Used 2020 MAZDA CX-9

#18 in Best Midsize SUVs for 2020

As 3-row/7-passenger SUVs go, the 2020 Mazda CX-9 is in a class all by itself. The CX-9’s modest size makes it easier to maneuver in tight confines, and its turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivers impressive power and good fuel economy on par with most V6 rivals.

Then there’s the fun-to-drive factor that makes even short trips in the CX-9 memorable ones. A relatively lightweight body and sophisticated G-Vectoring technology combine to give the CX-9 impressive cornering abilities and a commendably comfortable ride.

The exterior design is sleek and modern while the interior is so upscale it could easily have come from an Audi or a Lexus SUV. On the downside, the CX-9 can’t tow as much as most competitors, and its 3rd-row seat trends toward the small side.

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Mazda’s line of cars and SUVs has always had a special something that makes them stand apart from everything else in their price range, and the 2020 Mazda CX-9 is no exception. Compared to rivals like the Honda Pilot and Chevrolet Traverse, the CX-9 rides and corners like it’s glued to the road, with precise steering requiring minimal effort to affect course change. The CX-9’s suspension delivers impressive cornering ability, yet returns a gentle ride over rough pavement.

Helping with cornering is Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control that improves steering feel by varying torque and optimizing load control. And, while the CX-9’s turbocharged 4-cylinder isn’t exactly brimming with horsepower, its impressive 320 lb-ft of torque (when using 93-octane fuel) help move this big SUV with gusto, even when loaded down with passengers and cargo. If you seek the perfect balance of price, features and performance, we’d go with the Touring trim and optional Premium Package, which looks particularly nice in Soul Red Crystal Metallic.

While Mazda bills the 2020 CX-9 as a 3-row SUV, it isn’t really going to be a comfortable perch for seven adults. However, if the third row is reserved seating for the 10-and-under crowd, then all will be well. The second row can either be a power-operated split bench or twin captain’s chairs complete with center console on the Signature trim.

Up front, there is good headroom and legroom for taller passengers, but the wide center console does create a slightly narrow foot-well. Controls are logically laid out, with an aluminum rotary knob and auxiliary buttons for controlling the dash-mounted 7- or 9-inch infotainment screen. When it comes time to road trip, the CX-9’s cargo bay isn’t as generous as the Nissan Pathfinder, Kia Sorento or Honda Pilot, but folding the rear seats flat creates 71.2 cubic feet of storage space.

If you’re looking for a bit of elegance in your next family hauler, the CX-9 has it in spades. Dressed in Mazda’s “Soul of Motion” design philosophy, the CX-9’s sheet metal emphasizes sweeping forms, organic shapes and the idea of movement even at rest. We think it’s beautiful.

That big grille up front adds to the premium cred, yet doesn’t seem overboard. The tapering roof and forward stance make this SUV appear smaller than it is, and even its rear is pretty thanks to a horizontal treatment of the taillights and rear lip beneath the window. A pair of exhaust outlets further emphasizes this SUV’s sporty nature.

PREMIUM APPEAL, MAINSTREAM PRICE
If you had to guess the 2020 Mazda CX-9’s price just by looking at it, you’d probably start off where the top-line Signature model ends. To get a family friendly SUV that looks and performs like the CX-9 at a price starting under $35,000 is a game changer.

HIGH TORQUE, HIGH EFFICIENCY
While most people care only about a car’s horsepower, it’s the torque figure that really counts. With 320 lb-ft of torque at a low 2,800 rpm, the CX-9 has the muscle to move quickly off the line, and pass even faster when moving at highway speeds. The engine does require premium 93-octane to achieve maximum output, but even burning 87 only drops the torque rating by 10 lb-ft.

The 2020 Mazda CX-9 is offered in four trims: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and Signature. Even the base Sport model offers amenities like 3-zone climate control that includes a 2nd-row control panel, keyless entry with push-button start, LED headlights, a power driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, auto on/off headlights, 7-inch color touch-screen display with rotary controller, a rearview camera and 18-inch wheels.

Standard driver assists include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop/go, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams and lane-keep assist. Standard tech features include the Mazda Connect system with voice command, Internet radio streaming, Bluetooth connectivity, and AM/FM/HD Radio with an auxiliary input and two USB inputs.

We recommend at least the Touring trim, which includes heated front seats, a power-operated passenger seat, leather seating, a power liftgate with adjustable height setting, 2nd-row power seat with slide and tilt, a larger 9-inch command screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus four USB ports.

Grand Touring trims include navigation, 12-speaker Bose audio, SiriusXM satellite radio and Traffic and Travel Link services, a power moonroof, ventilated front seats, no-charge 2nd-row heated captain’s-chair seating and a 360-degree monitor.

Signature models have all-wheel drive standard, Nappa leather trim in choice of two colors, a 2nd-row center console, rosewood accents and LED accent lighting in the grille. Some of the Grand Touring features are optional in packages on the Touring trims. All-wheel drive is optional on all but the Signature trim and features a new off-road traction-assist feature.

Under the 2020 CX-9’s hood resides a 2.5-liter turbocharged Skyactiv-G engine, big on power and small on displacement. When using premium fuel, this engine produces 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, although for those more frugal, regular 87-octane drops output to 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Mazda’s masterful turbocharger exhibits no sign of lag, making this diminutive engine perform like a larger V6.

Power is routed to the CX-9’s front wheels (FWD) via a 6-speed automatic. All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional and preferred in places where snow covers the roads more than six months a year. Towing is a max 3,500 pounds, rather weak when compared to the Honda Pilot’s 5,000-pound rating, or the 7,400-pound figure offered by the V8-powered Dodge Durango.

2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4
227 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm (250 horsepower w/93-octane)
310 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000 rpm (320 lb-ft w/93-octane)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/28 mpg (FWD), 20/26 mpg (AWD)