CX-9 I (TB) vs Highlander II (XU40): which is better?
Mazda CX-9 I (TB) (2006–2016) vs Toyota Highlander II (XU40) (2007–2013): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Toyota Highlander II (XU40)Specifications
| Mazda CX-9 I (TB) | Toyota Highlander II (XU40) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2006–2016 | 2007–2013 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.7 V6 | 3.5 V6 |
| Power, up to | 277 hp | 273 hp |
| Torque, up to | 366 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 5 095 mm | 4 785 mm |
| Width | 1 935 mm | 1 910 mm |
| Height | 1 730 mm | 1 760 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 875 mm | 2 790 mm |
| Fuel tank | 76 L | 72 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 69 775 ₸ | ≈ 68 375 ₸ |
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.
Toyota Highlander II (XU40)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 273 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Japanese Aisin automatic
- Large tank: 72 L
Cons
- Engine Toyota 2GR-FE/FKS (3.5 V6): rubber VVT-i oil line can burst on early engines (before ~2010)
- Aisin gearbox (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic): jolts when shifting at high mileage
Engine (Toyota 2GR-FE/FKS (3.5 V6)): rupture of the rubber VVT-i oil line on early engines (before ~2010); water pump leak; valve cover gasket leaks.
Gearbox (Aisin (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic)): shift shocks at high mileage; solenoid wear from old oil.
Which one to choose
- CX-9 I (TB) — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
- Highlander II (XU40) — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
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 Highlander II (XU40)?
CX-9 I (TB): up to 277 hp, Highlander II (XU40): up to 273 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: CX-9 I (TB) — about 69 775 ₸, Highlander II (XU40) — about 68 375 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.