History/Overview
The Mazda CX-9 is the brand’s largest model, a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating. Mazda introduced the current second-generation CX-9 in 2016, and has added minor updates almost every year since.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2021, Mazda adds Kuro Edition and 100th Anniversary trim levels to the top of the CX-9’s range. There’s also a mid-year 2021.5 update that brings a new, larger infotainment display, and more standard driver safety assistance features.
Available Trims
Mazda makes the CX-9 available in GS, GS-L, GT, Kuro Edition, Signature, and 100th Anniversary trim levels. All share a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, AWD, and a six-speed automatic transmission.
Standard Features
CX-9 GS trim comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, LED headlights with automatic levelling/auto high beams, and rain-sensing wipers. Inside, there’s a 10.25-inch infotainment display, a six-speaker stereo, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, three-zone A/C, a part-digital gauge cluster, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and an eight-way power driver’s seat.
Among the CX-9’s driver assists are radar cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision avoidance assist, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist.
GS-L trim adds paddle shifters, 20-inch wheels, LED fog lights, sunroof, wireless smartphone charging, second-row USB ports, passive keyless entry, an auto-dimming mirror, power tailgate, leather upholstery, heated second-row seats, a 10-way driver’s seat with lumbar, and a power front-passenger seat.
GT models gain power-folding side mirrors, a 12-speaker stereo, third-row USB ports, navigation, satellite radio, hands-free tailgate, rear-door sunshades, ambient cabin lighting, ventilated front seats, an eight-way front-passenger seat with lumbar, aluminum dash trim, driver attention alert, 360-degree camera views, front and rear parking sensors, rear collision avoidance assist, and traffic sign recognition.
The Kuro package is a cosmetic option with black exterior elements, red leather seating, contrast stitching, and black metallic cabin trim.
Signature trim gets a lighted grille, a frameless rearview mirror, quilted Nappa leather seating with piping, upgraded steering wheel stitching, and rosewood dash trim.
The 100th Anniversary trim brings red carpet to match the Kuro’s seats, white trim throughout the cabin, and 100th Anniversary logos inside and out.
Key Options
The CX-9’s only option is second-row captain’s chairs to replace the standard bench seat.
Fuel Economy
Mazda’s fuel consumption estimates for the CX-9 are 11.6/9.1 L/100 km (city/highway).
Competition
With the CX-9, Mazda competes with vehicles like the Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Sorento, Kia Telluride, Subaru Ascent, and the Volkswagen Atlas.
