When you're in the market for a larger vehicle, something that can comfortably carry the family and all their gear, the SUV segment is usually where you'll land. But even within that category, there's a vast spectrum of options. Take, for instance, the 2020 Mazda CX-9 and the 2020 Cadillac Escalade. On the surface, they both offer multiple rows of seating, but dig a little deeper, and you'll find they cater to quite different needs and budgets.
Let's start with the price tags, because that's often the first big differentiator. The 2020 Mazda CX-9 kicks off at a more accessible $39,900 in Canada, with its four available trims ranging up to $51,500, plus freight and PDI. The Cadillac Escalade, on the other hand, is in a different league entirely, with its starting price of $87,698 and climbing to a hefty $108,998 for its top trims, also before additional charges.
This price difference naturally translates into performance and luxury. The CX-9 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that puts out a respectable 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It's reasonably efficient too, sipping fuel at a combined rate of 10.5 L/100 km. The Escalade, however, boasts a much more potent 6.2-liter V8 engine, churning out a robust 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This power comes at a cost to fuel economy, with the Escalade averaging 14.2 L/100 km combined.
When it comes to safety, the CX-9 has some solid ratings, achieving a 'Good' in Side Impact tests and a 4-star overall NHTSA rating. It comes equipped with six airbags. The Escalade's crash test cycle for the Luxury trim was still pending at the time of review, but it offers seven airbags, including a front seat center airbag for added protection.
Features are another area where the two diverge. The CX-9 offers a 9.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 6-speaker audio system, leather seats, and 20-inch alloy wheels. The Escalade steps it up with an 8.0-inch touchscreen (also with smartphone integration), but pairs it with a much more immersive 16-speaker Bose Surround Sound system. It also includes niceties like in-car Wi-Fi, a wireless charging pad, navigation, memory seats, and larger 22-inch chrome alloy wheels.
Cargo space is a crucial consideration for larger SUVs. The CX-9 provides 407 liters behind the third row, expanding to 2017 liters with all rear seats folded. The Escalade, while slightly smaller behind the third row at 431 liters, offers a cavernous 2667 liters of maximum cargo capacity with its rear seats stowed. Both can tow, with the CX-9 rated for up to 1588 kg.
Warranty coverage also tells a story. Mazda offers a comprehensive warranty for 36 months/unlimited km, with a 60-month/unlimited km powertrain warranty. Cadillac provides a 48-month/80,000 km comprehensive warranty and a 72-month/110,000 km powertrain warranty. It's clear that Cadillac is offering longer protection on its more expensive vehicle.
Ultimately, the choice between the 2020 Mazda CX-9 and the 2020 Cadillac Escalade boils down to priorities. The CX-9 presents a more value-oriented, family-friendly option with good features and decent performance. The Escalade, on the other hand, is a statement of luxury and power, designed for those who demand the utmost in comfort, performance, and prestige, and are willing to pay a significant premium for it.
