2020 Mazda CX-9

The Mazda CX-9 is available in 4 well-appointed trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature. The base CX-9 Sport starts at an MSRP of $33,790 and brings a lot of standard features including three-zone automatic climate control, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display, rear privacy glass, and safety features like Smart City Brake Support automatic emergency braking, and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. 

The Touring trim starts at $35,710 and Grand Touring at $41,550. The 2020 CX-9 comes with standard FWD and adding AWD costs an extra $1,800. The top-spec Signature that includes AWD as standard equipment starts from $46,215. For buyers looking for more convenience features like rear power tailgate, heated side mirrors, leather-trimmed seats, a larger (8.0-inch) infotainment system, and Apple Carplay and Android Auto, should look for Touring and above models.

The Grand Touring trim is equipped with 20-inch alloys, front and rear parking, and exterior chrome accents sensors. The top-spec Signature trim is the flagship model in the CX-9 lineup, the luxury on offer rivals vehicles from a segment higher. It brings in Auburn Nappa leather seats, a hand-stitched, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Santos rosewood interior trim.

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Most of the buyers will like the Touring trim that comes with additional creature comforts like leather-trimmed seats, an 8-inch infotainment system with support for Apple Carplay, and Android Auto. With the available smartphone integration, you don’t need to get the optional Touring package for navigation. These features will make your ownership experience a more pleasurable affair. 

The 2020 Mazda CX-9 relies on its turbocharger for some of the best fuel economy ratings. The EPA estimated the CX-9's fuel economy at 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The AWD models are rated at 20/26 mpg city/highway.

Looking at the competition, the newly introduced Subaru Ascent delivers a similar fuel economy, which is great considering its a standard all-wheel-drive.

“Pretty much everything about the CX-9's interior feels right and thoughtfully designed.”- Edmunds

For a non-luxury brand, Mazda CX-9's interior quality is class-leading and is apparently comparable to superior class rivals. Soft-touch materials have been generously used across the cabin which can accommodate up to 7 passengers in three rows. The 2020 CX-9 is a little low on utility, unlike the competition, it only offers minimal space for storing miscellaneous items. When we talk about the first row, the seats provide good cushioning and there is good headroom and legroom for taller passengers. On higher trims, the driver and passenger have heated seats and power-adjustable seats while the higher trims also offer ventilated seats.

The base CX-9 Sport trim offers cloth upholstery while higher trims offer leather-trimmed seats and the top-spec Signature trim offers Nappa-leather seats. Three-zone climate control is a standard feature, the second row can accommodate 3 passengers albeit there is a slight bump on the floor. The CX-9 doesn’t offer the best amenities for third-row passengers. CX-9 has one of the lowest passenger volumes in the third row. Shoppers can opt for second-row captain's chair which reduces the seating capacity to six.

Unlike the Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9 doesn’t offer electronically foldable second-row seats. So, to access the third row you need to pull a lever behind the seat and push the seat to make a passage for entering the third row. Although the Mazda is the longest crossover in the segment, it fails to provide good third-row space for the passengers.

Interior Features

• Three-zone automatic climate control with pollen filter
• Power sliding-glass moonroof with one-touch-open feature and interior sunshade
• Power windows with one-touch down/up feature
• Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
• Push Button Start
• Aluminium interior trim
• Remote fuel-door release
• 2nd-row retractable window sunshades
• Power door locks with speed-sensing auto-locking

The Mazda CX-9 offers 14.4 cu-ft. of space behind the third row. The CX-9 offers something else, it is a better driver’s car in the three-row family crossover segment. The Mazda CX-9 doesn’t store as much as other competing crossovers in the segment. Ford Explorer offers the best in class – 21 cu-ft. of rear cargo space.

The base trim offers a 7-inch touchscreen display and the higher trims upgrade it to an 8-inch display which comes with standard Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Mazda incorporates a dial-based controller for the infotainment system. You can use the touch screen only when the car is stationary, on the move use the controller. Like German cars, the volume dial has been placed adjacent to the shifter. Bose audio system is a standard feature on Grand Touring trim and above. 

Some other infotainment features include:

• AM/FM/HD Radio
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• 8-speaker full-range door-mounted type sound system
• Tweeter speakers
• Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio
• 2 USB ports
• MAZDA CONNECT infotainment system inc. voice command

“If you’re looking for a bit of elegance in your next family hauler, the CX-9 has it in spades. We think it's beautiful.”- KelleyBlueBook

As many SUVs get more angular, the CX-9 makes do with hardly any straight lines, proving that curvy can still easily be beautiful. Unlike other manufacturers, Mazda has developed the CX-9 to be a little different three-row vehicle. The CX-9 follows Mazda KODO design philosophy and it is easy to spot the similarities with Mazda’s other vehicles. The CX-9 carries an athletic stance and really hides its size well with a beautifully designed exterior.

That big grille up front adds to the premium cred, yet doesn't seem overboard.  The CX-9 is exceptionally handsome, especially for a crossover, so if style and features are paramount but the badge is of little importance, this Mazda represents an appealing near-luxury alternative to many more expensive options.

CX-9 is at the heavier side in this segment, tips the scale at 4317 pounds. At 199.4 inches, the CX-9 is the longest crossover in this segment. Although it has a wheelbase of 115.3 inches it doesn’t offer the best cabin space in this segment. With 8.8-inches of ground clearance, the Mazda beats the newly introduced Subaru Ascent by 0.1 inches.

The Mazda CX-9 scores good safety ratings in the crash tests conducted by NHTSA and IIHS. The 2020 CX-9 scores an overall 5-star rating from NHTSA while it receives the highest rating of Good in all six crash tests and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS. For 2020, Mazda makes its i-Activsense driver assistance suite standard across the CX-9 lineup. This suite adds active safety features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Other than these, the 2020 CX-9 features a standard rearview camera, a traffic sign recognition system, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Safety Features

• Side-impact door beams
• Advanced Smart City Brake Support with pedestrian detection
• Smart Brake Support
• Child-safety rear door locks
• Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control System and Trailer Stability Assist
• Roll Stability Control
• Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Lane-keep Assist
• Lane Departure Warning
• LATCH 2nd-row seat child-safety-seat anchors & upper tether anchors
• Engine-immobilizer antitheft system
• Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brake force Distribution & Brake Assist
• 8 Airbags

2020 Mazda CX-9 vs 2020 Honda Pilot

Honda Pilot uses a 280 horsepower V6 engine, unlike Mazda's turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The 2020 Pilot is the top-rated SUV in the segment, known for its powerful engine, highly practical interiors with a seating capacity of eight, and value for money.  In terms of pricing, the Honda Pilot starts at $31,450 while the base CX-9 costs $33,790. However, the CX-9 looks upscale inside out and offers a good amount of standard fitments.

 The 2020 Honda Pilot has incorporated many changes and has a very intuitive infotainment system on offer but Mazda’s cabin feels more premium. The Pilot scores well on utility as it offers electrically operated second-row seats for convenient third-row access. But when we consider drivability, the CX-9 comes off as a better choice.

2020 Mazda CX-9 vs 2020 Ford Explorer

The 2020 Ford Explorer is one of the oldest nameplates in this segment and comes with a 288 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. The Explorer ranks in the top half of the midsize SUV segment for its spacious cabin, decent off-roading capacity, and the versatility of three engine choices. The Mazda has only one engine on offer – a 2.5-liter inline-four, which is powerful enough.

Ford Explorer offers more features than the CX-9 but it comes at a higher price tag. For the value of money, athletic drivability, and premium interior, the CX-9 is a good choice. In case you are looking for more practicality and V6 power, the Ford Explorer should be on the list.

2020 Mazda CX-9 vs 2020 Subaru Ascent

Subaru Ascent is the newest contender in the three-row crossover segment with plenty of cargo space and a seating capacity of up to 8. Like CX-9, the Ascent is also one of the better-driving vehicles in the market with balanced ride quality. It may be noted that Subaru Ascent's higher [rice tag includes a standard all-wheel drive. Subaru’s Eyesight safety system and Mazda's i-Activesense are quite comparable and include equally advanced safety features. 

Both the cars are equally good. If you want a good-driving crossover then CX-9 ought to be on the list, otherwise, the choice depends on personal preference.

This Mazda CX-9 is one of the better-driving cars in this segment with a good low-end grunt and a powerful midrange power. You don’t need to push the engine to its limit to extract its best performance. The Mazda offers a well-built class-leading interior, plush ride, and a well-engineered inline-four engine that cements CX-9’s image as a driver’s car. If you can compromise on utility a bit, then the Mazda CX-9 is a choice that will have you grinning ear to ear every time you get behind the wheel.