In June, SsangYong jumped into the local midsize-SUV battle with the Rexton, a seven-seater with a solid design and a polished interior. It enters the market in two variants, with the higher-end offering carrying a price tag of P2,230,000.
Impressions from the launch? The Rexton is a pretty intriguing prospect, with a cabin vibe that’s arguably a cut above plenty of the competition. For its price, this Korean-made vehicle is definitely worth a look.
What’s another seven-seat SUV with a top-notch interior? The Mazda CX-9, which we’re pitting against the Rexton for this week’s spec-sheet brawl. Sure, the Japanese ride is on the upper echelon of the price range (base model starts at P2,350,000), but it should be interesting what an extra P120,000 will get you, right?
The first thing you’ll notice is the engines. The Mazda CX-9 2.5 Skyactiv-Turbo Sport Touring runs on a 2.5-liter DOHC turbo gasoline capable of 228hp at 5,000rpm and 420Nm at 2,000rpm. Meanwhile, the SsangYong Rexton 2.2L 4x4 AT runs on a diesel mill with an output of 179hp at 4,000rpm and 420Nm between 1,600 and 2,600rpm. The Mazda gets front-wheel drive, while the Korean gets partial 4WD.
Other differences? Check out the table below to compare the two vehicles and let us know in the comments which one you’d choose.
Mazda CX-9 2.5 Skyactiv-Turbo Sport Touring |
SsangYong Rexton 2.2L 4x4 AT |
|
| Price (Philippine Peso) | 2,350,000 | 2,230,000 |
| Drive | FWD | Part-time 4WD |
| Seating capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Engine | 2.5-liter DOHC turbo gasoline | 2.2-liter diesel |
| Power | 228hp @ 5,000rpm | 179hp @ 4,000rpm |
| Torque | 420Nm @ 2,000rpm | 420Nm @ 1,600-2,600rpm |
| Fuel tank capacity (liters) | 72 | 70 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 7-speed automatic |
| Brakes (front/rear) | Ventilated discs/solid discs | Ventilated discs |
| Front suspension | MacPherson strut | Double-wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Multilink | Five-link |
| Wheels | 18-inch alloys | 20-inch alloys |
| Tires | 225/60 R18 | 255/50 R20 |
| Seats | Leather | Leather |
| Steering wheel | Leather with tilt and telescopic adjustment | Leather with tilt and telescopic adjustment |
| Ignition | Push-to-start | Push-to-start |
| Audio system | 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers | 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers |
| Climate control | Automatic | Automatic |
| Backup camera | Yes | Yes |
| Headlights | Automatic LED | Automatic |
| Airbags | Driver and passenger, side and curtain | Driver and passenger, side and curtain |
| Dimensions (mm) | 5,075 x 1,960 x 1,747 | 4,850 x 1,960 x 1,800 |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 220 | 224 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,930 | 2,865 |
