2021 Mazda CX-9 Overview
Mazda’s flagship crossover returns for the 2021 model year with relatively minor changes. It gained a standard 10.3-inch infotainment screen, along with the new Carbon Edition trim level. This penultimate trim comes exclusively with a Polymetal Gray exterior, aluminum wheels, gloss-black trim, and red leather seats.
You can choose from four different trim levels on the 2021 Mazda CX-9: Sport, Touring, Carbon Edition, and Grand Touring.
Browse From the Comfort of Your Home: Shop for a Mazda CX-9
Exterior
Like many of the automaker’s other models, the Mazda CX-9 comes standard with rain-sensing variable-intermittent windshield wipers and heated side mirrors. You can also boost your visibility with options like the adaptive front-lighting system and a windshield wiper de-icer. Other practical options include aluminum roof rails, which you can use to anchor cargo carriers and other adventure gear. For more convenience, the Grand Touring model offers a hands-free programmable power liftgate, while the Touring and Carbon Edition trims offer a power liftgate.
Interior
The Mazda CX-9 accommodates six or seven passengers, depending on the seating configuration you choose. However, if your third-row passengers are above fourth grade, they may feel a little cramped back there. And behind the third row, you’ll find a below-average cargo space of 14.4 cubic feet. Thanks to its folding seats, this can expand to 38.2 and 71.2 cubic feet behind the second- and first-rows, respectively. While it offers storage boxes and under-floor storage, its cargo storage capacity is pretty modest for a mid-size SUV.
Despite its compact interior, reviewers have praised the CX-9 for its attractive cabin and ample available comfort features. It comes standard with a three-zone automatic climate control, a 12-speaker sound system, and three-level heated front seats. Available comforts include heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats.
Performance
All Mazda CX-9 models come equipped with a new Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo engine. To get its advertised 320 lb-ft of torque and 250 horsepower, you’ll have to fuel up with premium gas. If you don’t have extra money to burn in your gas budget, expect the CX-9 to deliver 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
The turbo engine pairs with a six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission. All trim levels offer available i-ACTIV all-wheel drive with a feature called off-road traction assist. It’s not like the CX-9 is built the handle the rigors of an off-road adventure, but a little extra traction for those icy morning commutes won’t hurt.
With front-wheel drive, the CX-9 earns an EPA-estimated 28 mpg on the highway, while all-wheel-drive models earn a maximum of 26 mpg.
Safety
Mazda didn’t skimp on driver-assist technology in its flagship SUV. It’s equipped with enough active safety features to outpace most of its domestic competitors, and trail closely behind industry-leading automakers like Nissan. Standard tech tools include Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection, and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Higher trim levels offer conveniences like a 360-degree View Monitor, Front and rear parking sensors, and Smart City Brake Support Reverse.
Shop Online: Learn about Express Checkout
The 2021 Mazda CX-9 is currently on dealership lots nationwide. It starts at $33,960.
Kimiko Kidd is a native Daytonian. She graduated from Wright State University with degrees in environmental science and sociology. She loves her trusty old Honda Civic, but dreams of owning a 1974 Ford Falcon XB with a custom paint job and a vintage Kawasaki Z1000. In her free time, Kimiko can be found watercolor-painting, baking muffins, collecting rocks, playing old-school Nintendo games, writing her novel, sewing stuffed animals, and cosplaying as her favorite Mad Max characters. See more articles by Kimiko.