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
For 2019, the Touring trim gains a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The CX-9 Grand Touring gains ventilated front seats, power folding mirrors, a 7-inch reconfigurable gauge cluster and a 360-degree monitor. All CX-9's gain additional sound proofing and an improved suspension setup.
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.
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 ($33,275 FWD, $35,075 AWD) comes with 18-in alloy wheels, cloth seats, auto-off LED headlights, Smart City Brake Support, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, 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-telescopic steering wheel with cruise, audio and Bluetooth controls.
The Sport trim can be equipped with the Sport package, which adds auto-on/off headlights, auto high beams, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist, rain-sensing wipers, heated side mirrors, heated front seats, an 8-way power driver's seat, adaptive cruise control and Smart Brake Support automatic emergency braking.
The CX-9 Touring ($36,325 FWD, $38,125 AWD) adds leather seating, heated side mirrors, a power rear lift gate, rain-sensing wipers, heated front seats, Advanced Key keyless entry and push-button start, an 8-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support, a 6-way power passenger seat with lumbar support, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an 8-in full-color touchscreen display and two rear-seat USB ports. Additional safety features include Smart Brake Support, auto high beams and adaptive cruise control.
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.
The CX-9 Grand Touring ($41,835 FWD, $43,635 AWD) adds 20-in alloy wheels, adaptive front headlights, LED fog lights, a power glass moonroof, 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, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, a windshield wiper de-icer, 360-degree View Monitor, power folding side mirrors and lane-keep assist.
The CX-9 Signature ($46,360) features Mazda's i-ACTIV AWD, LED grille lighting accents, Nappa leather seating and rosewood interior trim.
Stand alone options include three paint color upgrades, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a 3,500-pound trailer hitch.
| Sport Utility | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-9 Grand Touring AWD | $42,640 / $40,335 | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 227 | 20 / 26 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| CX-9 Grand Touring FWD | $40,840 / $38,633 | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 227 | 22 / 28 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| CX-9 Signature AWD | $45,365 / $42,913 | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 227 | 20 / 26 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
| CX-9 Sport AWD | $34,080 / $32,243 | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 227 | 20 / 26 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| CX-9 Sport FWD | $32,280 / $30,541 | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 227 | 22 / 28 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| CX-9 Touring AWD | $37,130 / $35,127 | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 227 | 20 / 26 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| CX-9 Touring FWD | $35,330 / $33,425 | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 227 | 22 / 28 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
The 2019 Mazda CX-9 comes standard with a long list of safety features, including Smart City Brake Support low-speed collision warning and avoidance (up to 19 miles per hour), rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, electronic traction and stability control and anti-lock brakes. A full complement of airbags includes front, front side-impact and side-curtain airbags covering all three rows. Available safety equipment includes lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist and Smart Brake Support highway-speed forward-collision warning and avoidance.
In crash tests, the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives 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 |
2019 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.
2019 Toyota Highlander -- The Highlander is a sharp-looking SUV that offers a rather weak standard 4-cylinder engine and an optional 295-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. There's also a hybrid model and Apple CarPlay makes the cut but not Android Auto.
2019 Ford Explorer -- The Explorer offers a choice of powerful engines, including a turbocharged EcoBoost 280-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.
2019 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-pound limit.
Used Infiniti JX35/QX60 -- A 2013-2017 Infiniti JX35/QX60 (the name changed for 2014) offers exceptional style and comfort, a stunning interior and impressive ride and handling characteristics.
These modern minivan alternatives are excellent bargains.
