Volvo XC90 vs. Toyota Highlander vs. Mazda CX9

[Anonymous]

we have an xc 90 and a highlander both are great cars, the volvo is older and still going strong.. I would get another of each when it is time. Mazda is a tin can compared to the two

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:One of these things is not like the others.

I've test driven all of these cars in the last year. XC90 is going to cost way way more. Like crazy more. Its also at the very very end of its model run.

So is CX9 but those are at least more reasonably priced.

I thought the CX9 handled the best and was the best price for the options but also the smallest. Highlander is also going for top dollar (but nothing like the Volvo) and is at least a newer design.

In the end we bought nothing and still have our minivan. Its a jungle out there - good luck.

Happy to answer any more questions you have - I've pretty much shopped and test driven every 3 row out there this year.

We need a 3 row and would like to trade in car because we really just don't want more than one car. Because we only want one car, it's an SUV and not a minivan for us. Used Volvos seem more reasonable, less than a new Highlander or Mazda. If you had to buy, what would you settle on?

I don’t know what your budget is. But I think Volvos are very overpriced for what you get (but very nice exterior I agree.) I really loved the Mazda but DH did not think it comfortable for a very tall driver (him.) If you absolutely want to maximize space the best deals right now on space are VW Atlas and Honda Pilot. Both are about as big as it gets without going to Tahoe/expedition. I’m also looking at a lower trim MDX.

We drove both the Atlas and the Pilot. Atlas was just too big and neither of us liked it. The Pilots button based gear box (or whatever it’s called) was a turn off also. Maybe Mazda is way to go…

If you feel like those are too big, and haven’t driven the Mazda yet, absolutely do it. Our only issue was the space for the driver if very tall - for DH it was specifically his right knee. But he’s 6’4”. It was going to be my car but he drives the family a lot on weekends and road trips. If it were only me I would have gotten it for sure. Handles amazing and the top trims feel super luxurious. Ugh - I want it just talking about it.

That is SO funny you mention that- we were so close to buying a CX-9 waaay back in the day (2012) and loved everything about but I remember my dh (6'3") ultimately nixing it only because his right knee jammed right into the center console and he didn't like that. It would've been my daily driver but used for family trips etc and he is almost always the driver in that case so we went with something that was more comfortable and roomy for him. Guess the CX-9 hasn't changed in that regard!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mazda is best bang for buck. Volvo is horrendously overpriced and very expensive to maintain. It doesn’t score well often on reliability rankings. Buy a Volvo if you care about shallow image crap. Buy the Mazda if you care about value and bang for the buck.

I bought my first Volvo this year. I’ve never heard that Volvo was associated with any “shallow image crap”. I’ve always considered it the boring, average, uninteresting bland choice. Even owning a Toyota says more about you than owning a Volvo. But, I’m intrigued - what elite group have I joined?

[Anonymous]

A co-worker purchased a Volvo last year and has had nothing but trouble. She had to get it towed from our school lot 3 times due to engine malfunction and no oil in her engine. She won't part with it but it is a money pit. My 19 yo Honda runs WAY better than hers with much fewer problems. We also have a CX-5 and while I love how the car drives, 20k miles later, it is kind of plastick-y and rattles here and there. But, we had to buy a car in 2 days so this fit our bill. I would go with the Highlander.