2020 Ford Explorer vs Mazda CX-9

A crossover may be the perfect way to cruise the wide-open reaches of western North Carolina. Drivers near Newland and Morganton have so many midsize SUVs to choose from. The 2020 Ford Explorer and the 2020 Mazda CX-9 are among the most stylish and lively of them all.

Which one best serves your driving needs? This car comparison will help drivers near Boone and Lenoir answer that question for themselves. Contact us at Cloninger Ford Morganton to learn more!

2020 Explorer vs CX-9: Performance

 If you’re looking for a fun-to-drive SUV, the 2020 Explorer and the CX-9 fit the bill. Both offer potent engines that can power your drive through the city or into the mountains.  

The Mazda CX-9 runs on a turbo 4-cylinder engine that cranks out 250 horsepower. The base Explorer is similarly equipped: It features an EcoBoost® 4-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower on tap. A power differential like that lends the Ford SUV quite an advantage when you need to get up to speed quickly.

Keep in mind, too, that only the Ford Explorer offers a performance-tuned trim level. The Explorer ST is a beast on the roads. With a mind-blowing 400 horsepower from a twin-turbo EcoBoost® V6 engine, it’s the most powerful Explorer ever.

Flex Your SUV’s Power Off the Roads   

The true test of any SUV’s mettle is how well it performs when you leave the pavement behind. By that measure, the Ford Explorer notches some key wins over the Mazda CX-9.

The Mazda CX-9 offers available all-wheel drive for more traction on the road. It will certainly help you conquer light off-road trails with ease. However, the Ford Explorer’s available Intelligent 4WD is far more ready to help you tackle the toughest terrain.

All 4WD Explorer models come equipped with the Terrain Management System™ that helps you take off on any adventure with seven Selectable Drive Modes. Prepare your SUV for the trails, snow, or deep sand. The Mazda CX-9, unfortunately, lacks a similar feature.

Technology You’ve Been Waiting For

The 2020 Explorer and the CX-9 are at the height of their game when it comes to connectivity. These midsize SUVs make infotainment available to all three rows of seats—and it starts with the dashboard-mounted touchscreens. Ford SYNC® 3 and its Mazda counterpart offer easy access to your favorite features.

Both systems have standard Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay®, so you can keep your smartphone apps close at hand. Send texts, make calls, and access your playlists from the touchscreen in front of you! The Explorer even offers Ford+Alexa that brings the unique capabilities of Amazon Alexa to your drive.

The freshly redesigned Ford Explorer also offers an available 10.1-inch portrait touchscreen. It feels and looks exactly like a tablet, and it’s another feature you won’t find in the Mazda CX-9.

2020 Ford Explorer vs Mazda CX-9: Which Will You Choose?

We hope Boone and Morganton families have found this car comparison helpful! The 2020 Ford Explorer and the Mazda CX-9 are built for everyday adventure, and both offer incredible features and style.

However, the Explorer has an edge where key performance and technology features are concerned. You can see for yourself how stunning this newly redesigned midsize SUV looks when you schedule your test drive at Cloninger Ford Morganton. We welcome all Newland and Lenoir shoppers to see it in action!