Mazda cx 9 vs subaru outback

I have a close friend that bought one. They loved it but sold it after less than a year. It got horrendous mileage. Worse than my weekend fun car that gets flogged fairly hard.

Looked at a CX5 before I bought the Outback. It was nice but didn't have the bells the Outback has, nor were they even available. Didn't look at the CX9 though. Seemed a little too big.

Sounds good buuuut.......

has it been time tested as Subaru's system has? Also in the article attached to the article you linked to --(granted the Mazda was not included in this test??") the following statement was added by the authors of this article. "The optional all-wheel-drive system will get you through the snow, but doesn’t have the sophisticated torque vectoring found on machines like Subaru."
Pretty good "plus" I feel, for the Subaru AWD system!
One more thing --is not the CX-9 more expensive than a similar equipped Subaru. But then if you are like some --you are a "MNO person" (money is no object).
My suggestion --try to find some documented tests that pit the Subaru against the Mazda, then make your decision.
:smile2:

The new model has decent reviews but I don't like Mazda's long term reliability. Not up to par like Subaru, Honda, and Toyota. Also, a turbo engine (only one offered) will require more maintenance over the lifetime of the vehicle and can easily be argued does not offer the longevity vs naturally aspired engines.

2016 Mazda CX-9 Is the Driver's Choice - Consumer Reports

I think it's a beautiful car, inside and out, really. But I would lean toward a NA 6 vs. a turbo 4 for myself if I wanted higher HP. That said, I'm perfectly happy with the 4 in my OB. The CX9 is a pretty big car at 4300#.

The new CX-9 is a totally different animal from the old one. Looks gorgeous and has pizzazz in the signature trim too. However I would say it's in a different class from the outback: three rows and a higher starting price. 31500 all the way to 44000 for a signature

I bought my OB in April so the redesigned CX9 was not out yet. It was my second choice after the OB.(I would have waited) I have a 09 cx9 that has been flawless that went to my teenage kids until they can afford cars of their own then it will be sold to help pay off the OB. Here's how I view it. The signature model is really nice but it stickers at 45k. You can get a fully loaded outback for much less and it would have more features. I'm not sure about the new turbo engine. If it requires premium fuel that's a deal breaker for me. Your just adding to the expense of the car over its lifetime. Its also an unproven engine so your taking a chance on its reliability. A plus is the size. 10 years ago the CX9 would have won out since my kids were younger and I needed a bigger car but that's not issue for me any longer. The OB has been the nicest car I've ever had. We drove with some friends yest to a BBQ and they were impressed by the OB. Test drive the heck out of both before you make a decision.

It actually does not require premium fuel. Now a days they can just retard the timing to prevent pinging in many turbo vehicles. But turbos are hard on engines and oil. The turbos themselves also don't tend to last that long. I would suggest picking up a consumer reports buyers guide before buying. You will also pay about $10,000 more for a fully loaded model with reliability and resale value not so great. It is a good looking vehicle though.

It actually does not require premium fuel. Now a days they can just retard the timing to prevent pinging in many turbo vehicles. But turbos are hard on engines and oil. The turbos themselves also don't tend to last that long. I would suggest picking up a consumer reports buyers guide before buying. You will also pay about $10,000 more for a fully loaded model with reliability and resale value not so great. It is a good looking vehicle though.

Maybe not, but like all GTDI engines it needs premium to operate at its best and get the best fuel economy. GTDI engines really earn their keep in how drivable they can be. They usually have a massively robust torque curve that makes them strongest in the engines you spend most of the time in. They are also proving to be very reliable as there are many fleet based F150's that are now over 200k miles. My big fear is carbon buildup, but so far it appears to be mostly the Germans that have drivability problems from the buildup.

We have both. Mine is a 2015 OB 2.5 Premium and wife's is 2010 CX-9. I like it just fine, 7 passenger capacity is nice. Not the AWD version and mpg is still horrible! 18-19 at best. Not s big deal because her drive is 2 miles. If you don't need the passenger room, OB would be my choice.

I came to my OB from a GMC Acadia. Primarily because I no longer needed a vehicle that size and was tired of 14 mpg.

I've had a Mazda in the past and was very pleased with it.

I looked at the CX5 but did not find it much different than my wife's Forester.

I liked the CX9, but like the Acadia just no longer have a need for a vehicle that large.

My friend loves her CX9. But it is a quite different class of vehicle than my OB. Bigger (nuch!), heavier and higher gasoline consumption. Not quite sure how to compare the two.

The new cx9 is pretty cool, I would check it out but I don't think it is in the same class as a outback considering it's a 3 row.
I like the looks of it.

I've had a couple of Mazda's in the past and enjoyed them, but the CX9 or even the CX5 was just not among my choices. I didn't want a typical SUV format this time around. I wanted something much more car like that had similar utility.

Have test driven both lately and am weighing the differences. There are a few similarities. With the 3rd row of the CX-9 folded down you basically have an outback as far as storage is concerned.
There's 35 cubic ft behind the outback 2nd row seats vs 38 in the CX-9(3rd row folded down).
With all seats folded down in both, the outback has 73 cu ft and 71 cu ft in the CX-9.
Outback ground clearance is 8.7", CX-9 is 8.8".
Outback with the 3.6 (the one I'm look at) gets 20 city/ 27 Hwy. Same for the CX-9.
Outback 3.6 has 256 HP 247 torque, Cx-9 is 227 HP (regular gas) and 310 torque on the low end.
Outback 3.6 Limited runs about $36K, CX-9 Touring AWD about $37K, Grand Touring AWD about $41k
You have to get the CX-9 Grand Touring to get the same features (adaptive cruise, lane assist, fog lights, navigation) as the outback limited. (no heated rear seats in the Mazdas though)
The CX-9 is definitely a more upscale ride and has that fun and fast low end torque. It's quieter, more comfortable and has amazing luxury finish and looks, I'd say it's better for long distance excursions (and making people think you're richer than you are). Plus, you can seat 5 people you like and 2 you don't.
The outback is more compact (relatively speaking) at 9" shorter and 500 lbs lighter and I'd feel better having the outback when getting through snow or muddy roads. With the shorter wheel base, I think the outback is better in an off-road situation especially if you have to get turned around on a one lane road. The CX-9 has fancy i-ACTIV AWD and the Outback's AWD is proven. Both seem pretty reliable.
Admittedly, I've only listed the features most important to me. I didn't compare sunroofs or audio systems (I can't play my Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band 8-Track collection in either car so the sound system isn't that important to me) I'm sure they both sound great.
I also didn't include the lower basic trim levels or the upper Outback Touring and CX-9 Signature trim levels since I'm not really considering those for myself.( just my 2¢ )

I really know nothing about the CX9. Just scanned the webpage after reading this thread. Nice looking interior for sure and obviously a bit of an upgrade compared to the OB, but as others have mentioned, not as good of an AWD system, a bit more $$$, and kind of a different animal all together. I think what you'd need to decide is what's more important to you? a sweeter looking interior and a sexier looking vehicle or a better AWD system that's proven. Need to factor these things into consideration along with what you'll be using the car for and then make your decision.

I left Subaru a year ago because I wanted a truck. Had nothing but problems with the (brand new truck) and without even considering other vehicles just went back to Subaru. I didn't research any other cars, and at first was second guessing myself and had buyer's remorse, but then when I started looking at other cars after buying the Subaru I really felt like I made the right choice. Although other car companies AWD have improved over the years and now there is a lot more competition for the Outback, I still feel like the OB is tops for those who really can utilize the Subaru AWD and don't need a "bigger" vehicle. I do get a little jealous at friends who have larger SUV's that they can sleep in and haul more gear, but to be honest the truck was a pain in the ass driving around the Bay Area, gas mileage sucked and the OB is a wonderful compromise. The Limited has plenty of creature comforts to keep me happy and comfortable, and does everything I need it to do for a fair price after negotiation (2.5% below invoice). I'm willing to sacrifice some cargo space compared to a larger vehicle for better mpg, and not have as many creature comforts that other vehicles have to gain a better AWD system in a car at this price point that is also more enjoyable to drive around the city. Everyone who has been in my '17 Limited has commented on how nice the car is. Plus, believe it or not, I actually like the look of the OB. It doesn't look like a scaled-down mini van, and has a hint of ruggedness and refinement, and when I added the OEM side window visors it actually gave it a slightly sportier look. Plus the EyeSight is a nice add-on at this price point. It also has a proven reputation (I've driven my previous Subie's all over the country in every condition imaginable) and they're just a good company in general. For me the car is just what I was looking for. For you it may or may not be. Make a list of pros and ons of both to help you decide.

While these are different models, the basic technology and engineering are the same. Subaru gets the job done.

and then there's X-mode....

I did test drive the CX9 and other all-wheel-drive cars and to me, Subaru was it. Subaru has been the all-wheel drive leader far longer than anyone. They have a system that in my opinion is superior to any other all wheel drive systems available. In New England you see a lot of Subaru's it is like the go-to all wheel drive car if you live where weather can be a challenge. This summer I drove my OB on the beach over sand and every vehicle out there was a Jeep or 4-wheel drive pickup and the only other car I saw out there was a Subaru. In my opinion, if you need an all-wheel-drive vehicle the default is Subaru.

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The 9 is in the just released Subaru 3 seater class of cars.