Executive SUV showdown
Omoda unveiled the new C9 model in late 2024, bringing an executive touch and feel to a brand synonymous with budget-oriented crossovers and SUVs. The C9 set a new level for what customers expect from a family SUV originating from China. Mazda added the CX-60 to its lineup a year prior in 2023 and has added subsequent models to the lineup since, attempting to refresh its offerings.
Related: Omoda C9 2.0TGDI 400T Explore AWD (2024) Review
The Omoda C9 and Mazda CX-60 are equally matched, but which model should you be considering, and how do they truly stack up against each other in the areas that count?
Volkswagen Tiguan pricing vs Omoda C9 vs Subaru Forester
Drivetrain
| Mazda CX-60 2.5 Dynamic | Omoda C9 2.0 TGDi 400T Inspire | |
| Engine | 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol | 2.0-litre turbo 4-cylinder petrol |
| Transmission | 8-speed Auto paddle shift | 8-speed Auto paddle shift |
| Power Figures | 141kW / 261Nm | 192kW / 400Nm |
| Top Speed | 203km/h | Not specified |
The Omoda C9 is the most powerful due to its turbocharger. Despite the power deficit, the Mazda suffers a bit at altitude without forced induction but can hold its head high with a solid transmission and final drive.
Fuel Consumption
| Mazda CX-60 2.5 Dynamic | Omoda C9 2.0 TGDi 400T Inspire | |
| Claimed fuel consumption | 7.3L/100km | 8.2L/100km |
| Actual consumption (combined cycle) | 8.1L/100km | 9.2L/100km |
| Tank Size | 58-litres | 65-litres |
| Distance on a full tank | 780km | 685km |
The Mazda may have a bigger displacement engine and less power, but it makes up for it with overall fuel savings. The Omoda, like so many of its Chinese compatriots, has a rather high real-world fuel economy.
Safety
| Mazda CX-60 2.5 Dynamic | Omoda C9 2.0 TGDi 400T Inspire | |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes |
| Hill hold assist | Yes | Yes |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring | No | Yes |
| Camera | Rear only | 360 Surround-view |
| PDC (Park Distance Control) | front and rear | front and rear |
| Airbags | 7 | 7 |
| Cruise control | standard | adaptive |
| Lane Keep Assist | Yes | Yes |
| HUD (Heads Up Display) | Yes | Yes |
| Keyless Entry | Yes | Yes |
| LED Lighting | Yes | Yes |
The Omoda C9 pips the CX60 in the tech and features department. However, Mazda still feels solid and well-built, with the Japanese brand having a few more decades of experience than Omoda in terms of quality control.
The Drive
| Mazda CX-60 2.5 Dynamic | Omoda C9 2.0 TGDi 400T Inspire | |
| Boot Space (litres) | 477l/ 1148 / 1726 | 660 / 1783 |
| Towing capacity braked and unbraked | 750kg / 1500kg | Not specified |
| Tow bar | Aftermarket fitment | Not available - Special request to OEM |
| Seating | Leather | Heated front seats in leather |
| Sunroof | Panoramic | Panoramic |
The Omoda C9 may have heated seats, but its lack of official towing stats and a towing package may cause consumers to look elsewhere. The CX60 doesn't have a tow bar, but you can get one aftermarket and know it can tow small trailers.
Pricing
| Omoda C9 2.0TGDi 400T Inspire | R 785 900 | Mazda CX-60 2.5 Dynamic | R 770 800 |
| Omoda C9 2.0TGDi 400T Explore AWD | R 885 900 | Mazda CX-60 2.5 AWD Individual | R 879 900 |
| Mazda CX-60 3.3D AWD Takumi | R 1 074 400 |
Mazda offers a 5-year / Unlimited km warranty and 5-year / Unlimited km service plan, while Omoda has a 7-year / 200 000km vehicle warranty + 10-year / 1 000 000km 1st owner engine warranty and a 7 service / 100 000km service plan.
Verdict
The Omoda C9 and Mazda CX-60 are equally matched on just about all fronts. The Omoda has a few more features that may appeal to tech-savvy consumers, while the Mazda has better drive quality and fuel savings. If you find yourself shopping in this part of the segment you should absolutely drive both of the vehicles back to back to get an idea of what you will get at this price point.
