2026 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2026 Dodge Durango
Quick Summary
The 2026 Mazda CX-9 stands out for its refined cabin, fuel-efficient turbocharged engine, and composed handling, while the Dodge Durango brings more muscle with an available V8 and higher towing capacity. Both SUVs offer strong standard safety technology, though the Durango's rear-wheel-drive-based platform gives it a sportier, truck-like feel on the road. Buyers who want efficiency and daily comfort tend to choose the CX-9, and those who need towing power and a bolder driving character often pick the Durango.The 2026 Mazda CX-9 and 2026 Dodge Durango sit in the same three-row SUV category, but they come from very different design philosophies.
The CX-9 focuses on a refined, car-like driving experience with an emphasis on cabin quality and fuel efficiency. The Durango takes a more performance-oriented approach, built on a platform that shares roots with rear-wheel-drive muscle cars.
Families cross-shopping these two vehicles often weigh comfort and efficiency against power and towing capability, since each SUV leans hard into a different priority.
This comparison breaks down design, technology, safety, and performance to help you decide which three-row SUV fits your driving needs.
Design & Style
The CX-9 carries a sculpted, low-slung exterior with clean body lines and minimal ornamentation, giving it a more upscale appearance than its price point suggests. Inside, the cabin uses soft-touch materials, stitched surfaces, and available leather upholstery that create a cohesive, premium feel across the dashboard and door panels.
The Durango takes a bolder, more aggressive stance with a wide stance, pronounced wheel arches, and available performance styling cues borrowed from Dodge's muscle car lineage. Its cabin favors a driver-focused layout with a large touchscreen and durable materials suited to daily wear.
Both SUVs seat up to seven passengers, though cargo space and third-row access differ based on trim and configuration.
Technology & Safety
Mazda outfits the CX-9 with a 10.25-inch center display, wireless smartphone integration, and a full suite of driver-assist features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring on most trims. Upper trims add a head-up display and a premium audio system for a more immersive cabin experience.
Dodge equips the Durango with a comparable list of standard safety technology, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Durango's infotainment system runs on Dodge's Uconnect platform, which offers quick response times and straightforward menu navigation.
Both vehicles support over-the-air software updates and companion smartphone apps, allowing owners to check vehicle status and remotely lock or start the SUV. The CX-9 keeps its technology suite consistent across trims, while the Durango reserves some advanced features for higher-priced configurations.
Performance
The 2026 Mazda CX-9 uses a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 227 horsepower on regular fuel or 250 horsepower on premium fuel, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This setup favors efficient, responsive power delivery and confident handling through corners.
The Durango offers a wider range of powertrains, starting with a V6 and extending up to a high-output V8 on performance trims, giving it a maximum towing capacity that outpaces the CX-9 by a wide margin. That extra power comes with a tradeoff in fuel economy, since the Durango's larger engines consume more fuel than the CX-9's four-cylinder.
Drivers who want a fuel-efficient SUV with sharp handling gravitate toward the CX-9, while those who need serious towing capacity or a more powerful engine option lean toward the Durango.
The Bottom Line
Deciding between these two SUVs comes down to what matters most for your household. Buyers focused on fuel economy, cabin refinement, and everyday drivability find the CX-9 better suited to their needs.
Families who prioritize towing capacity, engine power, and a sportier driving character often prefer the Durango. Both vehicles offer competitive warranty coverage and perform well in crash testing, so trim-level pricing and available incentives often become the deciding factors.
Shoppers ready to compare current pricing and available inventory can browse new inventory to see what's available now.
Schedule a Test Drive Today
The 2026 Mazda CX-9 combines a refined cabin, efficient turbocharged engine, and a full suite of driver-assist technology into a well-rounded three-row SUV. Its balance of comfort and capability makes it a strong option for families who drive daily without sacrificing efficiency.
Empire Mazda of Green Brook keeps a full lineup of CX-9 trims on the lot, and the sales team can walk you through pricing, financing, and current incentives in person.
Ready to see how it drives? Schedule a test drive today and experience the CX-9 for yourself.
FAQs
Does the 2026 Mazda CX-9 offer better fuel economy than the Durango?
Yes, the CX-9's turbocharged four-cylinder engine posts higher city and highway fuel economy than the Durango's V6 or V8 options. The Durango's larger engines trade efficiency for added power and towing capacity.
Which SUV has a higher towing capacity, the CX-9 or the Durango?
The Durango offers a significantly higher maximum towing capacity, especially with its available V8 engine. The CX-9 focuses more on efficient daily driving than heavy towing tasks.
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-9 available at Empire Mazda of Green Brook?
Availability depends on current inventory and model-year allocation. Contact the sales team directly for up-to-date stock information and trim options.