The CX-9 and CX-30 are two of Mazda’s most popular utility vehicles and for good reason. Both are beautifully crafted, fun to drive, easy on the bank account, and offer tons of luxurious flair.
But both offer their own unique advantages and both come with their own special perks. So let’s lay out some differences between these exciting and great-looking new rides.
The Footprint
The first and most noticeable difference between the CX-9 and CX-30 is their size.
Simply put, the CX-9 is bigger, roomier, and has a larger footprint than the smaller CX-30. This gives you and yours more space to stretch out, more leg and head room, and more cargo space for everyone’s things.
The CX-9 boasts 135 cubic feet of passenger space and 71 cubic feet for cargo, while the CX-30 offers 94 cubic feet for passengers and 20 cubic feet for their stuff.
Of course, the smaller size of the CX-30 comes in handy if you’re searching for a drive that is more nimble and compact, one that can handle tight spaces with as much aplomb as it does corners.
The Power
Both the CX-9 and CX-30 come with the same powerplant. That is, a 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine that motivates Mazda’s i-Active all-wheel-drive drivetrain through a seamless six-speed automatic.
The difference here is that more size requires more power, which is why the CX-9 boasts a turbocharger, giving it 227-horsepower to the CX-30’s 186 horses.
So if you’re looking for more horses, look at the CX-9. But don’t let that smaller number fool you, as 186 is more than enough horses to push the smaller CX-30 to exciting new highs.
The Inside
When it comes to tech, features, and infotainment, there isn’t much that separates the CX-9 and CX-30, as both feature the same suite of driver and safety tech.
That is Mazda’s super intuitive Connect infotainment system that offers easy Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, iActivsense driver assist system, and an optional premium twelve-speaker Bose soundsystem featuring Centerpoint 2 surround sound with Audiopilot.
But one place where you will notice a difference is in the CX-9’s optional Nappa leather trimmed seats, which give its cabin a sense of luxury that can easily rival any of its European counterparts.
Of course, the CX-30 is available with two-color leather interior options, which itself is no slouch at all! Especially in the compact utility vehicle class.
So What’s the Verdict?
Well that’s up to you to decide.
Ask us and we’ll tell you that both the Mazda CX-9 and CX-30 are amazing utility vehicles that offer so much more than their ridiculously low sticker prices might have you think.
So really, the choice is yours. More space, more power, more luxury? Or a peppy little city driver that is equally at home on the daily drive as it is on the weekend road trip?
Either way, you can’t lose.
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