The 2020 Mazda CX-9 comes in four trims: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and Signature. The CX-9 boasts three rows of seating with room for up to seven passengers and it comes with standard front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available. The crossover is powered by a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 227 horsepower and an impressive 320 pound-feet of torque at just 2,000 rpm. Power is sent to the wheels by a 6-speed automatic transmission. The CX-9 has an impressive EPA-estimated mileage of 22-city and 28-highway mpg.
Even the base Sport is nicely equipped, with three rows of seating for up to seven passengers, 3-zone automatic climate control, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power operated heated front seats, push button start, Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 7-inch color touchscreen, a rearview camera and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. The exterior of the CX-9 is highlighted by 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, LED taillights, heated mirrors, a rear spoiler and dual exhaust outlets. Active safety features include rear-cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring.
The Touring adds keyless entry and start, a power tailgate with programmable height adjustment, rain-sensing windshield wipers, leather seating, an 8-inch color touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard advanced safety features include a blind-spot warning system with rear cross traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist and radar cruise control. An available Premium Package brings LED fog lights, power moonroof, Bose 12-speaker stereo system, navigation, front and rear parking sensors and more.
Stepping up to the Grand Touring affords 20-inch alloy wheels, a power sliding moonroof, front and rear parking sensors, roof rails and chrome exterior accents. Inside there's a head-up display, 12-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, 360-degree view monitor, aluminum inlays, driver's seat memory, ventilated front seats and heated second row seats.
Finally, the top-of-the-line CX-9 Signature brings standard all-wheel drive in addition to LED accent lighting in the grille, LED interior ambient lighting, Napa leather seating and trim with rosewood inlays and a leather steering wheel.
Standard safety features on all CX-9s include dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, a rearview camera and a tire-pressure monitor.
Standout Styling
Feature-rich Trims
Advanced Safety Features
Powerful Turbocharged Engine
Sporty Handling
Fuel Efficiency
Mazda have subtly improved the CX-9 for the 2020 model year. The most obvious change is to the second row, which can now be optioned with heated captain's chairs which add a big dose of comfort for rear seat occupants. Mechanically, the CX-9 gets a few improvements to the engine for slightly better torque, while an off-road traction control system has also been introduced for this year. The 2020 CX-9 also represents a slightly better value when compared to last year's model as heated seats and mirrors now come standard on even the base Sport trim.
The CX-9 is Mazda's flagship crossover SUV, and with seating for seven, it's the perfect way to carry friends and family wherever you need to go. Its fuel-efficient turbocharged engine and competent chassis allow for sporty driving, while available all-wheel drive delivers performance in all road conditions. With a price starting at around $33,000 the CX-9 is competitive in this crowded segment against the likes of the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot. Mazda's superior driving experience and luxurious interior appointments tip the scales in the CX-9's favor.
