Compare the2024 Ford ExplorerVS 2023 Mazda CX-9

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
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 second-row seat shoulder belts of the Ford Explorer have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Mazda CX-9 doesn’t offer pretensioners for its second-row 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 Explorer 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 Ford Explorer 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.

The Explorer has standard Post Collision Braking, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The CX-9 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Explorer 4WD’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The CX-9 doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

Both the Explorer and CX-9 have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Explorer offers optional Cross Traffic Braking (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The CX-9’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Explorer and the CX-9 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, 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 Ford Explorer is safer than the Mazda CX-9:

	Explorer	CX-9
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	125	212
Neck Stress	167 lbs.	309 lbs.
Neck Compression	26 lbs.	51 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	230/210 lbs.	107/424 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	318	337
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.6 inches
Neck Injury Risk	29.2%	40%
Neck Compression	129 lbs.	165 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 Ford Explorer is safer than the Mazda CX-9:

	Explorer	CX-9
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	65	88
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	86	208
Spine Acceleration	38 G’s	54 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	12 inches	15 inches

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

The Ford Explorer has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and an “Acceptable” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The CX-9 has not yet been fully evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

Warranty

There are over 5 times as many Ford dealers as there are Mazda dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Explorer’s warranty.

Reliability

The Explorer has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The CX-9 doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the truck’s engine.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Ford vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. With 2 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Ford higher than Mazda.

Engine

The Explorer’s standard 2.3 turbo 4-cylinder produces 50 more horsepower (300 vs. 250) than the CX-9’s 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder. The Explorer ST/King Ranch/Platinum’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 150 more horsepower (400 vs. 250) and 95 lbs.-ft. more torque (415 vs. 320) than the CX-9’s 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Ford Explorer is faster than the Mazda CX-9:

	Explorer turbo 4 cyl.	Explorer ST/King Ranch/Platinum	CX-9
Zero to 30 MPH	2.2 sec	n/a	2.7 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	6.2 sec	5.3 sec	7.5 sec
Zero to 80 MPH	10.7 sec	n/a	13.4 sec
Passing 45 to 65 MPH	3.3 sec	n/a	4.2 sec
Quarter Mile	14.8 sec	13.9 sec	15.9 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	90 MPH	99.9 MPH	87.3 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

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

			MPG
Explorer
	RWD	2.3 turbo 4-cyl.	21 city/28 hwy
	AWD	2.3 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/27 hwy
CX-9
	AWD	2.5 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/26 hwy

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Explorer’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. The CX-9 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Explorer 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.

Transmission

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Ford Explorer, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the CX-9.

Brakes and Stopping

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

	Explorer	Explorer ST	CX-9
Front Rotors	13.6 inches	14.3 inches	12.6 inches
Rear Rotors	12.4 inches	13.8 inches	12.8 inches

The Explorer ST’s optional front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the CX-9 are solid, not vented.

The Explorer stops much shorter than the CX-9:

	Explorer	CX-9
70 to 0 MPH	161 feet	183 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	113 feet	130 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	139 feet	143 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Explorer’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the CX-9 (275/45R21 vs. 255/60R18).

The Explorer’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-9 Touring Plus/Carbon Edition/Grand Touring/Signature’s 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Explorer offers optional 21-inch wheels. The CX-9’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

Having a flat tire is dangerous, inconvenient and expensive. The self-sealing tires available on the Explorer 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 Explorer’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 Explorer’s wheelbase is 3.8 inches longer than on the CX-9 (119.1 inches vs. 115.3 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Explorer is 1.6 inches wider in the front and 1.7 inches wider in the rear than on the CX-9.

The Explorer’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50% to 50%) than the CX-9’s (54.7% to 45.3%). This gives the Explorer more stable handling and braking.

The Explorer ST 4WD handles at .86 G’s, while the CX-9 Signature pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Explorer ST 4WD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.2 seconds quicker than the CX-9 Touring (26.4 seconds @ .72 average G’s vs. 27.6 seconds @ .62 average G’s).

Chassis

The front grille of the Explorer 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.

Passenger Space

The Explorer has 17.6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the CX-9 (152.7 vs. 135.1).

The Explorer has 1.4 inches more front headroom, 2 inches more front legroom, 2.5 inches more front hip room, 3.9 inches more front shoulder room, 2 inches more rear headroom, 1.7 inches more rear hip room, 3.8 inches more rear shoulder room, 3.5 inches more third row headroom, 2.5 inches more third row legroom, .8 inches more third row hip room and 1.5 inches more third row shoulder room than the CX-9.

Cargo Capacity

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

	Explorer	CX-9
Behind Third Seat	18.2 cubic feet	14.4 cubic feet
Third Seat Folded	47.9 cubic feet	38.2 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	87.8 cubic feet	71.2 cubic feet

The Explorer has a standard third row seat which folds 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 button automatically lowers or raises the Explorer’s (except Base/XLT/ST-Line) optional third row seats, to make changing between cargo and passengers easier. The CX-9 doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

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

Towing

Maximum trailer towing in the Mazda CX-9 is limited to 3500 pounds. The Explorer 4WD offers up to a 5600 lbs. towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

The engine in the Explorer is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the CX-9. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

The Explorer (except Base/XLT/ST-Line)’s optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and 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 power windows standard on both the Explorer and the CX-9 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Explorer 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.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Explorer’s available exterior PIN entry system. The CX-9 doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

Consumer Reports rated the Explorer’s headlight performance “Good,” a higher rating than the CX-9’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

The Explorer’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 Explorer ST/King Ranch/Platinum offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the CX-9.

The Explorer (except Base/XLT/ST-Line) 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 Explorer ST/Platinum’s optional Active Park Assist 2.0 can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The CX-9 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Model Availability

The Explorer is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The CX-9 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Economic Advantages

The Explorer will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Explorer will retain 49.94% to 56.18% of its original price after five years, while the CX-9 only retains 47.66% to 48.67%.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Explorer is less expensive to operate than the CX-9 because typical repairs cost much less on the Explorer than the CX-9, including $601 less for a water pump, $27 less for front brake pads, $89 less for a starter, $21 less for fuel injection, $110 less for a fuel pump, $173 less for front struts and $261 less for a timing belt/chain.

Recommendations

The Ford Explorer outsold the Mazda CX-9 by almost 11 to one during 2023.