CX-9 I (TB) vs GL / GLS X164 (GL): which is better?
Mazda CX-9 I (TB) (2006–2016) vs Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS X164 (GL) (2006–2012): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Specifications
| Mazda CX-9 I (TB) | Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS X164 (GL) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2006–2016 | 2006–2012 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.7 V6 | 4.7 V8 (GL450) |
| Power, up to | 277 hp | 340 hp |
| Torque, up to | 366 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 5 095 mm | 5 088 mm |
| Width | 1 935 mm | 1 920 mm |
| Height | 1 730 mm | 1 840 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 875 mm | 3 075 mm |
| Fuel tank | 76 L | 100 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 69 775 ₸ | ≈ 510 925 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Mazda CX-9 I (TB)
Pros
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: generally reliable
- Powerful versions: up to 277 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Large fuel tank: 76 L
Cons
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: valve body wear at high mileage
Gearbox (Aisin automatic): generally reliable; at high mileage — valve body wear.
Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS X164 (GL)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 340 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large fuel tank: 100 L
Cons
- Gearbox Mercedes 7G-Tronic (722.9): control board failure (speed sensors)
Gearbox (Mercedes 7G-Tronic (722.9)): control board failure (speed sensors); valve body wear.
Which one to choose
- CX-9 I (TB) — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
- GL / GLS X164 (GL) — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: CX-9 I (TB) or GL / GLS X164 (GL)?
CX-9 I (TB): up to 277 hp, GL / GLS X164 (GL): up to 340 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: CX-9 I (TB) — about 69 775 ₸, GL / GLS X164 (GL) — about 510 925 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.
Other comparisons
CX-9 vs X5Mazda CX-9 I (TB) / BMW X5 E70CX-9 vs M-Class / GLEMazda CX-9 I (TB) / Mercedes-Benz M-Class / GLE W164 (ML)CX-9 vs Q7Mazda CX-9 I (TB) / Audi Q7 I (4L)CX-9 vs HighlanderMazda CX-9 I (TB) / Toyota Highlander II (XU40)GL / GLS vs LXMercedes-Benz GL / GLS X164 (GL) / Lexus LX III (J200)GL / GLS vs X5Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS X164 (GL) / BMW X5 E70GL / GLS vs TahoeMercedes-Benz GL / GLS X164 (GL) / Chevrolet Tahoe GMT900