Used 2021 MAZDA CX-9

The 2021 Mazda CX-9 competes in the midsize 3-row SUV/crossover arena, but it’s really in a class of its own. The exterior is sleek and harmonious, modern yet understated. And the interior is so upscale that it could easily have come from Audi or Lexus.

The CX-9’s tidy dimensions make it easy to maneuver in tight situations. Its turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivers impressive V6-like power balanced with excellent fuel economy.

Then there’s the fun factor that makes even short trips in the Mazda CX-9 memorable. A relatively light body and sophisticated torque vectoring technology combine to give the CX-9 impressive cornering abilities but still with a comfortable ride quality.

On the downside, most rivals have greater towing capabilities. And the third seating row isn’t as accommodating as much of the competition.

Mazda cars and SUVs always have a special something, a way of engaging the driver while still keeping the passengers happy. Even in a vehicle as pragmatic as a midsize 3-row crossover, that special something is still evident.

Compared with rivals like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Chevrolet Traverse, the 2021 Mazda CX-9 corners with precision and easy fluidity, yet rides gently over rough surfaces. One contributing factor to such impressive cornering ability is Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus choreographing subtly different speeds for each wheel if necessary.

Although the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine isn’t exactly bursting with power, there’s no turbo lag. And its punchy 320 lb-ft of torque (only available 93-octane fuel — most of us will get 310) can propel this big SUV as if there was a V6 under the hood, even when the CX-9 is loaded with passengers and cargo.

Yes, the 2021 CX-9 is a midsize 3-row SUV. But it isn’t really comfortable for seven adults. However, do a Disneyland-reversal and say, “you must be this small to ride in the back,” and all will be well.

The second row can either be a power-operated split-bench or two captain’s chairs that bring the occupant count down to six. The signature trim also has a center console in the second row.

Up front is plenty of headroom and legroom for taller occupants, but the wide center console leaves slightly narrow footwells.

Controls are laid out logically, with an aluminum rotary knob and auxiliary buttons for the new 10.25-inch infotainment screen.

The new-for 2021 CX-9 Carbon Edition has red leather seating surfaces, metallic black interior accents, and paddle shifters for the automatic transmission.

When a road trip beckons, the cargo bay’s 14.4 cubic feet isn’t as generous as the Chevrolet Traverse, Kia Telluride, or Honda Pilot. Folding the third seating row expands that 38.2 cubic feet. Folding both rows creates 71.2 cubic feet.

The Mazda CX-9’s sheet metal incorporates sweeping forms, organic shapes, and the idea of movement even at rest. It’s arguably beautiful and way more stylish than the seemingly designed-by-committee efforts of the rest of this class.

A big grille emphasizes the premium presence, yet doesn’t seem overdone. The tapering roof and forward stance make this SUV appear smaller than it is. Even its rear end benefits from a horizontal treatment of the taillights and lip beneath the window. Twin exhaust outlets, meanwhile, underline the CX-9’s sporty nature.

The Carbon Edition comes in Polymetal Gray, with the grille and side mirrors finished in gloss black, plus Satin Chrome roof rails. And this trim’s 20-inch alloy wheels have a metallic black look.

PREMIUM APPEAL, MAINSTREAM PRICE
Take a guess at the 2021 Mazda CX-9’s price just by looking at it, and a figure in the luxury bracket would be understandable. A family-friendly SUV with this kind of style and performance starting at around $35,000 is truly remarkable.

HIGH TORQUE, HIGH EFFICIENCY
Many people make a song and dance about horsepower, but torque (the amount of thrust) is the crucial and more easily perceived aspect. The CX-9’s 320 lb-ft of torque at a low 2,800 rpm means plenty of muscle to spring off from standstill and still provide a surge at highway speeds. Premium 93-octane gasoline is required to attain this output, but burning 87 only drops peak torque by 10 lb-ft.

The 2021 Mazda CX-9 comes in Sport, Touring, Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, and Signature trim levels.

Even Sport trim has features like 3-zone automatic climate control with a 2nd-row panel, keyless entry/ignition, LED exterior lighting, 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, 10.25-inch color touchscreen, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, automatic on/off headlights, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The standard i-Activsense array of driver aids includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop/go, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning/lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams.

Technology features in Sport trim include the Mazda Connect infotainment system with voice command, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Bluetooth connectivity, internet radio integration, auxiliary audio input, and two USB ports.

The standard features in Sport trim are indeed generous, but we still recommend the Touring trim, which includes a 6-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, leather seating surfaces for the first two rows, powered slide/recline 2nd-row seat, two USB ports for the second row, and a powered tailgate with adjustable height settings.

Touring is also eligible for a Touring Premium package that includes a 12-speaker Bose audio system, wireless charging, powered moonroof, front/rear parking sensors, LED fog lights, satellite radio, and two USB ports for the third row.

Carbon Edition has that package as standard, plus 2nd-row captain’s chairs, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, adaptive headlights, and hands-free tailgate operation. Extra safety aids include automatic emergency reverse braking and a driver fatigue monitor.

Grand Touring trims add navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio with Traffic/Travel Link, silver-finished 20-inch alloy wheels, and road sign recognition.

Signature models have all-wheel drive as standard, Nappa leather upholstery, 2nd-row center console, rosewood trim, and LED accent lighting in the grille.

When using premium fuel, the turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine in the 2021 CX-9 produces 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Fill up with regular 87-octane, and that output dips to 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard, with front-wheel drive (FWD) as the default arrangement. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard in the top Signature trim, optional elsewhere. This system features an off-road traction assistance feature.

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)