Volkswagen Passat vs Mazda CX-9 Comparison

It's the ultimate affordable sleeper with muscular straight-line performance
Adaptive suspension makes this a delight on long hauls and quick through the corners
Huge boot and loaded to the hilt with kit

Misses

A more satisfying engine note would be nice
Enjoying your Passat 206TSI R-Line comes at a cost at the bowser
Get used to three-point turns

James Wong

Production Editor

James Wong drove this car and these were their findings:

Hits

Lots of metal for the money
Punchy 2.5T still goes hard
Comfortable and refined

Misses

Piddly old infotainment display
No 360 camera or front sensors
No third-row air vents

Standard Features

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Wireless phone charger

Powered tailgate

Rear air vents

Adaptive cruise control

Climate control

Reversing sensors

Reversing camera

Autonomous emergency braking

Optional Features

Metallic Paint (+$900)
Pearl Effect Paint (+$900)

Metallic Paint (+$695)
Metallic Paint Special (+$695)

Colours Available

For the 2022 model year, the CX-9 is available in the following finishes:

Machine Grey metallic*
Polymetal Grey metallic*
Soul Red Crystal metallic*
Snowflake White Pearl mica
Sonic Silver metallic
Titanium Flash mica
Deep Crystal Blue mica
Jet Black mica

*Premium finishes cost $495

Reviews

8.5

2021 Volkswagen Passat review

Bigger, quicker, and better handling than a mid-size luxury SUV, the Passat 206TSI is the perfect family-size sleeper

Anthony Crawford

8.2

2023 Mazda CX-9 Sport review

Mazda's largest SUV may be on its farewell tour, but even the base CX-9 has plenty to offer to Aussie families wanting bang for buck.

James Wong

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Gallery

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Specs

Type
TURBO DIRECT F/INJ		TURBO DIRECT F/INJ
Size (cc)
1984		2488
Size (L)
2.0L		2.5L
Induction
TURBO 4		TURBO 4
Camshaft
DUAL OVERHEAD CAM		DUAL OVERHEAD CAM
Valves/Ports per Cylinder
16		16
Power
162kW - 206kW		170kW
Power RPM
4500 - 5600		5000
Torque
350Nm		420Nm
Torque RPM
1500 - 1700		2000
Bore Stroke
-		-
Compression Ratio
9.3 - 9.6		10.5

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Volkswagen Passat vs Mazda CX-9 Comparison