica’s wheelbase is 6.3 inches longer than on the CX-9 (121.6 inches vs. 115.3 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Pacifica is 3.1 inches wider in the front and 3.2 inches wider in the rear than the track on the CX-9.

Chassis

The front grille of the Pacifica uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The CX-9 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Pacifica uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The CX-9 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The Pacifica offers optional seating for 8 passengers; the CX-9 can only carry up to 7.

The Pacifica has 30 cubic feet more passenger volume than the CX-9 (165.1 vs. 135.1).

The Pacifica has .8 inches more front headroom, .1 inches more front legroom, 2.3 inches more front hip room, 5.9 inches more front shoulder room, 1.1 inches more rear headroom, 7.4 inches more rear hip room, 4.9 inches more rear shoulder room, 3.3 inches more third row headroom, 6.8 inches more third row legroom, 9.4 inches more third row hip room and 8.1 inches more third row shoulder room than the CX-9.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Pacifica’s middle and third row seats recline. The CX-9’s third row seats don’t recline.

The front step up height for the Pacifica is 2 inches lower than the CX-9 (16.3” vs. 18.3”). The Pacifica’s rear step up height is .6 inches lower than the CX-9’s (18.2” vs. 18.8”).

Cargo Capacity

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

	Pacifica	CX-9
Behind Third Seat	32.3 cubic feet	14.4 cubic feet
Third Seat Folded	87.5 cubic feet	38.2 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	140.5 cubic feet	71.2 cubic feet

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the Pacifica easier. The Pacifica’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 24.3 inches, while the CX-9’s liftover is 31.7 inches.

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

	Pacifica	CX-9
Length to seat (3rd/2nd/1st)	23.2”/57.5”/92.5”	21.5”/50.5”/84.9”
Max Width	49.3”	57.2”
Min Width	48.8”	40.2”
Height	47.6”	30.3”

The Pacifica has standard Stow ’n Go second and third row seats (except Hybrid for the second row), which fold flat into the floor. This completely clears a very large cargo area quickly. The CX-9 doesn’t offer seats that fold into the floor.

Pressing a switch automatically lowers or raises the Pacifica Limited/Pinnacle’s third row seats, to make changing between cargo and passengers easier. The CX-9 doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Pacifica. The CX-9 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Towing

The Pacifica’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the CX-9’s (3600 vs. 3500 pounds).

Servicing Ease

The Pacifica has a maintenance free battery for long life without checking the battery’s water level. The CX-9 doesn’t have a maintenance free battery, so the water level in the battery’s cells must be checked often to prevent damage.

Ergonomics

The Pacifica Touring L/Limited/Pinnacle’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The CX-9 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Pacifica’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The CX-9 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The power windows standard on both the Pacifica and the CX-9 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Pacifica is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The CX-9 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Pacifica’s standard sliding doors can be opened with less than three inches side clearance. The CX-9’s standard rear swing-out doors are bulky and make loading in tight spots difficult.

The Pacifica’s power side sliding doors make it much easier to load and unload kids and cargo. One touch opens the door, before you even get to the van. The CX-9 doesn’t offer a power rear door.

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

When the Pacifica Limited/Pinnacle is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The CX-9’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Pacifica’s optional rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The CX-9 has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Pacifica has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel is only available on the CX-9 Carbon Edition/Grand Touring/Signature.

The Pacifica (except Touring) offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The CX-9 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The Pacifica (except Touring)’s optional ParkSense Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The CX-9 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Model Availability

The Pacifica is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The CX-9 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the Pacifica owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Pacifica will cost $1030 to $2830 less than the CX-9 over a five-year period.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Pacifica is less expensive to operate than the CX-9 because it costs $291 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the Pacifica than the CX-9, including $754 less for a water pump, $37 less for fuel injection, $88 less for a fuel pump, $4 less for front struts, $216 less for a timing belt/chain and $290 less for a power steering pump.

Recommendations

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

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the Pacifica as the 2017 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. The CX-9 was last chosen as a North American vehicle of the year in 2008.

The Chrysler Pacifica/Voyager outsold the Mazda CX-9 by almost three to one during 2022.

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