History/Overview
Mazda launched its mid-sized SUV ambitions in 2007 with the original CX-9, which was developed around a platform shared with Ford. It wasn’t until 2016 that a second-gen CX-9 came along, this time designed and engineered in-house and showcasing upscale trim and options that have since trickled down to the rest of the brand’s lineup.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
Following a mid-2021 update (as a 2021.5 model) to last year’s CX-9, the 2022 model is unchanged.
Available Trims
Mazda offers the CX-9 in GS, GS-L, GT, Kuro, and Signature trim levels. In all, power is from a 2.5L turbo four-cylinder engine, which comes mated to a six-speed transmission and AWD.
Standard Features
GS trim comes with 18-inch wheels, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, six-speaker audio, three-zone A/C, heated front seats, auto-leveling LED headlights, and a power driver’s seat. The standard driver safety assist package comprises radar cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision mitigation, and lane keep assist.
GS-L adds a wireless phone charger, a front wiper de-icer, LED fog lights, 20-inch wheels, a heated steering wheel, passive keyless entry, an auto-dimming mirror, a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated rear seats, and a power passenger seat.
GT’s additions start with a 12-speaker stereo, and continue with navigation, hands-free tailgate, rear door sunshades, ventilated front seats, adaptive headlights, a head-up display, digital gauge display, driver attention alert, 360-degree cameras, front and rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, and rear collision avoidance braking.
The Kuro trim level is largely a cosmetic package with various black exterior styling elements.
Finally, Signature gets a lighted grille, a frameless rearview mirror, Nappa leather, and aluminum/rosewood dash trim.
Fuel Economy
Mazda’s fuel consumption estimates for the CX-9 are 11.6/9.0 L/100 km (city/highway).
Competition
The CX-9 is Mazda’s entry in a field that also includes the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Sorento and Telluride, Subaru Ascent, and Volkswagen Atlas.
