| 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
Features Comparison: Ford Explorer vs. Mazda CX-9
| Model Year | 2012 | 2012 | 2012 | 2012--2017 | 2012--2017 | 2012--2017 |
| Model | Explorer | Explorer | Explorer | CX-9 | CX-9 | CX-9 |
| Trim | Base | XLT | Limited | Sport | Touring | Grand Touring |
| Engines | ||||||
| Transmissions | ||||||
| Drivetrains | ||||||
| Tires | ||||||
| Audio Systems | ||||||
| Accessories | ||||||
| Powers devices with a regular home electrical outlet. Limited wattage: forget about using it to power a blow drier. | ||||||
| Automatically maintains set distance behind preceding vehicle as well as set speed. Minimum speed around 30 mph. Replaces regular cruise control, and includes its value. | ||||||
| Unlock the car by entering a code on a door-mounted keypad. | ||||||
| Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available. | ||||||
| Liftgate can be opened and closed using buttons inside the vehicle and on the keyfob. | ||||||
| Pedals adjust fore-and-aft to provide the optimal relationship with the steering wheel. | ||||||
| Enter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket. | ||||||
| Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob. | ||||||
| Start the car using a button on the keyfob. Interior can be a comfortable temperature as soon as you get in. | ||||||
| Operate the power windows, sunroof, and/or convertible roof using buttons on the keyfob. | ||||||
| Automatically steers the vehicle into a parking space. Driver operates the transmission, and sometimes also the brake and accelerator. | ||||||
| Homelink. | ||||||
| Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety | ||||||
| Rear disc brakes. | ||||||
| Automatically contacts 911 through a linked cell phone in the event of a severe collision. | ||||||
| If active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common. | ||||||
| Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars. | ||||||
| Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time. | ||||||
| Mirror-mounted lights indicate when another vehicle is in a blind spot. | ||||||
| When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes. | ||||||
| Warns of traffic coming from either direction when vehicle is in reverse, to prevent accidents when backing out of parking spaces. | ||||||
| Slows vehicle down when it senses that the vehicle is going too fast for a curve. | ||||||
| Alerts driver when approaching the preceding car too quickly. | ||||||
| Mandatory, in all cars. | ||||||
| Selectively applies the brakes to maintain a slow, steady descent on off-road downhill slopes. | ||||||
| Applies the brakes to hold the vehicle in place on an incline. Incomplete data, so only displayed when pricing a single vehicle. | ||||||
| Outboard rear shoulder belts inflate in a collision. | ||||||
| Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid. | ||||||
| Sounds horn and flashes hazad lights if airbags or seat belt pretensioners have been activated. | ||||||
| Prepares brakes (and sometimes also seat belts) for use when radar detects an imminent collision. Might also move seats and close windows. Early Lexus system used laser. Since automatic braking became common it has been unclear which models have this feat | ||||||
| Rearview camera connected to display screen on the instrument panel. Often requires navigation system. | ||||||
| Deploys extended duration side curtain airbags when the vehicle rolls over. Usually included on tall vehicles. Rare on others. | ||||||
| Individual keys can be coded to enforce specific driving restrictions, such as maximum speed and audio volume. | ||||||
| Airbags contained just above the window level. Cover all three rows. | ||||||
| Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning). | ||||||
| Select electronic chassis control settings for a specific terrain type. | ||||||
| Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire. | ||||||
| When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction. | ||||||
| Automatically applies a front brake to counteract sway induced by a trailer. | ||||||
| Periodically uploads and emails a vehicle diagnostic check. | ||||||
| Cargo Management | ||||||
| Hitch rated for up to 3,500 pounds. Capacity of the vehicle could be lower. | ||||||
| Hitch rated for up to 5,000 pounds. Capacity of the vehicle could be lower. | ||||||
| Usually part of an overhead console. | ||||||
| Requires roof rails. Together constitute a roof rack. | ||||||
| No crossbars. | ||||||
| Second-row center console that rises to armrest height, and usually includes storage. | ||||||
| Large storage area beneath the load floor, often compartmentalized. | ||||||
| Includes four-wire harness, limited to relatively small trailers. | ||||||
| Includes seven-wire harness, necessary for larger trailers. | ||||||
| Climate Control | ||||||
| Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value. | ||||||
| Temperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value. | ||||||
| Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features. | ||||||
| Wipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor. | ||||||
| Maintains set temperature in rear passenger area by providing heated or cooled air through vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Replaces and includes value of rear air vents with manual controls. | ||||||
| Fan speed and/or temperature can be manually set for vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Includes value of rear vents. | ||||||
| Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row. | ||||||
| A second evaporator provides cool air to rear vents. Does not include the value of these vents. Includes rear heater. | ||||||
| Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars. | ||||||
| Time between wipes can be precisely adjusted. | ||||||
| Engine / Motor | ||||||
| No value because no way to compare across models. | ||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||||||
| Exterior | ||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||||||
| Protective cladding extending partly onto the doors. | ||||||
| Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust. | ||||||
| Flaps mounted behind two to four wheels, to protect the body from mud and rocks. | ||||||
| Front glass panel retracts over a fixed glass roof panel. Entire unit covers nearly the entire roof. | ||||||
| Can be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler. | ||||||
| Extensions to the wheel opening, both decorative and protective. | ||||||
| Infotainment | ||||||
| Jacks for a video camera, game console, or other device with A/V output. | ||||||
| Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car. | ||||||
| Uses Bluetooth rather than a cable to integrate audio device. Requires compatible audio device and/or phone. | ||||||
| Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers. | ||||||
| Includes CD player. | ||||||
| Audio system capable of playing DVDs on a front-row screen. Inoperative when the vehicle is moving. No value because of incomplete data. | ||||||
| A DVD player and two front headrest-mounted screens. | ||||||
| A DVD player and ceiling-mounted screen. Often includes a pair of wireless headphones. | ||||||
| High-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees. | ||||||
| Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files. | ||||||
| Screen-based navigation system. | ||||||
| Simple directions displayed on rudimentary screen and/or spoken over audio system. Fee after first 3-12 months. | ||||||
| XM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply. | ||||||
| SD, CF, PCMCIA, or other digital media reader. | ||||||
| Converts text messages to speech. | ||||||
| Information about traffic plus weather, gas prices, sports news, and/or movie times. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months. | ||||||
| Information about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months. | ||||||
| Often permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls. | ||||||
| Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system. | ||||||
| Phone or other device operated via the vehicle's voice command system. Requires a compatible device--all aren't supported. | ||||||
| Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system. | ||||||
| Provides Wi-Fi within the car. Requires mobile modem and non-dedicated broadband service. | ||||||
| Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors | ||||||
| Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | ||||||
| Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights. | ||||||
| Headlights automatically turn off. | ||||||
| We haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it. | ||||||
| Light wide area close in front of the vehicle. | ||||||
| Clears ice and fog from mirrors. | ||||||
| Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | ||||||
| Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | ||||||
| LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior. | ||||||
| The information displayed by the instruments can be customized. Color display(s) of at least 20 square inches. | ||||||
| Front row reading lights. | ||||||
| Area around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked. | ||||||
| Includes value of manual remote mirrors. | ||||||
| Mirrors fold and unfold with the touch of a button inside the vehicle. Good for narrow roads and parking lots. | ||||||
| Auxiliary convex lens in the corner of the outside mirror that improves view of the driver's blind spot. | ||||||
| Reports engine speed. | ||||||
| Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats. | ||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||||||
| Provide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights. | ||||||
| Seats and Interior Trim | ||||||
| All-weather floormats. | ||||||
| Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat. | ||||||
| Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat. | ||||||
| Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette. | ||||||
| Seat adjusts back and forth to vary the split between the second row and the third row or cargo area. | ||||||
| Manually adjustable lower back support. | ||||||
| Manually adjustable lower back support. | ||||||
| Power-adjustable lower back support. | ||||||
| Power-adjustable lower back support. | ||||||
| Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment. | ||||||
| Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment. | ||||||
| Seat powers into a well completely beneath the floor level to enlarge cargo area. Also powers back upright. Replaces manual stowing seat, and includes the value of that feature. | ||||||
| Seat stows in a well completely beneath the floor level. | ||||||
| Third-row seat can be flipped over to face out the rear of the vehicle, for use with the tailgate open. | ||||||
| Suspension, Wheels, and Tires | ||||||
| Alloy wheels highly polished to yield an almost chrome-like finish. In the past valued more highly than regular alloy wheels. But the term is used so broadly lately, often meaning that only some of the wheel face is machined, that they have the same defau | ||||||
| Lug nuts that can only be removed using a special key. Prevents theft of wheels. | ||||||
| Transmission | ||||||
| Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars. | ||||||
Option Package Contents
SYNC
Trailer Tow Package - Class III
Package 201A
Trailer Tow Package - Class III
MyFord Touch w/SYNC
Package 202A
Package 302A / 303A
Trailer Tow Package - Class III
Package 301A
Power driver seat
Premium Package
Premium Package
Rear Seat Entertainment System Pkg.
Towing Prep
See TrueDelta's information for all SUVs
See TrueDelta's information for all Ford models.
What Our Members Are Saying about the Available Features of the 2012 Ford Explorer
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
What Our Members Are Saying about the Available Features of the 2012--2017 Mazda CX-9
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD