CX9 is very under-advertised.
Agree. I am another shopper who just stumbled upon the CX-9 after reading a thread in a MDX forum comparing the two. I've been driving a Mercedes ML320 for the past ten years and was considering another ML Bluetec or the MDX Tech when I found out about the CX-9 GT AWD. I've also driven a Veracruz which did not pass muster IMO and was a poor fourth. I really liked the Genesis and feel Hyundai could clearly have a winner on it's hands if they brought the Veracruz up to Genesis standards though.
My quickie comparison:
Best looking: ML
Worst looking MDX
CX-9 is handsome and far better looking than the MDX just not quite as unique as the ML
Engines: Well, I'd love to have the diesel bluetec but it's never going to pay for itself given a near $20K upcharge over the CX-9. The Acura engine is sweet and gets better MPG than the CX but the CX engine looks to be more than adequate.
Transmissions: All about the same. MB has an extra gear but both MDX and CX were fine.
Interiors: The ML is typical teutonic. I'm used to it and like the spartan uncluttered look and feel. I also have never had a more comfortable driver seat than in my 99 ML. The Acura has the most luxurious and well fitted interior and sitting in the driver's seat feels like being in a cockpit. Seat is borderline too cushy but still very nice. CX-9 has a very comfortable seat that reminds me of the ML. Seating position is up high kinda like the ML or a minivan compared to the MDX. Overall I like all three interiors with the CX9 obviously showing some of it's economy cuts here but in a way that is evident only with direct comparison to the other two.
Space. CX wins hands down for total cargo space. Benz is next and MDX last though all three have pretty good cargo. I would like but don't absolutely need the third seat so am not downgrading the Benz on that point.
Electronics/Nav: MDX is best. ML perhaps second. CX9 again is pretty close to the ML and lacks only the hard drive nav system with built in MP3 storage. I wish the CX had the SD card slot the ML does as that is my preferred transfer medium. CDs are kinda old and a hassle in comparison to data cards. I like the BSM system on the CX which is not even available on the ML and only as part of the $50K plus Advance package on the MDX. Of all the bells and whistles other than nav/rear camera/BT I think BSM is the most useful.
Driving experience: I liked them all and could be happy with any of them. ML is perhaps my favorite. MDX is the sportiest and probably does out perform the other two but not by a huge amount and for normal driving that is not an issue. I enjoyed my drive in the CX which is pretty similar to the ML overall on the road.
Towing: Here is where the CX falls down. I don't understand a 3500lb towing limit on a biggish SUV and especially don't like the Class 2 hitch as all my bike racks and rear cargo carriers are class 3 2x2. Still, as i don't actually tow more than 3500lbs regularly and can just install an aftermarket Class 3 hitch this deficiency can be partially worked around. ML is towing champ with 7000lb capacity (and it is also unibody). MDX has expected 5000lb tow capacity that the CX should also have.
Value: No contest. CX9 blows the other two away. Best price on a CX9 right now seems to be about 10-11% off MSRP which is maybe $500-750 less than invoice. $36K fully loaded. 7yr/100K warranty from Mazda/Ford is about $2200. Mercedes is at the bottom in terms of value. ML not only costs about $53K as diesel or maybe $50K as gas version but the maintenance expenses are just atrocious. $500 for essentially an oil change and inspection every 10K plus poor reliability historically so extended warranty is almost mandatory if you intend to keep the car. 7yr/100K warranty from MB costs about $4500 (how's that for a statement on their own assessment of reliability and maintenance costs?). Acura MDX is not as good a value as the CX but is still far better than the MB. Best price I got on an MDX was $500 over invoice or close to $45K for the Tech with rack and tow package. Acura extended warranty is about $2200 for 8yr/120K miles. MDX is very reliable but Acura service is almost like Mercedes in cost.
Standard Warranty: Not too big an issue for me as I will probably get an extended warranty with any of them. Mazda has the shortest at three years. Acura and MB are both 4 years.
Resale: Acura best in terms of percentage of MSRP. MB and CX close with MB having a slight edge in early years. This would push me to the MDX if I thought I would sell in three years but as I usually keep cars 7-10 yrs that is not so much of a factor.
My choice still has to be made but I've essentially ruled out the ML as a poor value even though with the bluetec it is my favorite vehicle as far as feeling good about driving a big honking SUV with regard to impact on the planet is concerned. If Mercedes had a $10K loyalty rebate I would probably buy one anyway.
MDX is very very nice and if it cost the same as the CX9 or even just about three or four grand more I'd probably spring for it despite the butt ugly front end.
I'm leaning towards the CX as the clear value leader with no substantial negatives and performance I would be perfectly happy with (except MPG). Zero percent for 60m is kinda sweet too cutting off another grand or more on other manufacturer's total finance costs. Trying to decide about nav vs no nav and then if I can get the price I want I'll do the deal.
One other thing I have noticed at least in the Boston area is that the Mazda dealers are all pretty small compared to Acura and MB. I've found a nice family run Mazda dealership about 20 miles away that I would be happy to work with. The closest Mazda shop to me is a pretty old school sleazeball kinda dealer which surprised me in this era.
