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You have a lot of options when it comes time to choose your next luxury SUV. So, how do you know which one’s right for you? At Cavalier Mazda, we want to help you narrow down your options, so we’re putting the Mazda CX-9 and the Lexus RX 350 to the test. Which one’s better prepared to take you around Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake? Read on to find out.
STANDARD PASSENGERS
TOUCHSCREEN SIZE
2ND-ROW LEGROOM
Do you want to be treated to first-class seating and premium comforts in your next SUV? If so, the Mazda CX-9 and the Lexus RX 350 are ready to exceed your expectations of what a family-size SUV can offer.
Whether you’re cruising around town to take in all the excitement or shuttling your children to their after-school activities, you’ll need a vehicle with ample space to remain comfortable. The Mazda CX-9 and the Lexus RX 350 keep you and your passengers in the lap of luxury with amenities like available second-row captain’s chairs.
You’ll also be able to spread out up front with more than 39 inches of headroom and more than 41 inches of legroom. However, the biggest difference is in their second-row legroom: 39.4 inches in the Mazda CX-9 and 37.4 inches in the RX 350—a difference of two full inches. Plus, the Mazda CX-9 comes standard with a third row and seating for seven, while there's no such option for a third row in the 2023 RX 350.
Additionally, the Mazda CX-9 offers these dimensions for its third-row passengers:
- Headroom: 35.4 inches
- Legroom: 29.7 inches
- Shoulder Room: 53.1 inches
Meanwhile, you’ll be limited to two rows of seating with a capacity for five total riders in the Lexus RX 350. So, if you have a larger family or are in charge of the office carpool or shuttling your kids and their friends to soccer practice, you’ll want to choose the Mazda CX-9.
You’ve just dropped the kids off at school. You’ve got a day full of errands ahead. The Mazda CX-9 and the Lexus RX 350 equip state-of-the-art cockpits to help you unwind on the drive. With smartphone integration features and booming sound systems on either SUV, you can fully immerse yourself in me-time.
When it comes to vacations or commutes to work, technology can make your ride easier. The Mazda CX-9 singlehandedly does that with these features:
- 10.25-inch full-color center display
- Apple CarPlay™
- Android Auto™
- Wireless Phone Charger
As for the Lexus RX 350, you’ll have to make do with a slightly smaller screen at 9.8 inches. You'll also be able to connect your phone through Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration. Unfortunately, you’ll need to remember to bring along a charging cord in the Lexus since a wireless phone charger is merely an option unless you upgrade to one of the higher trim levels.
Keep your eyes firmly planted on the road ahead thanks to the available Active Driving Display in the Mazda CX-9 and the Lexus RX 350. This system projects essential driving information onto the windshield so you can access it more easily. While both SUVs make this feature available, only the Mazda makes it standard on higher trims.
In the Mazda CX-9 and the Lexus RX 350, safety isn’t a luxury; it’s a standard. Both SUVs prioritize your and your family’s safety by adding safety suites to each of their trim levels. So, no matter if you’re heading to school or on a family vacay, you’ll feel confident at the wheel.
Whether you’re taking a solo trip or traveling with your family, nothing is more important than the safety of everyone on board. The Mazda CX-9 is designed to help protect you with the following safety systems coming standard:
- Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane-keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go
- Driver Attention Alert
The baseline trim of the Lexus RX 350 also comes with several of these features minus Driver Attention Alert. This system monitors your steering, lane position, and throttle inputs. If it recognizes driving behavior that could indicate drowsiness or decreased attentiveness, it will provide a warning sound and alert. The RX 350 doesn’t have a comparable feature.
Despite their similarities, our team at Cavalier Mazda thinks you’ll prefer the Mazda CX-9 over the Lexus RX 350. Still, don’t just take our word for it. Drivers near Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake can visit us today to schedule a test drive and learn more about this luxury SUV.
All of the tools you need to move forward with experiencing a new 2023 Mazda CX-9 for yourself are conveniently available right here online.
Explore our extensive new inventory, receive an estimate on your trade-in, apply for credit or contact us to schedule your in-person test drive using the quick links here.
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