Mazda CX-9 Touring AWD vs Toyota Kluger GXL Hybrid AWD

Published June 2026

Mazda CX-9 Touring AWD vs Toyota Kluger GXL Hybrid AWD Close

A Comprehensive Cars Comparison by Cars4us

Choosing between the Mazda CX-9 Touring AWD and Toyota Kluger GXL Hybrid AWD comes down to what matters most to your family. The CX-9 delivers a more traditional turbo-petrol driving experience with strong torque and an upmarket cabin, while the Kluger leans into hybrid efficiency, modern technology and lower running costs. Both seat seven, both offer all-wheel drive, and both remain popular choices for Australian families. Here's how they compare.

Powertrain & Performance

CX-9 Touring AWD

8/10

The Mazda CX-9 Touring AWD is powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 170kW and 420Nm. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, it feels effortless around town and particularly confident when overtaking or carrying a full load of passengers. The strong torque delivery from low revs makes the CX-9 feel more responsive than its outputs suggest.

Kluger GXL Hybrid

8/10

The Toyota Kluger GXL Hybrid AWD combines a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with electric motors to produce a combined 184kW. Power is delivered through an e-CVT automatic, prioritising smoothness and efficiency over outright acceleration. The electric rear motor provides on-demand all-wheel drive without a traditional driveshaft, creating a refined and quiet driving experience in everyday conditions.
Verdict: The CX-9 feels stronger thanks to its abundant turbocharged torque, while the Kluger focuses on smooth, effortless hybrid performance and refinement.

Interior Comfort & Features

CX-9 Touring

8.5/10

Inside, the Mazda CX-9 Touring continues to impress with one of the most premium cabins in the segment. Leather-accented upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and Mazda's intuitive rotary-controlled infotainment system create an upscale atmosphere. The quality of materials, soft-touch surfaces and elegant design still hold up exceptionally well despite the model's age.

Kluger GXL Hybrid

8.5/10

The Toyota Kluger GXL Hybrid adopts a more contemporary approach. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, tri-zone climate control and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat make it particularly family-friendly. The layout is practical and spacious, although the finish feels more functional than luxurious.
Verdict: The CX-9 delivers the more premium cabin ambience, while the Kluger counters with newer technology and features designed for busy family life.

Space & Practicality

CX-9 Touring

8.5/10

The Mazda CX-9 offers generous accommodation across all three rows, with second-row seating that slides and reclines to improve access to the rear. Behind the second row, it provides a substantial 810 litres of boot space, making it particularly practical for holidays or larger family loads. With all seven seats in use, luggage space naturally becomes more limited.

Kluger GXL Hybrid

8/10

The Toyota Kluger also provides seating for seven in a practical 2-3-2 layout. While its boot measures 552 litres behind the second row, clever storage throughout the cabin, numerous USB charging points and a practical interior layout make it easy to live with. The third row is slightly easier to access than the Mazda's, making it well suited to growing families.
Verdict: The CX-9 offers significantly more luggage space with the third row folded, while the Kluger focuses on overall family usability and cabin practicality.

Fuel Economy

CX-9 Touring

6.5/10

The Mazda CX-9 returns a claimed combined fuel consumption of approximately 8.8L/100km and requires premium unleaded fuel. While reasonable for a turbocharged seven-seat SUV, it can't compete with newer hybrid alternatives when it comes to long-term running costs.

Kluger GXL Hybrid

9.5/10

The Toyota Kluger Hybrid is one of the most fuel-efficient large SUVs on the market, with a claimed combined figure of just 5.6L/100km. The hybrid system excels in stop-start traffic, frequently allowing the petrol engine to switch off while driving around town, resulting in noticeably lower fuel bills over time.
Verdict: Fuel economy is the Kluger's biggest advantage. Families covering high annual kilometres will appreciate the significant savings offered by Toyota's hybrid system.

Safety Features

CX-9 Touring

8/10

The Mazda CX-9 Touring AWD carries a 5-star ANCAP safety rating awarded under 2016 testing protocols. Standard safety equipment includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and seven airbags. While comprehensive for its time, the rating reflects older testing standards.

Kluger GXL Hybrid

9/10

The Toyota Kluger GXL Hybrid AWD also holds a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, awarded under the more stringent 2021 testing criteria. Toyota Safety Sense includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, road sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring and eight airbags.
Verdict: Both SUVs provide excellent safety equipment, but the Kluger benefits from newer testing protocols and a slightly more advanced suite of driver assistance technologies.

Value & Ownership

CX-9 Touring

8/10

The Mazda CX-9 Touring AWD carries a 5-star ANCAP safety rating awarded under 2016 testing protocols. Standard safety equipment includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and seven airbags. While comprehensive for its time, the rating reflects older testing standards.

Kluger GXL Hybrid

9/10

The Toyota Kluger GXL Hybrid AWD also holds a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, awarded under the more stringent 2021 testing criteria. Toyota Safety Sense includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, road sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring and eight airbags.
Verdict: Both SUVs provide excellent safety equipment, but the Kluger benefits from newer testing protocols and a slightly more advanced suite of driver assistance technologies.

Our Verdict

Touring 7.9/10

GXL Hybrid 8.7/10

Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

If you're looking for a large family SUV with a premium cabin, effortless turbocharged performance and one of the largest boots in the segment, the Mazda CX-9 Touring AWD remains an excellent choice. Its refined driving manners and upscale interior continue to impress, even as newer models enter the market.

If low running costs, hybrid efficiency and the latest safety technology sit higher on your priority list, the Toyota Kluger GXL Hybrid AWD is difficult to overlook. Its outstanding fuel economy and family-focused practicality make it one of the strongest all-round seven-seat SUVs available.

Both excel in different areas. The right choice comes down to whether you value the CX-9's premium driving experience and cargo capacity, or the Kluger's exceptional efficiency, modern technology and long-term ownership appeal.

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