2020 Mazda CX-9 – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Specs

The Wonders and Fine Arts of the CX-9

No further within the boundaries the territories of import automotive produce will you find a 7-seat hauler that hits as many sweet points as the CX-9.  The look good, feel good cross-over gives you pretty much all the everyday essentials road transportation.  That is, a spacious interior, lustful interior all working magically together in a fun and peppy driving experience.

In terms of flavors, the CX-9 comes in a Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature trims. Standard on the Sport trim comes standard with LED headlights, cloth seating material, 18″ wheels and Mazda Connect. Touring introduces safety tech features including a rear-view camera, blind spot monitor, keyless entry and ups the audio entertainment with a 12-speaker BOSE sound system while the Grand Touring model receives larger 20″ wheels Mazda’s Active Driving Heads-Up Display that projects vehicle and navigation information onto the driver side’s windshield. Finally, the highest Signature model comes with Mazda’s i-ACTIV all-wheel drive system for improved climate immunity and heightened handling performance.Flourish and refinement continues into 2018 with the adoption of the G-Vectoring control and improvements made to reduce noise, vibration and harshness.  All features part of the MY17 technology package are also lumped into the all GT models.

What’s New for 2020

A new wireless charger in the front center console now comes available along with options for upgrading the wheel size to 20″.  Other than that, Mazda has kept all other features and trims intact.

Mazda is also betting big on tech this year with the introduction of Traffic Sign Recognnition System (TSR) that displays the traffic sign right onto the integrated heads up display and an intelligent Smart Brake Support system that can detect pedestrians walking in its driving path and automatically apply emergency brakes within a 10km/h speed limit.

The Interior

Certainly the favorite part of mots, but it’s by all means not at the luxury level, but certainly well executed with quality in mind. The cabin space is warm and welcoming with extra plush front seats, soft leather paneling and straight-forward climate and infotainment controls located on the center console. Consistent with other models within its brand, looks are kept simple and minimal with a homogeneous black interior decorated with various faux brushed aluminum, chrome trimmings and polished plastic material coverings. A dual tone color combination can be configured with Chroma Brown Nappa leather in the interior paneling material in the Signature model.

Second row seats three adults comfortably with not too much complaint for legroom, and it’s even got a dedicated climate controlled vents for added comfort. A simple pull of a spring-loaded latch quickly collapses the second row seats for added cargo space. The third row seats two, but is constructed of lower grade material and less cushioning with the ability to fold down and sit flushed with the bed of the interior, which is a sought after feature for cargo hauling purposes.

Mazda’s infotainment is a bit behind times in both the user interface and performance.  Nevertheless, it’s still fully functional and provides all the basic and expected features of modern-day expectations in the technology realm.

Spirited Driving

The Mazda CX9 is put into motion by a SKYACTIV-G 2.5T 4 cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration is surprisingly quick and responsive to the pedal, and that is by no mistake either. Despite the inherent flaw of turbo-lag, Mazda engineers were able to alleviate the conventional performance drawback by dynamically controlling the exhaust pressure entering into the turbine. The result is a surprisingly linear power delivery that mimics the performance of a naturally aspirated V6.  In reality though; it is the torque provided by working the turbo to bring up low-end speed.  As higher speeds are reached, power begins to quickly diminish and reveals the limited power output from its 4 cylinder engine.

Fuel efficiency is also benefited by the turbo setup. the Mazda CX9 gets an EPA rating of 22/25/28 city, highway and combined respectively for the FWD model. The AWD’s fuel efficiency is slightly penalized with 21/27/23 MPG due to inherent friction within its more complex transmission.

Handling feels capable and dynamic, and its curb weight is by no means considered light at 4,054 lbs for the FWD model and 4,301 lbs with an AWD transmission. Still, handling remains relatively composed around cornering without too much unwanted body roll. In city driving, the cabin space remains relatively quiet and well insulated from external road and engine noise. Acceleration is swift and smooth, and overall; a pleasant and comfortable driving experience with a slight hint of performance capability.

Our tested model is the GS-L Touring trim with the AWD transmission configured and price tested at $43,395. It’s not the highest trim, but certainly provides a very good and comprehensive list of standard features and amenities that sustains the quality experience of the CX-9 that includes heated steering, power-glass moon roof, and leather upholstery, keyless entry and safety tech features including a rear view camera, rear cross-traffic alert warning and blind-spot monitoring system.

This still puts the CX-9 up for questions in terms of price point. the Hyundai Santa Fe XL offers near equal quality with lavish styling and interior decals and powered by a V6 – that can be had for $42,599. The Kia Sorento can be head for even less while still having the ability to seat 7.

Keeping multiple vehicles for multiple purposes is deemed impractical for most, and having a family further heightens the improbable. With that said, the Mazda CX9 hits the spot with a well-defined balance of beautiful styling, luscious interior, spirited driving and quality within.

Specifications

• Vehicle : 2020 Mazda CX-9
• Model : CX-9
• Vehicle Type : Cross-over SUV
• Seating Capacity : 7
• Engine :SKYACTIV-G 2.5T
• Transmission : 6-Speed automatic available
• Price as tested: $43,395

Pros

• Luscious styling inside out
• Quality interior cabin interior
• Peppy engine and responsive performance
• Silky smooth acceleration and an overall comfortable ride

Cons

• Dated infotainment system.