For 2020, the CX-9 gains a new second-row captain's chair seating option, an additional 10 lb-ft of torque and a new off-road traction assist system for AWD models. The iActivsense suite of driver assists is made standard and includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. The Sport trim gains new standard equipment including heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers and heated side mirrors. Touring and higher trims gain a new 9-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Grand Touring gains a hands-free power lift gate, while the Signature gets heated second-row captain's chair seating.See the 2020 Mazda CX-9 models for sale near you
For the money, we think most people will be quite happy with the Touring trim. It comes with the most desirable features and can be upgraded to include many of the Grand Touring's add-ons, should you want to spend the extra cash. Thanks to its smaller 18-in wheel and tire package, we prefer the Touring's ride to that of the Grand Touring. Find a Mazda CX-9 for sale
The Mazda CX-9 is offered in four well-appointed trims: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and Signature. The first three are offered with a choice of FWD or AWD, while AWD is standard on the Signature trim.
The CX-9 Sport ($34,835 FWD, $36,735 AWD) comes with 18-in alloy wheels, cloth seats, auto-off LED headlights, iActivsense driver assists (automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams and lane-keeping assist), heated front seats, heated side mirrors, power driver's seat with lumbar support, rain-sensing wipers, 18-in alloy wheels, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, rear privacy glass, tri-zone automatic air conditioning, HD Radio with six speakers, two USB ports, a 7-in full-color touchscreen display, remote keyless entry, the MazdaConnect infotainment system, a 60/40 split folding second-row seat, a 50/50 split folding third-row seat and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel with cruise, audio and Bluetooth controls.
The CX-9 Touring ($36,655 FWD, $38,555 AWD) adds leather seating, second-row power tilt and slide seating, 9-in infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a power rear lift gate, Advanced Key keyless entry and push-button start, 6-way power passenger seat with lumbar support and two rear-seat USB ports.
The Touring trim offers the Touring Premium package, which adds Bose audio, LED fog lights, navigation, a power moonroof, SiriusXM satellite radio with Travel Link, front and rear parking sensors and rear-door sunshades. When ordering this package, buyers can opt for a second-row bench or captain's chair seating.
The CX-9 Grand Touring ($42,495 FWD, $44,395 AWD) adds 20-in alloy wheels, adaptive front headlights, LED fog lights, a power glass moonroof, a head-up display, a Bose Centerpoint 2.0 Surround Sound system with 12 speakers including a subwoofer, driver's-seat memory, navigation, second-row retractable window sunshades, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, a windshield wiper de-icer, 360-degree View Monitor, hands-free power lift gate, power folding side mirrors and no-charge, optional heated second-row captain's chair seating.
The CX-9 Signature ($47,160) features Mazda's i-ACTIV AWD, LED grille lighting accents, heated second-row captain's chair seating with center console, Nappa leather seating and rosewood interior trim.
Standalone options include three paint color upgrades, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a 3,500-lb trailer hitch.
| Sport Utility | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-9 Grand Touring AWD | $43,450 / $41,104 | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 227 | 20 / 26 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| CX-9 Grand Touring FWD | $41,550 / $39,306 | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 227 | 22 / 28 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| CX-9 Signature AWD | $46,215 / $43,716 | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 227 | 20 / 26 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
| CX-9 Sport AWD | $35,790 / $33,859 | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 227 | 20 / 26 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| CX-9 Sport FWD | $33,890 / $32,064 | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 227 | 22 / 28 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| CX-9 Touring AWD | $37,610 / $35,580 | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 227 | 20 / 26 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| CX-9 Touring FWD | $35,710 / $33,784 | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 227 | 22 / 28 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 comes standard with a long list of safety features, including Advanced Smart City Brake Support with low-speed collision warning and avoidance and pedestrian detection (at up to 19 miles per hour), adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, electronic traction and stability control and anti-lock brakes. Also standard is lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist and Smart Brake Support with highway-speed forward-collision warning and avoidance. A full complement of airbags includes front, front side-impact and side-curtain airbags covering all three rows.
In crash tests, the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the CX-9 top marks of Good in every test and a Superior rating in the crash-avoidance and mitigation test. The IIHS also awarded the CX-9 a Top Safety Pick+ rating.
| Basic | 3 Years/36,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain | 5 Years/60,000 Miles |
| Corrosion | 5 Years/Unlimited Miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 Years/36,000 Miles |
2020 Honda Pilot -- The Pilot has seating for eight people, a larger cargo area, standard driver assists on every trim and a V6 engine, but it's not as elegantly styled, and its fuel economy isn't as good.
2020 Toyota Highlander -- The Highlander is a sharp-looking SUV that offers a 295-hp V6 as standard, which is great for towing but not so good on gas. Like the Pilot, the Highlander can seat eight passengers, although its third-row seat is rather small. There's also a hybrid model, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range.
2020 Ford Explorer -- The Explorer offers a choice of powerful engines, including a turbocharged EcoBoost 300-hp 4-cylinder, a 3.5-liter 365-hp twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 and a 3.3-liter hybrid model. The Explorer also offers a more advanced AWD system and more upscale features.
2020 Nissan Pathfinder -- The Pathfinder offers a similarly sleek exterior and a modern cabin filled with high-tech options. The Pathfinder can tow up to 6,000 pounds versus the CX-9's 3,500-lb limit.
Used Infiniti QX60 -- A 2015-2018 Infiniti QX60 offers exceptional style and comfort, a stunning interior and impressive ride and handling characteristics.