10 Things You Need to Know About the 2019 Mazda CX-9

2018 mazda cx 9 7 passenger suv ・ Photo by Mazda

Life’s a mystery. One day you’re strapping duffle bags to the roll cage of your Miata in preparation for a solo trip cross country, then, what feels like the next day, you’re shopping midsize crossovers to accommodate your growing family. Part of you desperately wants to return to “simpler times,” but the other part of you knows you were clueless back then. Best to embrace the mature you and find an SUV with a little personality (and yes, there is such a thing).

The same company that sold you a two-door sports car also has a three-row crossover for your next stage of life. Though it’s an underdog in a highly competitive segment, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 has design and engagement appeal when stacked against Honda’s Pilot, Toyota’s Highlander, and Ford’s Explorer. Put another way; the CX-9 leaves some of your youthful sensibilities intact.

Here are 10 things to know about the 2019 Mazda CX-9.

10. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto finally arrive.

The 2019 model year isn’t a complete carry-over for the CX-9. The biggest news is the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for Touring and above trims. While almost all of Mazda's competitors incorporated these interfaces years ago, the Japanese automaker is just now catching up.

As a quick reminder, Mazda added several active safety features as standard for 2018, including blind spot monitoring, forward collision alert, automated emergency braking, and rear cross traffic alerts as standard. Also added last year was Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control, which reduces engine torque imperceptibly to improve cornering stability. The system was first introduced on Mazda’s car models, but it’s just as useful on high-riding SUVs.

Photo by Mazda

9. This is the most attractive midsize crossover. Period.

The CX-9 is a pretty thing. Not pretty in the, “I want to stare at this vehicle all day,” sort of way, but in a shaming way when parked next to other crossovers. A bold front end, with artful headlights and delicate chrome trim, flows into a long, sculpted hood. In profile, more chrome pieces along the rocker panels connect 20-inch, multi-spoke alloy wheels. Blacked out window trim outlines the CX-9’s coupe-inspired design.

At the back, a chrome brow intersects both LED taillights, paralleling another shiny bit of trim beneath the tailgate. Two small exhaust ports are nearly indistinguishable amidst the bumper’s substantial black plastic cladding. Curvaceous bodywork and clever styling tricks obscure the CX-9’s footprint; at first glance, one could easily assume this is a compact SUV. Inside, however, the SUV’s passenger and cargo volume are right on par for the class.

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8. Real Japanese rosewood trim is part of the Signature Edition.

Signature Edition CX-9’s push the envelope for mainstream interior quality. Soft grain leather for the seats and door panels, Japanese rosewood for the center console and cabin trim, and aluminum accents throughout elevate the interior to entry-level luxury vehicle territory. If you poke around, you’ll find some cheaper bits, but common touch points feature premium materials — a critical distinction in this segment.

Drivers enjoy a comfortable, engaged seating position thanks to good side bolstering and plenty of seat adjustments. Rear seat passengers have plenty of legroom, but those with tall torsos may feel their noggins touching the headliner. A sliding second row makes third-row access easy for kids, but the door’s curved outline puts teens and adults in an awkward position. Perhaps that’s by design, however, as only small children have enough headroom in the third row.

Cargo volume isn’t the best in the segment, but it’s still respectable. Fourteen cubic feet is available behind the third row, 38 cu. ft. is accessible with the third row folded, and 71 cu. ft. (roughly enough space to fit a small dining table) is available with the second and third rows folded. Unfortunately, there are no power operations for configuring the seats, even on the range-topping CX-9.

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7. It's got best-in-class fuel economy.

The 2019 Mazda CX-9 is the only SUV in its segment powered exclusively by a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. With 250hp on tap (when using 93 octane fuel), the CX-9 is a bit underpowered compared to its V6 rivals, but 310 lb-ft of torque (regardless of fuel rating) is on the higher end of the set. The only available transmission is a 6-speed automatic, paired with front-wheel drive as standard or available all-wheel drive.

Importantly, the CX-9’s power deficit doesn’t translate to sluggish performance. 0 to 60 mph takes about 7.0 seconds, which is a competitive sprint. Mazda’s bet on 4-cylinder power also leads to a fuel economy advantage. The EPA rates FWD CX-9 models at 24 combined mpg and AWD versions at 23 combined mpg. Both figures lead the ranks for non-hybrid crossovers.

Photo by Mazda

6. It drives like a smaller vehicle.

On paper, the CX-9 is a far cry from Mazda’s light, compact MX-5 Miata, but a few minutes behind the wheel of the midsize SUV illuminates its shared lineage.

Light but precise steering accompanies good communication from the front tires. A measure of body roll is unavoidable, but G-Vectoring Control keeps the SUV planted through aggressive cornering. Toggle the CX-9 into Sport mode, and the transmission holds gears to keep the turbocharged engine on boost. Strong braking bite and a responsive chassis remind us of an AMG or M product — vehicles costing double or triple the CX-9’s price tag. Not only does the CX-9 look smaller than it is; it drives that way, too.

At a mellower pace, the CX-9 works through its gears smoothly and rides delicately over harsh bumps. At freeway speeds, the cabin is quiet and the steering isn’t busy. Be it commuting or canyon duty, the CX-9 is a treat to drive.

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5. Some of the latest interior tech goodies are missing.

Without features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless charging, Mazda’s interior technology is at a slight disadvantage to competitors. The addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto universalize the 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment, but the system’s response time is sluggish and the visuals aren’t as crisp as other modules in this segment. Drivers make use of analog speedometer and tachometer gauges, a small reconfigurable TFT screen, and a color head-up display.

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4. The IIHS awarded the CX-9 its highest safety rating.

Mazda’s long list of active safety features redeems the CX-9 somewhat. In addition to standard blind spot monitoring, forward collision alert, automated emergency braking, and rear cross traffic alerts, the CX-9 is available with adaptive cruise, automatic high beams, parking sensors, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. The IIHS names the 2019 CX-9 as a Top Safety Pick +, its highest rating.

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3. A fully-loaded CX-9 hits the $45K mark.

Mazda’s 2019 model year CX-9 kicks off at $33,105 (including destination) for a Sport trim with FWD. Standard features include 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED headlights and taillights, three-zone automatic climate control, Mazda Connect infotainment, a rearview camera, push-button ignition, two USB ports, a leather wrapped steering wheel, and the aforementioned driving aids.

Step up to the Touring trim ($36,155) for a power liftgate, heated door mirrors, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, braking assist, an 8.0-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, leather seats, power front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and keyless entry and ignition.

Gran Touring models ($41,665) add 20-inch wheels, a power moonroof, a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, navigation, digital TFT screen, heated second row of seats, a heated steering wheel, LED daytime running lights, front and rear parking sensors, and aluminum interior trim.

Sitting atop the CX-9 range is the Signature Edition ($46,190), which adds AWD as standard, LED grille lighting, Nappa leather seating, genuine rosewood inlays, and contrast stitching for the steering wheel. On all other trims, AWD is an $1,800 option.

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2. It holds its own in one of the most competitive segments.

The 2019 CX-9 has no shortage of competitors, including the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Pilot (among half a dozen other nameplates). All of the CX-9’s competitors are available with V6 powertrains, but Ford offers its Explorer with a turbocharged 4-cylinder, and Toyota sells a hybrid version of its Highlander.

If we compare the 3.5-liter V6 versions of the Highlander, Explorer, and Pilot (the entry-level version of each model), the Highlander is the least expensive (at $32,275 to start). The Explorer and Highlander are tied for the most power (at 295hp), but the CX-9 is the most fuel efficient. The Pilot is the quickest to 60 mph (6.0 seconds), and the Explorer offers the most cargo capacity behind the third row of seats (21 cu. ft.).

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1. This family hauler is built for fun.

Fun-to-drive SUVs are nothing new. The luxury sector is filled with striking, high-output, corner carving models — but the mainstream market is a different story. Only Mazda offers the average Joe an exciting way to haul kids, run errands, and get through the daily commute. The 2019 CX-9 is handsome, comfortable, efficient, and a hoot to wheel around. Interior technology may be a step behind rivals, but we’d trade a gadget or two for some self-respect any day.

Photo by Mazda