What's New
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 returns with several changes. The engine has been enhanced to deliver 23 more horsepower and 10 more pound-feet of torque than the outgoing model on 93 octane premium gasoline. The CX-9 also becomes the first Mazda to be available with the brand's new off-road traction assist feature, which is included when all-wheel drive is selected.
All models now come standard with heated front seats and the i-Activsense suite of active safety features, which includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and more.
The Touring and above receive a new 9-inch touchscreen, while the Touring and Grand Touring are available with new second-row captain's chairs. These come standard on the range-topping Signature.
Choosing Your Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 is available in four trims: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature. Pricing starts at $34,835 including destination for the base model and reaches $47,160 for the Signature.
Engine Choices
The CX-9 features a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It produces 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque when using regular unleaded gasoline. When fueled by premium gas, these numbers increase to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque.
Front-wheel drive is standard on all but the Signature, which comes with standard all-wheel drive. AWD is available on the three lower trims for $1,900.
According to the EPA, the CX-9 achieves 22 miles per gallon city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 combined. These figures drop to 20/26/23 mpg (city/highway/combined) with AWD.
The CX-9’s 3,500-pound towing capacity matches the Honda Pilot.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The Mazda CX-9 seats up to seven or six with the available second-row captain’s chairs. The interior space is slightly smaller than some rivals, including the Chevrolet Traverse and Volkswagen Atlas.
Choice materials are found throughout the cabin. The front seats are comfortable, offering superior back, hip, and thigh support. The optional leather seats are plush, yet supportive.
Cargo space is one of the CX-9’s weaknesses, measuring just 14.4 cubic feet behind the third row. Even with the second- and third-row seats folded, cargo space measures 71.2 cubic feet, which is far less than the 97.6 cubic feet found in the Buick Enclave.
Safety Features
Mazda supplies several driver assist technologies under its newly standard i-Activsense suite. These include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The Grand Touring and Signature also include a surround-view camera system and front and rear parking sensors.
The CX-9 carries a five-star overall safety rating with the NHTSA, and is a Top Safety Pick Plus according to the IIHS.
Connectivity
The CX-9 has a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, HD radio, Pandora and Stitcher integration, and two front USB ports. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren't standard, but Apple CarPlay is available for $200 on the base model.
The Touring and above are equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two second-row USB ports. The Grand Touring further includes navigation, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, satellite radio, and two third-row USB ports.
Mazda equips the standard Sport model with LED headlights and taillights, automatic high beams, heated side mirrors, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the cabin features cloth seating, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat with lumbar control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and three-zone automatic climate control. Keyless entry and push button start are also standard.
The Touring trim adds leather seating, the 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a power front passenger seat, and a power liftgate. Other changes of note include additional cup holders and a power slide-and-tilt second-row seat.
An available Premium Package ($2,100) brings a moonroof, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, satellite radio, two third-row USB ports, front and rear parking sensors, and LED fog lights. With it selected, buyers can opt for the second-row captain's chairs for no cost.
At the Grand Touring level, the CX-9 comes with a moonroof, a hands-free liftgate, roof rails, an adaptive front lighting system, LED fog lights, 20-inch wheels, chrome body molding, and power-folding side mirrors.
Also included is the Bose audio system, navigation system, surround-view camera system, ventilated front seats, heated second row outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, and front and rear parking sensors.
The second-row captain's chairs are a no-cost option here.
The top-of-the-line Signature comes standard with all-wheel drive and the second-row captain's chairs. Upgraded exterior color choices, premium Nappa leather seating, and real wood trim are also included.