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Toyota Prado vs Mazda CX-9

What's the difference?

VS
Toyota Prado
Toyota Prado

$72,500 - $100,665

2025 price

Mazda CX-9
Mazda CX-9

$24,888 - $49,990

2021 price

Summary

2025 Toyota Prado
2021 Mazda CX-9
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Diesel Turbo 4, 2.8L

Turbo 4, 2.5L
Fuel Type
Diesel

Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
7.9L/100km (combined)

8.4L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

7
Dislikes
  • Feels underpowered
  • Compromised rear cargo area
  • Isuzu MU-X, Ford Everest offer more value for money

  • Expensive AWD option
  • Six-seater's compromises
  • Older ANCAP safety rating
2025 Toyota Prado Summary

Anticipation for the 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado was high, to say the least, because previous generations of the Prado have been much loved as 4WD touring vehicles. It was hoped that the new Prado would carry on that adventurous spirit but also represent a substantial shift forward for the model.

The new-generation Prado (aka the 250 Series) is larger than previous Prado iterations – it’s based on the same TNGA-F chassis as the LandCruiser 300 Series, the Lexus GX and the Toyota Tundra – and it is able to tow the industry standard 3500kg rather than the 3000kg the previous generation is limited to.

It also looks a lot different to previous Prados as it now has a straight-up-and-down retro-style appearance as opposed to the softer style of Prados past. 

Our test vehicle, the Altitude variant, is the second most expensive grade in the range and is marketed as the most off-road-capable of the line-up. It has a locking rear differential, front sway bar disconnect system, and all-terrain tyres.

So, the new Prado is bigger and bolder than ever before – but is it better?

Read on.

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2021 Mazda CX-9 Summary

The second-generation Mazda CX-9 may have been on sale in Australia for nearly five years now, but it remains the second best-selling large SUV using unibody construction (as opposed to old-school, off-road-focused body-on-frame).

That said, it is getting on a bit, so Mazda’s given it an update with a twist for 2021, hoping to inject a little bit more life into its flagship model.

And when we say twist, we mean it. After all, who would’ve thought there’d ever be a six-seat CX-9? Well, we’ve checked it out to see if it’s the version we needed all along. Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Toyota Prado 2021 Mazda CX-9

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