Is the Cadillac XT6 more reliable than the Mazda CX-9?

Based on our data, the Mazda CX-9 is more reliable with an average score of 76/100 compared to 73/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Cadillac XT6 or the Mazda CX-9?

The Cadillac XT6 has more recalls (14) compared to the Mazda CX-9 (6). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the Cadillac XT6 or the Mazda CX-9?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Cadillac XT6 has a lower complaint rate at 0.9 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 15 for the Mazda CX-9. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Which is cheaper to maintain, the Cadillac XT6 or the Mazda CX-9?

Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Mazda CX-9 is cheaper to maintain at $539/year versus $783/year for the Cadillac XT6.

Last updated: 2026-07-26

Cadillac XT6 vs Mazda CX-9: Reliability Compared

Cadillac XT6

Good

More Reliable

Mazda CX-9

Good

Choosing between the Cadillac XT6 and the Mazda CX-9? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Mazda CX-9 currently leads with an average score of 76/100 compared to 73/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Cadillac XT6 and Mazda CX-9 Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Mazda CX-9 is in its second generation, which began in 2016 and continued until 2024. This generation is considered mature, having benefited from nearly a decade of refinement, which typically results in well-sorted reliability. The CX-9's previous generation saw facelifts in 2010 and 2013, which often address earlier issues and improve overall dependability. On the other hand, the Cadillac XT6 is currently in its first generation, which started in 2020. Being relatively early in its lifecycle can sometimes mean that any initial issues have not yet been fully ironed out, though later models in the cycle often see improvements. With no major facelifts reported, potential buyers might expect some initial teething issues typical of newer platforms.

Verdict

The Mazda CX-9 is more reliable than the Cadillac XT6, scoring 76/100 vs 73/100.

The Mazda CX-9 edges out the Cadillac XT6 in reliability with a slightly higher average score of 76/100 compared to 73/100 for the XT6. While the CX-9 has a higher rate of owner complaints at 15 per 10,000 sold, it maintains a lower estimated annual repair cost of $539 versus the XT6's $783. The XT6, despite fewer owner complaints per capita, faces more frequent recalls with 14 over seven years compared to the CX-9's six over six years. Key issues for both models overlap, but the CX-9's lower cost of repairs presents it as the more economical choice in terms of long-term reliability.

Key Differences

1Mazda CX-9 costs $244 less per year to repair
2Cadillac XT6 has 14.1 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3Mazda CX-9 has 8 fewer total recalls

Category Scoreboard

1Cadillac XT6

—

3Mazda CX-9

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair Cost

Cadillac XT6 vs Mazda CX-9: Which Is More Reliable?

Cadillac XT6 vs Mazda CX-9 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Cadillac XT6	Mazda CX-9
Reliability Score	73/100	76/100
Years Tracked	7	6
Total Recalls	14	6
Complaints per 10k Sold	0.9	15
Annual Repair Cost	$783/yr	$539/yr
Year Wins	0	4

What Are the Common Problems With the Cadillac XT6 and Mazda CX-9?

The Mazda CX-9 has a notably higher incidence of engine-related issues, with 95 complaints, compared to only 2 engine complaints for the Cadillac XT6. The CX-9 also has a significant number of crash-linked complaints in the air bags category, with all 4 complaints linked to crashes, whereas the XT6 does not report any crash-linked air bag issues. Both vehicles show concerns in the electrical system and power train categories, but the CX-9 has a broader range of issues spread across more categories, including a higher number of crash-linked problems in service brakes and steering. In contrast, the XT6's most reported issues are in the power train and electrical system, with a lower overall complaint count.

Cadillac XT6 vs Mazda CX-9 common problem areas comparison
Component	Cadillac XT6	Mazda CX-9
ENGINE	—None	5.7Average
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.1Very Low	2Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	0.1Very Low	1.5Low
POWER TRAIN	0.2Very Low	1.2Low
SERVICE BRAKES	—None	0.7Very Low
STEERING	—None	0.4Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	0.1Very Low	0.2Very Low
STRUCTURE	—None	0.3Very Low
AIR BAGS	—None	0.2Very Low
SUSPENSION	—None	0.2Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM	—None	0.1Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—None	0.1Very Low
Chest Clip	—None	0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER	—None	0.1Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	—None	0.1Very Low

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Cadillac XT6 or Mazda CX-9?

The Mazda CX-9, with an annual repair cost of $539, offers a more budget-friendly option compared to the Cadillac XT6, which costs $783 annually. Over five years, this translates to a $1,220 savings with the Mazda. The CX-9 also has a lower repair frequency at 0.6 visits per year and a 10% risk of major repairs, providing peace of mind for cost-conscious buyers. Although specific data for the XT6's repair frequency and major repair risk isn't available, the higher annual repair cost suggests potentially higher maintenance demands. For those prioritizing value and reliability, the Mazda CX-9 is the preferred choice.

How Does Cadillac XT6 vs Mazda CX-9 Reliability Compare by Year?

Cadillac XT6 vs Mazda CX-9 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Cadillac XT6	Mazda CX-9	Edge
2023	73/1002R / 13C	81/1000R / 12C	Mazda CX-9
2022	72/1003R / 14C	81/1000R / 9C	Mazda CX-9
2021	73/1002R / 18C	77/1001R / 35C	Mazda CX-9
2020	72/1004R / 36C	78/1001R / 19C	Mazda CX-9

Best years to cross-shop: The 2023 Cadillac XT6 scored 73/100 and the 2023 Mazda CX-9 scored 81/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Cadillac XT6 vs the Mazda CX-9?

If you prioritize low running costs and a slightly better reliability score, the Mazda CX-9 might be the better choice for you. With a reliability score of 76/100, it edges out the Cadillac XT6's score of 73/100. The CX-9 also boasts a lower estimated annual repair cost of $539 and a repair frequency of 0.6 times per year. However, keep in mind it has a higher number of owner complaints, with 15 per 10,000 sold, and a moderate major repair risk of 10%. On the other hand, if you value fewer owner complaints and are willing to pay a bit more for potential repairs, consider the Cadillac XT6. Despite its 14 recalls, the XT6 has a remarkably low owner complaint rate of 0.9 per 10,000 sold. Its estimated annual repair cost is higher at $783, which might be worth it if you seek a quieter ownership experience in terms of user-reported issues.

Cadillac XT6 vs Mazda CX-9: Common Questions

Is the Cadillac XT6 more reliable than the Mazda CX-9?: Based on our data, the Mazda CX-9 is more reliable with an average score of 76/100 compared to 73/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Cadillac XT6 or the Mazda CX-9?: The Cadillac XT6 has more recalls (14) compared to the Mazda CX-9 (6). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Cadillac XT6 or the Mazda CX-9?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Cadillac XT6 has a lower complaint rate at 0.9 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 15 for the Mazda CX-9. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Cadillac XT6 or the Mazda CX-9?: Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Mazda CX-9 is cheaper to maintain at $539/year versus $783/year for the Cadillac XT6.

More Cadillac XT6 comparisons

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More Mazda CX-9 comparisons

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How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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