Mazda CX-9 vs Toyota Yaris Cross
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Track the Mazda CX-9 & Toyota Yaris Cross
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Toyota Yaris Cross counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that the Mazda CX-9 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda CX-9 lines up producing 170kW and 420Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic to a AWD layout.
The Toyota Yaris Cross responds with a 1.5L 3-cyl Hybrid making 85kW and 141Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.8 seconds.
The Mazda CX-9 has the clear power advantage at 170kW vs 85kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-9 measures 5,075mm long on a 2,930mm wheelbase, 895mm longer than the Toyota Yaris Cross at 4,180mm (2,560mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-9 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 230L in the Mazda CX-9 and 390L in the Toyota Yaris Cross, giving the Toyota Yaris Cross a 160L advantage. The Mazda CX-9 seats 6 vs 5.
For towing, the Mazda CX-9 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 400kg. That 1,600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m to 11.8m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 9.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,565/year for the Mazda CX-9 and $1,083/year for the Toyota Yaris Cross. That is a $1,482 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Estimated annual total: $2,565 (Mazda CX-9) vs $1,083 (Toyota Yaris Cross). The Toyota Yaris Cross saves you roughly $1,482 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-9) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Yaris Cross). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-9 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Yaris Cross if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Yaris Cross trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Toyota Yaris Cross will save you roughly $1,482 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota Yaris Cross has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Yaris Cross?
The Toyota Yaris Cross is the cheapest at $31,790 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Yaris Cross uses the least fuel at 3.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota Yaris Cross all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota Yaris Cross has the largest boot at 390L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-9 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-9 makes the most power at 170kW.
Track the cars you're comparing
Sign up free for price-drop alerts on the models in this comparison, plus our weekly new-car rundown covering launches, deals and reviews. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
