2022 Mazda CX-9

　　

2022 Mazda CX-9 Review

byNick YekikianNews Editor

　　Nick Yekikian has worked in the automotive industry since 2019. He has written close to a thousand car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 200 vehicles over the course of his career. Nick is the News Editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Automobile Magazine and Super Street. When Nick isn't zipping around town in his latest used-car find, he's probably making digital art in Photoshop or playing disc golf with friends.

　　, rating written byNick YekikianAssociate Manager, Vehicle Testing and Operations

　　Rex Tokeshi-Torres has worked in the automotive industry for over 17 years. Rex is a vehicle testing technician and photographer at zzdcar and is responsible for coordinating vehicle testing and logistics, organizing data, and capturing photos for the site and social media. He has written over 100 vehicle-related articles and has rated, tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. He has also contributed content to Autobytel, Autotrader, Automobile, the Associated Press and DSport along with various motorsport teams. His affinity with cars started because of Hot Wheels and his love of modifying cars. He occasionally drives Subarus.

　　Emphasizing style and performance over outright utility, the 2022 Mazda CX-9 is alluring and upscale for a three-row midsize crossover SUV. It gives up some cargo and third-row passenger space compared to rivals such as the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride, but in return you get quicker acceleration, more nimble handling and a classier interior.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Mazda CX-9 Sport 4dr SUV AWD (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

　　$208/mo  for CX-9 Sport

　　CX-9 Sport

　　Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $35,630 MSRPTouring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) (Most Popular) - $37,780 MSRPTouring Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $42,010 MSRPCarbon Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $43,930 MSRPGrand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $44,790 MSRPSignature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $47,560 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　For 2022 the Mazda CX-9 adds all-wheel drive as standard equipment across the range, and front-wheel-drive models have been dropped. There is also a new Touring Plus trim, which, as you might imagine, slots right above the Touring model. It adds a number of thoughtful features that make an enticing middle ground between the standard Sport trim and the top-spec Signature models.

　　Overall we recommend the CX-9 as long as you don't need the utmost in three-row SUV utility. Be sure to examine our test team's in-depth Expert Rating to learn all of the pros and cons of this appealing three-row SUV.

　　

What's it like to live with?

When Mazda last redesigned the CX-9 for the 2016 model year, we took one into our long-term fleet for a full year. Over the course of 22,000 miles, we learned plenty about what's great about the CX-9, and what's not. Note that while there have been some changes to the CX-9 since 2016 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 all-wheel-drive 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 three-row midsize 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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below