Mazda has give the CX-9 a midcycle refresh that elevates the model to a premium offering in its highest grades and boosts the oomph coming from its turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. The automaker has also loaded the base model with more standard equipment.
The three-row SUV's plush interior now features available captain's chairs in the second row, which decreases the seating capacity from eight to seven.
Mazda is giving the SUV a hands-free power liftgate in Grand Touring and Signature trim levels.
Though the 2019 Mazda CX-9 has a competent powertrain, the automaker is upping its torque for the 2020 model year. The SUV's turbocharged 2.5-liter engine now delivers 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque when the CX-9 is filled up with 93 octane fuel and 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque when running on 87 octane. This is up 10 pound-feet over the 2019 model.
Mazda's G-Vectoring Control helps keep the SUV planted through the corners.Photo courtesy of Mazda North America Operations
The CX-9 is Mazda's first vehicle to offer off-road traction assist, which replaces the traditional traction control button and allows for automatic torque vectoring management. G-Vectoring Control Plus is also standard for 2020.
The base model CX-9, the CX-9 Sport, will now come standard with heated front cloth seats, power driver's seat with lumbar support, Gray Metallic 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated outside mirrors, automatic on/off headlights and automatic high beams.
A 7-inch infotainment scree, LED head- and taillights, one-touch rear and front power windows, tri-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, rearview camera, keyless entry, and push-button start are also standard.
The CX-9 Touring trim adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, leather-trimmed seats, a power-adjustable passenger seat, second-row center armrest with storage, two USB charging ports. A 9-inch infotainment touch screen is available in this grade. Mazda's next-gen key fob design and keyless entry system are standard on this trim, as are second-row power slide and tilt capabilities.
Adding the CX-9 Touring Premium Package gives the model two USB charging ports in the third row, a power moonroof, 12-speaker Bost premium audio system, SiriusXM, LED fog lamps, front and rear parking sensors, and second-row retractable sunshades.
The CX-9 Grand Touring the features and equipment from lower trims and the available Touring Premium Package and adds 20-inch aluminum ally wheels, 360-degree monitor, Active Driving Display with traffic sign recognition, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, automatic folding mirrors, power moonroof, LED door-pocket, LED front door handle and switch, Adaptive Front-lighting System, chrome exterior accents, satin chrome roof rails, windshield wipers de-icer, and overhead front center console illumination.
Second-row captain's chairs are available in models with the CX-9 Touring Premium Package and the Grand Touring trim level. Grand Touring models also get heated second-row seats.
The top-tier Mazda CX-9 Signature model comes standard with second-row captain's chairs. A second-row center console, similar to the one up front, also comes in the model and provides additional storage, USB ports, and cup holders. It comes upholstered in either Deep Chestnut or Parchment Nappa leather. The CX-9 Signature's steering wheel features a unique darker silver finish. It is available with a unique Soul Red Crystal premium exterior paint job. This model also includes a hand-stitched, leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED grille accent lighting, and supplemental interior lighting near the shifter.
Each CX-9 also comes standard with a suite of safety features include adaptive cruise control with stop and go, Advanced Smart City Brake Support with pedestrian detection, active brake assist with collision warning, lane departure alert, lake keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert.
The 2019 Mazda CX-9 starts at $33,790 and tops out near $46,000, not including destination and delivery charges.
