Used 2022 MAZDA CX-9

The 2022 Mazda CX-9 isn’t like other mainstream midsize 3-row SUV/crossovers. It looks, feels, and drives like it belongs in the luxury bracket. The main area where it overlaps with many of its rivals is pricing, costing less than the Honda Pilot, and in the same region as the Toyota Highlander.

Some aspects to be aware of, though. Mazda debuted this second generation of CX-9 for 2016, and although it has plenty of standard safety tech, the vehicle as a whole is due for an update. Nor does the CX-9 impress with space in the third row or cargo area.

However, for someone seeking a 6-seater or 7-seater crossover and was resigned to spending plenty on an entry-level luxury model to access the kind of quality and driving talent desired, then the 2022 CX-9 might be able to inspire a change of approach.

It didn’t need to be this enjoyable, but we’re glad the 2022 CX-9 has talents that go beyond efficient and safe transportation for a large family. Although many rivals offer V6 engines with more muscle, the CX-9 seems relatively light and sprightly, and its turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rarely feels short on power.

Drivers and passengers who like the softest suspension possible may want to look elsewhere, but there’s still comfort mixed in with the poise and agility.

As mentioned elsewhere, all-wheel drive is now standard. It’s an intelligent system that can distribute torque to whichever wheels can make the best use of it at any given time.

Another piece of standard tech working behind the scenes is G-Vectoring Control Plus. It adjusts engine output and applies subtle braking when required, all according to steering input. For example, a slight dip in power when going into a corner transfers weight more onto the front wheels for optimum traction.

With quilted Nappa leather seating surfaces and fine wood trim, the interior of the top Signature version could easily past muster in a luxury marque. Cabins in the rest of the 2022 CX-9 range aren’t far behind.

Every version has a decent-sized 10.25-inch infotainment display, but it’s not a touchscreen. The system is controlled with a rotary dial in the center console.

Sport trim is a 7-seater with a sliding bench in the second row. Higher up the trim levels, a pair of captain’s chairs for the second row becomes available, raising the comfort quotient but reducing the occupant count to six. Red leather seating surfaces grace the interior of the Carbon Edition, plus nice little details like LED lighting for the door pockets.

There are just a few gripes. The wide center console results in front footwells that we wish were slightly larger. The accommodations of the third row are more suited to kids than grown-ups. And cargo space doesn’t compare well with the best in the class.

The luggage area behind the third row is 14.4 cubic feet. The Chevrolet Traverse has 23 cubic feet. With the two back rows folded down, maximum cargo volume in the CX-9 is 71.2 cubic feet. The Honda Pilot has 109.2.

A midsize 3-row crossover doesn’t have to look awkward and/or chunky. The 2022 CX-9 proves that this kind of vehicle can be elegant, flowing, and interesting.

Touring Plus enlivens the looks further by adding aluminum roof rails, a gloss black grille, and 20-inch alloy wheels with a metallic black finish. The Carbon Edition comes solely in Polymetal Gray. Premium paint finishes offered with the rest of the range are Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Machine Gray Metallic, and Soul Red Crystal Metallic.

TOURING PREMIUM PACKAGE
The one-up-from-base Touring model with this bundle of extras makes a tempting combination. It brings the availability of second-row captain’s chairs, while adding parking sensors at both ends as well more infotainment features to a trim level that already has leather seating surfaces in the first two seating rows.

TURBOCHARGED ENGINE
Although there’s a difference in output depending on what grade of gasoline is used, even the lowest torque figure is still a punchy 310 lb-ft. That’s just 10 lb-ft below what premium gas can achieve. And torque is the force that creates thrust, such as accelerating away from standstill or squeezing the throttle a bit more to pass on the freeway.

Trim levels for the 2022 CX-9 are Sport, Touring, Touring Plus (new this year), Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, and Signature.

Sport trim comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting, rain-sensing wipers, heated side mirrors, keyless entry/ignition, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and 3-zone automatic climate control.

Standard safety systems include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.

The infotainment setup has a 10.25-inch display, Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and six speakers.

Touring brings leather seating surfaces to the first two rows, a 6-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, self-dimming rearview mirror, garage door opener, two USB ports for the second row, and a powered tailgate.

This trim is also eligible for a Touring Premium package ($2,080) adding optional second-row captain’s chairs, powered moonroof, LED fog lights, front/rear parking sensors, two USB ports for the third row, wireless charging, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

Touring Plus has the contents of the Premium package, plus heated/ventilated front seats, driver’s-side memory settings, and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Carbon Edition complements its cosmetic attributes with standard second-row captain’s chairs (heated), 7-inch driver information display, heated steering wheel, rear automatic braking, windshield wiper de-icer, adaptive headlights, and hands-free tailgate operation.

Grand Touring adds a head-up display, road sign recognition, navigation with real-time traffic updates, and a 360-degree camera system.

Signature has the most luxury touches, like Nappa leather seating surfaces with diamond-patterned stitching for the first two seating rows, Santos Rosewood trim, and aluminum accents.

Every new CX-9 has a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine developing 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular 87-octane gasoline. Fill the tank with premium 93-octane gas and output bumps up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque.

Energy goes to a newly standard all-wheel-drive system through a 6-speed automatic transmission.

These fuel economy estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relate to 2021, but we don’t expect any changes for 2022.

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: 20/26 mpg