2019 Mazda CX-9

With 4 trim options, the 2019 CX-9 offers plenty of features for you. Even the base Sport trim is well equipped. In terms of interior quality and materials, it gets better with each trim. The base price starts from $32,280. You can avail of the AWD system at just $1,700 extra. The optional packages add charm to the Mazda.

Which trim should you buy?

The mid-tier Touring trim of the 2019 Mazda CX-9 offers a value for money package. As compared to the base trim, it will cost you $2-3k more and it will add better features such as fog lamps, bigger infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a leather seating surface, and a heating function for front seats and side mirrors. You can also avail the Touring Premium Package that will add top-notch features to the like a panoramic moonroof, Bose premium speakers, parking sensors, Sirius XM radio, and a Mazda Navigation system with a traffic and travel link subscription.

With its SkyActiv technology, Mazda cars are competitive in terms of performance as well as fuel economy. The SkyActiv-G 4 cylinder turbo engine on the 2019 Mazda CX-9 has a power output of 227 hp at 5,000 RPM and it puts out 310 lb-ft of torque at just 2,000 RPM. The engine is mated to 6-speed SkyActiv drive automatic transmission with overdrive. The transmission includes sports and manual shift mode with the paddle shifters. 

You can opt for the i-Activ AWD system for off-road adventures. With the towing equipment, the 2019 CX-9 can tow up to 3,500lbs and comes with trailer sway control. The acceleration is linear and the vehicle is agile. The 2019 CX-9 sprints from 0-60 MPH in 7.5 seconds. Moreover, the quarter-mile run takes 15.9 seconds to complete. The performance is average, yet decent for a 4,000 pound SUV. The low RPM torque ensures both capability and fuel economy, which makes the CX-9 a desirable SUV.

In terms of price, the CX-9 will not cost you more than its rivals. With its SkyActiv-G engine, the vehicle is quite capable. The Subaru Ascent is the only SUV with a standard AWD on its base trim. Also, it has a CVT with manual shift mode whereas the CX-9 and other rivals have 6-speed automatic transmissions. When it comes to torque output, the CX-9 is the only one that goes beyond 300 pound-feet. The lightweight Honda Pilot is no doubt the fastest of the lot.

How well does the 2019 Mazda CX-9 handle?

With the new SkyActiv platform and a tuned suspension, the 2019 CX-9 delivers a balanced and comfortable ride. The aerodynamic design provides enhanced agility and handling for the SUV. For a 4000 lbs SUV, it feels light with the speed-sensing steering. You have coil springs both with the front strut and rear multi-link suspension to keep the SUV stable. The anti-roll bars add further stability to the CX-9. All of that makes it the best-handling SUV in the whole segment. 

Braking Performance

The 2019 CX-9 has made no compromise with its safety. You get 4-wheel ABS brakes, front and rear discs, brake assistance, and hill hold control. There are 12.6-inch brake rotors at the front and bigger 12.8-inch rotors at the back, as the CX-9 is an FWD SUV. The brakes ensure that the SUV can stop from 60 MPH of speed at a distance of 126 feet.

As compared to the rivals, the 2019 CX-9 has the smallest brakes. Even after shedding a lot of weight, it is still pretty heavy. The Subaru Ascent is the heftiest one of the lot, however. When it comes to braking, almost all the rivals stop faster than the Mazda. The lightweight Honda Pilot stops in just 120 feet.

With the new SkyActiv-G engine, the 2019 CX-9 gets an extraordinary fuel economy. The 277 hp engine delivers 22 MPG in the city, 28 MPG on the highway, and a combined 24 MPG. With its 19.0-gallon fuel capacity, you get more than 500 miles of highway range where the city range is 418 miles. The AWD version affects the economy slightly.

No doubt, the Mazda CX-9 has the best in class fuel economy. It is closely followed by the Subaru Ascent and the Honda Pilot. The rivals couldn't match Mazda’s driving range even after having better fuel tank capacities. It gives the Mazda CX-9 an upper hand against the other practical touring SUVs. 

Mazda took it up a notch with its plush interiors and materials. Having one of the most premium cabins, the 2019 CX-9 is spacious as well. The cabin shines bright with premium chrome and metal-look accents. With central AC vents, the metal look design extends further. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and a leather gear knob are offered as standard. The base trim gets a 6-way driver and 4-way passenger seat manual adjustments. The higher trims offer an 8-way driver and 6-way passenger power-adjustable seats. 

The second row has a 60-40 split-bench seat with an optional heating function in the Signature trim. There's a third row 50-50 split-bench seat suitable for the kids but it can be folded to the floor to enhance cabin cargo space. Adding the convenience package gets you dual-zone automatic air-conditioning with separate controls for the rear, manual tilt, and telescoping steering, front and rear center armrest, and ambient interior lighting. As we move up the trim level, we get a 7.0inch TFT display with the gauge cluster, heated steering wheel, heads-up display, and a panoramic moonroof for the first row. Moreover, you get up to 4 seatback storage pockets and 2 USB ports.

With its 7 person seating capacity, the 2019 CX-9 ain't that bad in terms of practicality. However, rivals offer better 8 person seating space with plenty of third-row room. The cramped third row is a turndown, yet you can fold it down to get immense cargo room. Behind the third-row seats, you have 14.4 cubic feet of space. If you fold down the third-row seat, then you are left with 38.2 cubic feet of space. The cargo area becomes pretty huge at 71.2 cu ft if you go ahead and fold down the second-row seat as well.

Standout interior features:

• Premium chrome and metal-look accents
• Leather upholstery for the first two rows
• Heated front seats
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated second-row seats
• Dual-zone air-conditioning
• Panoramic sunroof

What's there to keep you entertained?

The base Sport trim of the CX-9 is equipped with a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. Powered by Mazda Connect, the infotainment offers HD radio, Pandora internet radio, Bluetooth and USB tethering, and audio connectivity. The infotainment gets a radio broadcast system and supports voice commands. As we move up the trim ladder, we have a bigger 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen which adds an AM/FM radio, SiriusXM radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. With 6-speakers as standard, the top-end trims get a better Bose sound system with 12 premium speakers and a subwoofer. You can also avail of the Mazda Connect navigation system with a travel and traffic link subscription to keep you connected while driving on the highway. There's a 7.0-inch TFT display at the center that shows real-time vehicle information, a trip computer, safety alerts, and much more at your fingertips.

Standout Infotainment features:

• Mazda Connect
• HD and Pandora internet radio
• Sirius XM radio subscription
• 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Apple Carplay and Android auto
• Bose premium speaker system
• Mazda Connect navigation system

When it comes to design, the 2019 CX-9 is a premium and stylish SUV. The modern exterior layout makes it more desirable. Mazda's Kodo design philosophy is the result of Mazda's new image in the market. The new CX-9 gets a sporty stance and is comparatively smaller than the previous model. The front fascia is designed with a chrome grille with fresh LED headlamps. The whole exterior comes with chrome accents that include bumpers, side windows, beltline, and roof rails as well. The coupe-style roofline meets with a lip spoiler at the back. The rear fascia looks good with chrome and LED tail lamps. Apart from the standard 18-inch aluminum alloys, you have bigger 20-inch alloys as optional.

The Mazda CX-9 is comparatively lighter than before with a 14% decrease in its weight. Yet we have lightweight rivals such as the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot. With its 199.4 inch length, the CX-9 is still one of the longest SUVs in its segment. To make it more capable, Mazda has retained its high ground clearance. Moreover, it is the only SUV with an aerodynamically sound design.

Standout exterior features:

• Aerodynamic design
• LED headlamps
• Chrome exterior accents
• Satin grille
• 20-inch aluminum alloys

The 2019 Mazda CX-9 uses the lightweight SkyActiv structure that offers reduced weight and enhances rigidity. With its high-strength steel frame, the CX-9 is pretty tough. In addition to that, we have aluminum body panels to provide strength to the cabin. In the NHTSA tests, it has scored 5 Stars and is awarded the Top Safety Pick + by the IIHS. The CX-9 offers the best safety even with its base trims. The standard safety features include smart brake support, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, backup camera, and roll stability control. The higher trims add lane keep assist with lane departure warning, top-view camera, and parking sensors for both front and rear.

Standout Safety features:

• Smart brake support
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane keep assist
• Lane departure warning
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Full-speed forward-collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Pedestrian detection
• Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control
• Adaptive headlights
• A surround-view parking camera system

2019 Mazda CX-9 vs 2019 Toyota Highlander

Both Mazda and Toyota make one of the most loved cars for the masses. With its new design philosophy, Mazda cars look much better than the ones from Toyota. When it comes to quality and comfort, both brands are close. Yet the Highlander is a more practical and spacious SUV than the CX-9. The Mazda is, however, much better to drive.

2019 Mazda CX-9 vs 2019 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent is the closest rival to the Mazda CX-9. The Mazda offers better convenience, quality, and reliability. On the other hand, we have Subaru with its performance, capability, and practicality. Both the SUVs are pretty amazing in their respective strengths. If you are willing to buy an SUV that can do both, the CX-9 is the better bet with its fuel economy and decent towing capacity.

2019 Mazda CX-9 vs 2019 Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot flies like the wind past the CX-9 with its V6 engine. It can seat up to 8 people inside and offers above-average comfort levels too. Moreover, the higher trims of the Pilot are well equipped. The CX-9 is close enough to Pilot if you don't count the practicality. If we compare the base trims, the Mazda is better equipped where Honda keeps the base package economic with limited features.

With its second-generation model, Mazda is playing a different game than any other brand in the segment. The 2019 CX-9 gives high-end vibes with its upscale design both inside-out. Even at a slightly bumped-up price, we are getting great value. The standard package includes premium interior materials, top-notch comfort, and convenience, satisfactory entertainment, and performance that won't disappoint you. If you want a full package, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 is the most amazing SUV you can get right now.