2020 Mazda CX-9 Review

　　

2020 Mazda CX-9 Review

byTravis LangnessReviews Editor

　　Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.

　　The 2020 Mazda CX-9 is proof that a fun-to-drive formula used for small cars like the Mazda 3 can also work on a three-row SUV. Drivers will be impressed with its handling, smooth ride and fuel economy. In a class of large vehicles, those three strengths make the CX-9 a break from the norm.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Mazda CX-9 Sport 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$191/mo  for CX-9 Sport

　　CX-9 Sport

　　Sport 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $33,890 MSRPSport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $35,790 MSRPTouring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $35,710 MSRPTouring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) (Most Popular) - $37,610 MSRPGrand Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $41,550 MSRPGrand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $43,450 MSRPSignature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $46,215 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　There are more conventional SUV things to like about it too. The interior, especially in higher trims, is outfitted with high-quality materials. The cabin is quiet on the road and seating is comfortable. A controller dial helps you easily navigate a sharp infotainment menu. We're less enamored with the cargo space, tight third row and towing capability — but that's the trade-off for a dynamic vehicle this large.

　　The Kia Telluride has rugged flair, the Hyundai Palisade screams "upscale," and the Honda Pilot stresses versatility. But the Mazda CX-9 is about enjoying the drive. Its styling will turn heads, and the newly standard i-Activsense package brings extensive safety features. That's a unique SUV blueprint, and shoppers will do themselves a favor by putting this Mazda on their list.

　　

What's it like to live with the CX-9?

To learn more about the Mazda CX-9 of this generation, read about our editors' experiences from a full year and 20,000 miles of driving a 2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring. We cover everything from seat comfort to real-world fuel economy. We found the CX-9 to be one of the most fun and best-looking SUVs around, but its cargo space might not be enough for some shoppers. Please note that the 2020 Mazda CX-9 differs from our long-term 2016 CX-9 in that it offers more standard features, updated tech and a retuned suspension. It's the same generation, though, so most of our observations still apply.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the CX-9 drive? The Mazda CX-9 feels like a smaller midsize SUV in many ways, including the way it drives. It's a bit more athletic than competitors on a winding road, with confident brake response, and it's easy to maneuver in tighter confines. The AWD system is tuned mainly for inclement road conditions, but it can handle your weekend "soft-roading" excursions.

　　There's a sufficient amount of power on tap that's available right off the line, delivering great response when you need to get going. Accelerating to 60 mph takes 7.6 seconds, which is good for a midsize three-row SUV, and the transmission shifts smoothly, making for a seamless daily driver experience.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the CX-9? Whether you're commuting or taking a long road trip, the CX-9 delivers a good degree of comfort. Much of the credit goes to the smooth ride, which strikes a balance between sporty and compliant. Taller tire sidewalls contribute to this balance, helping provide cushion against road imperfections. Inside, the CX-9 has well-sculpted front seats that offer ample support, but it's worth noting the third row is quite small and not as comfortable as many competitors' back rows. The cabin, however, is luxury-level quiet, which is impressive.

　　Our test car's climate control is easy to use, but it might not blow cold enough if you have polar bear blood running through your veins. The heated and ventilated front seats work decently, and rear passengers have access to climate controls for their area.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The 2020 Mazda CX-9's interior is thoughtfully designed, simple and elegant, and a benchmark for non-luxury SUVs. Primary controls are easy to reach and use. The main control dial is instantly intuitive and provides quick navigation within the menus of the sharp-looking 9-inch infotainment display.

　　Getting in and out of the CX-9 is easy, and access to the third row is much improved thanks to new second-row captain's chairs available in the Signature trim. The first and second rows have a good amount of room, but the third row is best reserved for kids. Visibility isn't quite as open as in other SUVs because of the CX-9's thickish pillars and a rear window that's on the smaller side.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? The Bose stereo system, found in the Grand Touring trims and up, delivers clear and powerful sound. Smartphones are easy to pair and quick to be recognized on startup. There are also plenty of USB ports to keep everyone's devices charged — six total in our top trim. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available on Touring models and up.

　　All CX-9s now come loaded with advanced safety and driver aids such as adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning and lane keeping assist. They're well-tuned to deal with heavy traffic, and false alarms are rare. Adaptive cruise and lane keeping work well to relieve the burden of heavy traffic.

　　

Storage

7.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The CX-9 falls behind the competition in cargo and utility. The 14.4 cubic feet behind the third row could be adequate for many shoppers, but for comparison, there's 21 cubic feet in the class-leading Kia Telluride. Max cargo is equally short, with 71.2 cubic feet in the CX-9 and 87 cubes in the Telluride.

　　Thoughtful interior design makes the CX-9 easy to live with, and growing families should find adequate space for all their things. Door pockets and cupholders are nicely sized. Car seats are easy to install with the second-row captain's chairs. There's a good amount of room for any size car seat, even large rear-facing ones. If you plan to do much towing, the CX-9 doesn't lead in that area either, maxing out at a lower-than-average 3,500 pounds.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA fuel economy rating for our all-wheel-drive CX-9 is 23 mpg (20 city/26 highway), which is slightly better than average for this class. The 2WD version is rated at 24 mpg (22 city/28 highway). We were mostly able to hit those fuel economy targets, but they can be easy to miss if you're heavy-footed. If saving money is more of a priority than max engine power, the CX-9 has the ability to run on regular octane fuel.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the CX-9 a good value? The CX-9 is definitely among the leaders in terms of its build quality, especially in top Signature trim. The base CX-9 starts around $34,000, slightly above average, but it offers more standard features. It's priced fairly competitively at the top end, and the interior closely resembles a luxury-class cabin thanks to exquisite materials, uniform gaps, and clean, elegant design. The exterior paint is well done too.

　　Warranty coverage and ownership benefits such as roadside assistance are pretty standard for the class.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　The Mazda CX-9 Signature is a standout in the midsize three-row SUV class, mostly for its striking design and relatively engaging driving experience. It feels decently athletic through corners but not at the expense of ride comfort. It's the most original offering in the segment.

　　

Which CX-9 does zzdcar recommend?

The midrange Touring is the sweet spot. Leather-trimmed seats, a power liftgate, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard. A 9-inch color touchscreen is also new this year. It's a good combo for the money, especially considering the big jump in price for higher trim levels.

　　

2020 Mazda CX-9 models

The 2020 Mazda CX-9 is a three-row crossover available in four trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and Signature. All come standard with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium gas) connected to a six-speed automatic transmission.

　　Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional, except for the AWD-only Signature trim. Buyers who opt for all-wheel drive will also get Off-Road Traction Assist. The system sends torque to the wheels that have traction in slippery conditions.

　　The base Sport trim comes with a long list of standard features. It offers 18-inch alloy wheels, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, a 7-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio, two USB ports, keyless entry, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. High-beam control and rain-sensing windshield wipers are newly standard. Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, radar cruise control, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist are also included.

　　The Touring model adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The touchscreen increases to 9 inches, the front passenger seat gets six-way power adjustability, and both first and second row seats are leather-trimmed. The second row also has a sliding function, and a center armrest with two cupholders and two additional USB ports. A power liftgate rounds out the package.

　　Step up to Grand Touring for 20-inch wheels, adaptive front lighting, LED foglights, a power moonroof and aluminum roof rails. Inside, there is a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, 12-speaker Bose audio and integrated navigation. The second-row seats are heated, and the third row gets two USB ports. Surround-view monitoring and front and rear parking sensors are also added to the fold.

　　The all-wheel-drive Signature comes with dark silver 20-inch wheels and LED grille accents. The cabin gets premium leather seats and wood accents, plus second-row captain's chairs.

　　

2020 CX-9 Highlights

Trim: SportTouringGrand TouringSignatureSport

　　

Base MSRP	$33,890
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$191/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	14.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles