Mazda CX-9 v Skoda Kodiaq v Toyota Kluger v Nissan Pathfinder Comparison | Drive.com.au

A new player has entered the highly competitive seven-seat SUV market - can it best the established leaders?

[@user-gs3kt7vs3y]

Got a Skoda Kodiaq Sportline and I have to say it is by far the best, drove a CX-9 and it was like a truck, pathfinder like an American Ute, and the Kluger just had nothing that said WOW about it. Also the Kodiaq 3rd roe is easy to get into, all u have to do it pull on a leaver and then you can get in. I’m 5.9” and I had enough room in the back row for a 40 minute trip sitting behind my mother. Also the boot space is huge, when you open the boot, it looks small but then when it’s shut, there is bucket loads of room.

[@cityluk]

I personally feel Pathfinder has the best combination. Spacious for all three rows, wide enough for 3 adults, plenty of headroom for the third row, ventilation for the third row, flat floor plan, quiet in cabin, smooth CVT, powerful and enjoyable to drive... different people focus on different features.

[@mahmood1431]

I think pathfinder fuel consumption not good as other, in long run it may turn little expensive

[@JurgenDX]

Skoda

[@henriqueoliveira264]

Good review. Towing capacity was a key point for my decision and Nissan Pathfinder didn't disappointed. 2700kg is a winner, plus is really comfortable and spacious, even when carrying 7 adults.

[@mahmood1431]

Ssanyong rexton have 3500 kg towing capacity

[@edgarchieng2130]

Kodiaq should be in the same league as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. Definitely not in the full sized SUV league. I wish the CX9 has the Ez-Flex second row seats of the Pathfinder which would make it the perfect car to be honest.

[@traumark1]

PS: Škoda ranked first in reliability in 2015 and 2016 and third in 2017 (after Kia and Lexus) by most surveys. It's more reliable than VW due to it using few years old VW and Audi tech. For instance the DSG transmission Kodiaq has, has been used since 2011 on VW T5's, the engines are 2014 EA288 and EA888 which don't have the cheat device (VW used it because of the pumpe-duse CR blunder and no SCR fitted but that's another story), the virtual cockpit has been used by Audi for a long time, there it costs 1200e on Škoda same system 400e, VW 500e, etc.

[@kyojitsu1]

This is very interesting - the CX-9 isn't available in the UK currently and the Kodiaq is currently walking away with the awards and reviews etc. Everyone agrees that the fit and finish is excellent and the drive is really composed - however the relative lack space is a surprise.

[@inodesnet]

Pity it's not available. The CX-9 has been earning awards continually in Australia. The hardest of these to earn is also the longest running car magazine award in the world - the Wheels Car of the year. It is available to all cars on sale and takes into account five criteria the allow something like a small car to complete against a Mercedes S Class for example. The final 3 were the Merc E Class, Audi A4 and the CX-9. The new sound deadening focus that Mazda is taking on with OCD like zest is summed up in this one sentence: "Proof this the CX-9 is by far the most convincing SkyActiv model Mazda has ever produced came in the final round (against Mercedes E Class and Audi A4)... CX-9 delivered not only superior suppleness and smothness, but also a quieter ride and most comfortable second-row seat. In a Mazda! Cut the sound of dropping jaws and denting German pride"

[@kyojitsu1]

We're also SUV obsessed here so a very lucrative market segment, albeit in a medium size variety hence we have the CX-5. I'd have thought it'd sell well although I guess Mazda have their reasons and perhaps see 7-seat versions as too small a share to invest in the UK plus they'd need a diesel variant. V6's just don't fly when fuel is so pricey.

[@inodesnet]

Unlike the US, we also have a love affair for diesels. It's well behind the Europe mainly due to fact that diesel is more expensive here than petrol. Diesel CX-5's have a waiting list. We don't get a diesel CX-9 because it was made mainly for the US market. We're lucky enough that Mazda made a LHT version for Australia. What is interesting with the diesel is post VW. Both German and Japanese governments through internal motoring bodies did audits on real world diesel emissions with regards to what was markets. The CX-5 diesel was the only diesel among the countries to nail the emissions (i.e. it was considered the only diesel not to be caught cheating). I think this says a lot for their very unique design, which in diesel engineering terms hasn't really been copied yet. Seems to have worked though. I have a CX-5 diesel, and loving the immediate acceleration on the highway. Had some nasty school holiday weekend traffic yesterday, and my wife (who is timid of overtaking), was able to simply tap the accelerator to overtake even as many as three cars on single lane, windy country roads where it's too easy to make a mistake into oncoming traffic. The 80-120km/h acceleration puts the petrol to shame because the max torque is available at 1900 rpm - basically available immediately. Rest of my family comes from Japan, which is an anti diesel country, yet the diesel CX-5 proved to be a winner there and accounts for majority of sales. What is interesting though, is that this week Mazda Australia has hinted at sending the diesel CX-8 to Australia. It's going to be a 7 seater without the height. I suspect with that news, it's highly likely it will be heading to the UK as well. It will only be produced in LHT, so North America and continental Europe will not be getting it. Fingers crossed!

[@inodesnet]

With regards to V6's not flying..... I think the Mazda engines are so on point at the moment with their torque and linear delivery (except the CX-9 - because of the turbo), that having V6's don't make much sense anymore. The turbo on the CX-9 as you can see end producing similar torque to the 2.2L diesel, which in many ways puts V6's to shame. If the US was able to get the diesel, Mazda would have simply produced the CX-9 with the diesel. Would have been such a quiet ride ironically. The Mazda diesel is a high rpm diesel, and relatively quiet. I love parking mine next to a Tiguan diesel. It makes the VW sound like a tractor side by side.

[@Josh-179]

It's really a shame the CX-9 isn't sold in Europe. It wins every 3-row comparison test in the US and Australia. And we have over a dozen 3-row crossovers in the US. Not counting real SUV's.

[@sportsmusiclover]

U.K. driver here. Currently drive an Audi A3 2.0 Auto. Was looking to buy an SUV and for the money, was looking at Dacia Duster (sorry) and Skoda Kodiaq. Have to say, I test drove the Duster for 5 miles and I got sick of it. The Kodiaq on the other hand - Felt premium, looks premium and drives like a premium SUV. And I was surprised by the power of the 1.5 auto considering it’s an SUV. Thought it would lack power but I was mistaken. And this was the SE model btw. The Kodiaq will be what we will be going for.

[@xuenart]

By far still one of the most detailed and unbiased reviews out there👍

[@jamskof]

hahahahahahahhahahah are you kidding me???!??

[@fredschriks8554]

Never seen a Toyota Kluger in Europe.

[@hondatrix]

Called Highlander elsewhere...

[@madrx2]

hondatrix should be here too. Kluger is an awful name, sounds like a German tank or something.

[@gde1989]

It was called the Kluger in Australia as Hyundai own the naming rights to the Highlander name

[@tomasmalin]

hondatrix There's not even Highlander in EU. Actually Škoda Kodiaq is the ONLY car from these available in EU.

[@melluzi]

Europe reacts quickly when an auto manufacturer starts producing garbage. For the same reason, there is no Toryota Camry, Nissan Maxima and stuff like that being sold there any more.

[@mattgazzard9456]

SERIOUSLY, Re Kodiaq 3rd row access ..... he's pulled the wrong lever. Can't this guy see the massive handle on the top of the middle row seat? That's the one that allows plenty of room to climb through. KODIAQ is hands down the best car there.

[@nickvrsnm]

hmmmm, 2 things wrong with this review. 1 the Kodiaq isn't competing with this class but the one below, i.e. the Santa-Fe or Kia Sorento. 2 the middle seats actually move really easily out of the way to get in the 3rd row with just one move, this guy just didn't know how to use it right.

[@steveh3949]

Nissan electronic CVT is very smooth and contributes to engine efficiency

[@sic22l]

Probably that's why it's the least economical here...

[@steveh3949]

sic22l Yes, you must be an engineer, duuurrrrr

[@eddiemoore7562]

If you pause a 4.47. You'll see the av fuel usage is 17.1L/100km. Your story needs refining, much like Nissan's claims

[@XTad1]

No that's because it's the largest and heaviest.

[@sic22l]

It's not that large. CVT is crap and it doesn't work outside slow and flat highways.

[@bigyin2586]

3x 7-seater SUVs plus a 5+2. Kodiaq an SUV COTY? Skoda has done well.

[@JiriUL]

Kodiaq was actually made for smaller SUVs category market (even though it is 7 seater) and should be compared with cars like Kia Sorrento. This gives it a completely different position in that category. But it is a big plus that such car can even be compared with biggest SUVs in the market. I'd say the plus for Skoda is the built quality and how it drives and feels - extremely agile car for its size and with excellent precise driving with no flaws. This is my personal preference over other things when choosing a car. Of course it is not as spacious at the 3rd seat row but I don't need that much. Bigger families can consider another cars for sure. So Kodiaq would suit greatly a family of 4 or 5 with occasional extra passengers. Oh, and those little extra things Skoda adds to its cars are actually really cool. Don't like the pricing policy for extras on Skoda but this is general policy of VW group..

[@akie64]

Good choice with the CX-9.

[@haydenfyfe885]

You can choose any one of the cars that you will find and compare to the New Skoda Kodiaq Like the rivals of the Mazda CX-9, The Nissan Pathfinder, And The Toyota Kluger. They are 7 Seater SUVs for just 42K.

[@awilke86]

Yeti was their first SUV...

[@joaomesila839]

Nissan Pathfinder #1

[@XTad1]

It's surprising the Skoda is so small inside. Its wheelbase is the same length as the Kluger.

[@traumark1]

Prices in EU with comparable equipment:Kodiaq: 40 000eMazda Cx-5: 35 000eTucson: 40 000eSanta Fe: 55 000eSorento: 50 000eRav4: 38 000eNissan Pathfinder: 50 000eVW Tiguan Allspace: 45 000eCompare to luxury:X3, Q5 GLE: 60 000e - 75 000eX5, Q7, GLS: 85 000e - 100 000e

[@dsinghr]

If I am shopping in this segment, I would buy Touraeg. But I am not. Out of these three, I would prefer CX-9 for its pleasant looks.

[@mikelou2422]

Kuger hands down...why ? reliability , space and comfort , will still be going strong long after the other 3 especially the Skoda !

[@eavenhascht]

Kodiaq ftw!!! Classy and vw genes bearer

[@charlierobert7263]

Kodiaq is the best by far.

[@AAL-mu8ms]

The Skoda Fanboys up in arms. You can put a spin on it as much as you like, it's still Skoda. It's never ever in VW or Audi league, buy a Skoda and a VW, sell it after 3 years then see which one holds its price better

[@thijs6723]

You put the Seat wrong down with the button on the top is is very Nice to Get in

[@vise5224]

Skoda n Mazda are the ones I'm interested in. I'm not sure why ppl up the Nissan. Stiff suspension is uncomfortable. Have had issues with gearbox on altima. Toyota is something grandparent's or 50 yr olds would drive. Large n floaty.

[@satyanveshi1939]

Where is Kia sorento they have just missed it here.

[@caradvice]

The Kia Sorento was in out last seven-seater comparison, take a look here :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXe5Z4qpa7qnaJI

[@perplex3023]

in near future mazda will compete with luxery brands lile audi bmw ..mazda doing it very well .. they need to bring some fresh and new models ..like what toyota do.. keep it up mazda.. really worth buying any of it models

[@miatand1156]

Not once you've owned one. My first WILL be my absolute last. When I'm asked by family and friends I say buy any Hyundai as the cars as good as of not better than most and they have a reputation for honouring their warranty. mazda would be one of the worst for issues right now with mx-5 transmissions, mzd glitches, rusting window frames and much more. And have been arseholes about problems. They will never find my money in their hands again.

[@JOlsson01]

You're putting too much emphasis on the third-row seats as if adults (6 feet+ reviewers) are regularly are going to spend hours everyday in there on long trips. It's for young kids and the occasional adults when you pick up your relatives from the airport. Also, please bring a short person to see how well it suits them in the driving seat.

[@idkbruh4777]

For people who carry 5-6 passengers in the mazda cx9 , how does it feel in the 3rd row without a/c ventilation especially in summer here in Australia

[@REPOMAN24722]

Horrible since mazda has terrible AC.

[@xdafactor7684]

YEAH, ANOTHER WIN FOR MY MAZDA CX9.

[@franciscoinc2658]

The Kodiaq doesn't compete directly with these & where is the Palisade?

[@JasonB95]

Can someone in Australia tell me the name of that street @0:28?

[@MrPiootr81]

Kodiaq ! :)

[@thomasdollard7971]

I wonder why Toyota uses Kluger instead of Highlander.

[@LukePhillipsMEL]

Thomas Dollard someone probably has the highlander name in Aus

[@henrylawson6755]

Hyundai has the Highlander naming rights in Australia with the Santa Fe.

[@GlowingTube]

Skoiaq

[@mieczyslawgrudzien9380]

Mazda Nummer 1👍

[@nigeshv.j.vadakkoot4907]

best skoda kodiyak

[@Toyota4Life]

Would take the Toyota. Best all rounder most reliable.

[@henrylawson6755]

Toyota4Life got a Kluger, and lucky it’s a work vehicle. Drove the diesel Ford Territory for years and loved it. They replaced that with a Kluger and the only thing that’s changed is that I now spend A LOT more time and money in service stations than I ever did in the Territory. The engine has no pull in it unless it’s revving like mad, the gearbox has two too many cogs in it, six would be plenty, doesn’t need 8. And the steering is way too light, great in shopping centre car parks, but not on the road.

[@Kdjoao]

Kluger is best

[@louristvski2383]

Toyota Kluger is by far the best car here the rest are rubbish and will be worth fuck all in a few years time when they fall apart.

[@jamskof]

That Skoda is terrible and theee reviews are just awful. This guy really knows nothing

[@miatand1156]

mazda=Overrated. My experience is whilst they make cars that look pretty good inside and out, not relaxing and quiet to drive and very iffy quality. They are a completely different company once you've bought their product and are dishonest and totally opposed to fixing anything. Please do consider an extra 6 to 10k for warranty issues and don't have their dealers do the work if you must buy one.

[@jhunapostol5080]

today is 2019 its different now..

[@AAL-mu8ms]

Terrible reliability? You must be sponsored by Nissan

[@miatand1156]

@@jhunapostol5080 yeah the days when mazda were building a great reputation and weren't up themselves.

[@miatand1156]

@@AAL-mu8ms no! Just a regreful owner of a 2016 mazda shitbox.

[@traumark1]

Such a biased review. The Toyota has biggest second row, than it's Kodiaq with nissan the worst ( just look how he sits in the nissan, low and knees in the seat) and none of these cars are proper 7 seaters like an MPV or are wide enough to sit 3 persons in the second row. In Europe we have the 190PS 2.0TDI Kodiaq with 400Nm which has 7.5L/100km combined real world fuel economy (city and highway up to 160km/h). You realy need to push it hard to get it over 8L/100km. The petrol 2.0 TSI is about 2L more than the strongest diesel. It's the most refined on the road and one of the best interiors in it's class and you can get it with more than enough equipment for less than 40k euros and 6 year 200 000km warranty as standard in some countrys, that's why it's so popular. True we don't have the cx-9 and Kluger here, but the Nissan, Cx7 and cx5 and Rav4 don't come close to it. It's better than it's VW brother Tiguan Allspace, because it's cheaper, bigger and in some parts better made (Tiguan has hard plastics by the transmission lever and cracking plastics arround the infotainment). Say what you want but VW has the best small engines (up to 2.0 diesel and petrol) of all the automakers period, that's why in Europe Toyota only sells hybrids. Must be that monkey-bussines technology. Why don't you compare proper rivals like Kodiaq against Santa fe and Sorento because they are or less in the same class.

[@cooljool1]

the nissan fits three persons in the second row quite easily

[@steveh3949]

The SKODA (VW) is not in this class of car, its full of gimmicks to try and make it more attractive, people dont buy this type of practicle vehicle for sporty driving.

[@Phasio]

Yeah build quality.... What a gimmick

[@PR-fs9os]

Skoda kodiak comparision?!?!??! Is this a joke?!?!!??!!

[@eddiemoore7562]

I'm sorry, but in I have to comment on the fuel claims. Nissan's dash read av fuel consumption was 17.1L/100km/ Mazda was 15.1. Blah, blah.... These things will be thirsty. don't be fooled by the claimed numbers.

[@Phasio]

Wouldnt go near a mazda

[@xdafactor7684]

Why wouldn't YOU?

[@ms3173]

The CX-9 is the only relevant one here. The rest are rubbish!

[@daviddemafate6429]

The best for me is Mazda. Skoda is very ugly.

[@REPOMAN24722]

The mazda is hideous, the Skoda looks elegant.

[@xdafactor7684]

DAVID DE MAFATE, YOU GOT ALOT OF TASTE & CLASS.

[@thedescriptions6646]

How the hell is the Mazda so damn ugly?

[@manchicheng23]

U must be kidding right? Mazda's kodo design is the best looking here.

[@Josh-179]

LOL, it's the best looking 3-row CUV in the world. Of course higher trims look even better. This is the bare bones model.

[@thedescriptions6646]

How? It's like they designed the front into a prism and then decided to cut it off. There are no good looking design elements on the car. And the chrome makes it worse. Also, the nose drops off way too early. Looks like something that's heavy fell on it.

[@xdafactor7684]

CAUSE YOU DON'T HAVE ANY TASTE.