When it comes to luxury SUVs, two models stand out as the top contenders on the market—the 2018 Buick Enclave vs. 2018 Mazda CX-9. Choosing the one that is right for you may not be an easy decision but comparing the two side-by-side will help ease the process. Check out the similarities and differences between the two SUVs to help determine the one that will suit your needs and wants.
Models:
The 2018 Buick Enclave has been rated number one among large SUVs. There are seven styles of the Buick, including the FWD 4-Door (the base model), FWD 4-Door Essence, AWD 4-Door Essence, FWD 4-Door Premium, AWD 4-Door Premium, FWD 4-Door Avenir, and the AWD 4-Door Avenir (the high-end model). The 2018 Mazda CX-9 also has seven styles, including the FWD Sport (the base model), AWD Sport, FWD Touring, AWD Touring, FWD Grand Touring, AWD Grand Touring, and the AWD Signature (the high-end model).
When comparing them, looking at the base model and the high-end model will give a good overview of the two SUVs.
Price:
Starting with price, the FWD 4-Door Enclave retails for $39,795.
The Mazda FWD Sport has a starting MSRP of $30,409.
The Buick AWD 4-Door Avenir has a starting price of $53,010. The Mazda AWD Signature retails for $41,930.
Fuel Economy:
FWD 4-Door Enclave
City: 18 mpg
Highway: 26 mpg
Mazda FWD Sport
City: 22 mpg
Highway: 28 mpg
Buick AWD 4-Door Avenir
City: 17 mpg
Highway: 25 mpg
Mazda AWD Signature
City: 20 mpg
Highway: 26 mpg
Space:
The 2018 Buick Enclave and the 2018 Mazda CX-9 both have 7-passenger seating, and both offer hip space of 57 inches. When it comes to shoulder, leg, and headroom, though, the Enclave offers a few more inches of space than the CX-9, and the Enclave is five inches longer and 1 inch wider than the CX-9. The Enclave also offers almost twice as much cargo space as the CX-9. The Enclave has second-row captain’s chairs and a third-row bench with seating for three. The back seats, however, are a bit cramped for adults, so when driving adults on long trips, it is best to think of the Buick as a six-seater. The Mazda is designed the same way, and it is safe to say that if the Buick is a bit cramped, the smaller CX-9 will be, as well, and should also be viewed as a six-passenger vehicle.
Technology and Performance:
The Mazda CX-9 comes equipped with i-ACTIV AWD®–an all-wheel-drive system that monitors temperature, braking patterns, and adjusts its power to give you the traction you need to keep your vehicle stable. The 2018 Mazda CX-9 is equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers smooth power even at low speeds. When it comes to technology and other mechanics, the Mazda CX-9 has an infotainment system with HD Radio, six speakers, auxiliary audio input jack, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio, 7.0″ full-color touch-screen display, two USB inputs, Steering Wheel Controls, Internet Radio abilities, Voice Commands, Bluetooth Wireless Phone Connectivity, and two LCD Monitors. It also features a battery with rundown protection, towing capabilities with trailer sway control, and electric power-assist speed-sensing steering. The 2018 Buick Enclave The 2018 Buick Enclave is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine, with a nine-speed automatic transmission and comes with standard features like LED tail lights, push-button start, keyless entry, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, a 10-speaker Bose audio system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and hands-free Bluetooth connectivity. All Enclaves come with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. Safety features include stability control, seatbelt pretensioners to place the occupant in the right location in the seat during an accident, and automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control are add-on options.
Style:
Last but certainly not least, let’s look at style. As discussed above, both SUVs have three rows of seating. The Buick, however, has captain’s chairs in the second row, and the Mazda does not. Style, of course, comes with a price tag. Base models will have less convenience features than their higher-end counterparts. That being said, even when comparing base models, both SUVs have style to spare, making them the luxury SUVs consumers love. The CX-9 FWD Sport is… well, sporty! It has a sleek design inside and out, and it feels more streamlined than other large SUVs. If you like the idea of the lower price tag, but want a few more style and technological options, the Grand Touring model comes with an upgraded interior and 20-inch wheels. Alternatively, the Touring model with the optional Touring Premium package will add in the upgraded navigation, sunroof, and premium Bose audio while still keeping costs down. The 2018 Buick Enclave is upscale. The cabin is quiet, the materials used are soft, and the styling is superior. The base model of the Buick has cloth seats, but they are still deluxe compared to some cheaper models. The Buick offers more options for styling than the Mazda, allowing you to customize to your liking.
Pros and Cons:
The pros of the 2018 Mazda CX-9 include a sporty yet luxurious look, advanced safety features, and a lower price tag that won’t break the bank. Its lack of high-end technology, smaller size, and minimal styling and technology options all work against the CX-9.The 2018 Mazda CX-9 is ranked number six in the luxury SUVs. The benefits of the 2018 Buick Enclave include smooth handling, beautiful design, great technology, and more room. The cons include a higher price tag, cloth seats in the base model, poor fuel economy, and fewer driving and safety features. The 2018 Buick Enclave is ranked number two in luxury SUVs. The 2018 Buick Enclave vs. 2018 Mazda CX-9 gives us a great look at which large, luxury SUV offers the most bang for your buck. They both have their pros and cons, but overall, the Enclave is the more luxury focused SUV, while the CX-9 offers more of a sporty feel. Depending on your size, technology, and style needs and wants, either one would make a great family vehicle!
