Strong acceleration; good fuel economy; impressive AWD ability; handsome interior; great handling
Turbocharged engine is untested as far as reliability and longevity; seating limited to seven passengers; third-row seat still only fit for kids; no Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
Mazda has completely redesigned the CX-9 for 2016, with a longer wheelbase, a new engine and more interior space. See the 2016 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 ($32,420 FWD, $34,220 AWD) comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, cloth seats, auto-off LED headlights, 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, a MazdaConnect infotainment system, a 60/40-split folding second-row seat, a 50/50-split folding third-row seat and a tilt-telescopic steering wheel with cruise, audio and Bluetooth controls.
The CX-9 Touring ($36,870 FWD, $38,670 AWD) adds leather seating, heated side mirrors, a power rear lift gate, heated front seats, Advanced Key keyless entry and push-button start, an 8-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support, a 4-way power passenger seat, an 8-in full color touchscreen display and two rear-seat USB ports. Additional safety features include a blind spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert.
The CX-9 Grand Touring ($41,070 FWD, $42,870 AWD) adds 20-in alloy wheels, adaptive front headlights, LED fog lights, a power glass moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, a heads-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, a Distance Recognition Support System, lane-keep assist, auto high beams, rear backup sensors, adaptive cruise control and Mazda's Smart City Brake Support.
The CX-9 Signature ($44,915) features Mazda's i-ACTIV AWD, LED grille lighting accents, nappa leather seating and rosewood interior trim.
The Sport trim can be equipped with the heated front seats, an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support and heated side mirrors.
The Touring trim offers the Touring Premium package, which adds auto on/off headlights, Bose audio, LED fog lights, navigation, a power moonroof, a rear backup sensor, rain-sensing wipers, SiriusXM satellite radio, rear-door sunshades and Smart City Brake Support.
| Sport Utility | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-9 AWD 4dr Grand Touring | $41,970 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 227 | 21 / 27 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| CX-9 AWD 4dr Signature | $44,015 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 227 | 21 / 27 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
| CX-9 AWD 4dr Sport | $33,320 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 227 | 21 / 27 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| CX-9 AWD 4dr Touring | $37,770 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 227 | 21 / 27 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| CX-9 FWD 4dr Grand Touring | $40,170 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 227 | 22 / 28 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| CX-9 FWD 4dr Sport | $31,520 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 227 | 22 / 28 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| CX-9 FWD 4dr Touring | $35,970 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 227 | 22 / 28 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
The CX-9 comes standard with a long list of safety features including electronic traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, trailer-sway control and Roll Stability Control. A full complement of airbags includes front, front side-impact and side-curtain airbags covering all three rows. Available safety equipment includes a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist and forward-collision warning and avoidance.
Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have crash-tested the 2016 Mazda CX-9.
| Basic | 3 Years/36,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain | 5 Years/60,000 Miles |
| Corrosion | 5 Years/Unlimited Miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 Years/36,000 Miles |
2016 Honda Pilot -- The Pilot has seating for eight people, a larger cargo area and a V6 engine, but it's not as elegantly styled and its fuel economy isn't as good.
2016 Toyota Highlander -- The Highlander is a sharp-looking SUV that offers a rather weak standard 4-cylinder engine and an optional 270-hp V6, the latter being great for towing but not so good on gas. Like the Pilot, the Highlander can seat eight passengers, although its third-row seat is also rather small.
2016 Ford Explorer -- The Explorer offers a choice of powerful engines including a turbocharged EcoBoost 270-hp 4-cylinder, a 3.5-liter 290-hp V6 and a 3.5-liter 365-hp twin-turbo EcoBoost V6. The Explorer also offers a more advanced AWD system and more upscale features.
2016 Nissan Pathfinder -- The Pathfinder offers a similarly sleek exterior and a modern cabin filled with high-tech options. The Pathfinder can tow up to 5,000 pounds versus the CX-9's 3,500-pound limit, but it doesn't feature the latest accident-avoidance systems.
Used Infiniti JX35/QX60 -- A 2013-2015 Infiniti JX35/QX60 (the name changed for 2014) offers exceptional style and comfort, a stunning interior and impressive ride and handling characteristics.
Here are the 10 best CPO midsize SUVs you can find on Autotrader for under $25,000.
