I have the choice of buying a 2022 Mazda CX-9 AWD GT SP or a 2022 Toyota Fortuner 2.7L 4WD Petrol SUV here in the West Indies. I prefer the Mazda because of it's luxury for the price. However, I know Scotty Kilmer normally speak against buying turbo-charged vehicles. I also recently watched a video on Car Help Corner's YouTube channel: "Are Turbocharged Engines Reliable? The Truth About Turbo Engines" and he spoke against them. Essentially because they are not good for short trips and stop and go driving which will essentially be the case with which ever one I choose on this small island I live on. He basically said turbos need long roads to drive on so that they can heat up to operating temperate or the engine will build up a lot of carbon if these cars are not driven for long distances and they are only driven for short trips. I called my dealer about this, who happens to be the importer of these two brands (among many others) and he essentially told me that the Mazdas I will be buying are ones with short turbos. Those ones are what Mazda send to my island. The turbos kick in at longer RPMs or sooner so I wouldn't have to worry about those problems. I will like to know if this true? I want a 7-seater with three rows to carry my large family. I love the Mazda CX-9 and it is actually cheaper than this Toyota Fortuner, XCD $218,000 vs XCD $244,000. It is stylish and has twin exhausts pipes, a good sound system, is beautiful and so on, but I want to know which one is better for reliability, comfort and will better suit my needs of carrying five children plus me and my wife. Mr. Kilmer can you give me some advice on which one is better to make the best choice?
The Fortuner is a body on frame SUV, based on the legendary Hilux platform. As a result, it’s ride quality is not the greatest. However, with proper maintenance, it can last forever and can withstand a LOT of abuse.
The CX-9 is a monocoque soft reader, and much more roomier (and comfier) than the Fortuner.
If you haven’t already, test drive them both extensively, with your entire family onboard. I have a hunch they’ll prefer the ride & space of the CX-9.
When it comes to reliability and longevity, there’s no question that the Toyota 2TR-FE engine is the way to go. https://www.motorreviewer.com/engine.php?engine_id=125
All the best!
Thank you very much for your information. 👍🏿
My pleasure!
I prefer the Mazda because of it's luxury for the price. However, I know Scotty Kilmer normally speak against buying turbo-charged vehicles.
The SkyActive Turbo is too new to know much but there are already accounts of oil consumption, I'd AVOID it.
2022 Toyota Fortuner 2.7L 4WD Petrol SUV
Delightful SUV! probably the best new SUV Toyota makes.
The 2.7L Tachoma engine is very good and the 6 speed Tachoma-based transmission seems to be also very dependable.
Thank you very much for your information. 👍🏿
Tough call. We don’t get the Fortuner where I live, so that would be a fun choice. At the same time the CX-9 is a pretty nice vehicle.
If you want great reliability and great longevity, go with the Fortuner.
If you want comfort with decent reliability and longevity, go with the CX-9. I think Mazda has come a long way. And I personally would take a chance on it. Just make sure to keep up with the maintenance.
If you do decide to go with the CX-9, consider installing an oil catch can because of direct injection. Scotty had videos about what they are and how they work and even how to install them.
Thank you very much for your information. 👍🏿