2019 Mazda CX-9 Review

Highly rated in the three-row crossover class, the Mazda CX-9 provides a blend of utility and drivability. Available in four trims, the CX-9 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine rated at 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trims are offered in either front or all-wheel drive whereas the top of the range Signature trim is AWD only. The CX-9 boasts stimulating driving dynamics that cater for drivers adjusting to having a large family, but it also brings to the segment a sense of luxury with high-quality finishes and premium styling across the range. The question buyers will need to answer, however, is whether or not keen driving dynamics and a premium interior are enough to justify the CX-9's lack of cargo space and cramped third-row seating when rivals like the Honda Pilot offer more in both regards.

What's the Price of the 2019 Mazda CX-9?

The CX-9's base price ranges from $32,280 to $45,365. The entry-level Sport has a base price of $32,280, the Touring starts from $35,330, Grand Touring from $40,840 and the fully loaded Signature trim from a base MSRP of $45,365. Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trims are available in AWD drivetrains and have base prices in the USA of $34,080, $37,130 and $42,640 respectively. All prices are the manufacturer's suggested retail prices and do not include tax, licensing, registration and destination charges. The destination charge for the CX-9 is $1,045 in all states except Alaska, in which this fee rises to $1,090.

2019 CX-9 Exterior

Dimensions

2019 CX-9 Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

The CX-9 offers sporty driving dynamics that set it apart from rivals with quick and responsive steering making the CX-9 feel lighter than it is. Enthusiastic drivers will appreciate how agile and nimble the CX-9 feels, as with many models in the current Mazda range. The engine is also responsible for the engaging driving experience. Plentiful torque helps the CX-9 maneuver through city roads without feeling sluggish or weighed down and the transmission changes gears without delay.

The suspension is well tuned to provide a smooth ride both on and off the road. With an 8.8-inch ground clearance, the CX-9 is capable on all types of terrain without inflicting damage to the undercarriage. However, the 20-inch wheels on the higher trims can make driving on bumpy roads unpleasant. Mazda focused on improving insulation and reducing cabin noise in the 2019 model. Combined with a firm suspension the result is a smooth and quiet ride, even on the highway, but on rougher surfaces may be a little firm for some. The CX-9 tackles winding roads significantly better than most rivals. Its chassis maintains composure around long corners and body-roll is kept to a relative minimum for a crossover of this size and ride height. Through turns, the G-Vectoring system cleverly increases levels of grip and composure aiding the compact feel of the CX-9 that maintains a constant connection to the driver providing confidence and control when behind the wheel. The brakes are sturdy and are dependable under high pressure.

2019 CX-9 Interior

2019 CX-9 Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Verdict: Is the 2019 Mazda CX-9 A Good SUV?

Compared to other midsize SUV crossovers, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 scores rather well, providing a level of luxury that rivals and even surpasses its German competitors. While the interior is assembled with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, it falls behind the competition in terms of cargo space and third-row seating space. The 2019 model has Apple Carplay and Android Auto capabilities to quickly link your phone to the vehicle, with a premium Bose sound system and a 360-degree surround view camera appearing on higher trims. A high level of safety and driver assistance features include Smart Brake and Advanced Smart City Brake support with pedestrian detection. Offering a unique driving experience with punchy performance and sporty driving dynamics while being fuel efficient, the CX-9 is the driver's SUV for those with a big family. It achieves premium status without the associated cost of buying a BMW or Audi.

What Mazda CX-9 Model Should I Buy?

Offering substantially more than the Sport trim, we'd have to recommend the value for money Touring trim. It includes key features, such as a power liftgate, leather upholstery, and all the items found in the Power Driver's Seat and Heated Side Mirror Package, including power adjustability to the driver's seat as well as heating for the front seats and side mirrors. It also comes with the larger eight-inch touchscreen and additional USB ports in the second-row armrest. The LED headlights get auto on/off functionality and High Beam Control. Additional safety features include cruise control with auto start/stop function, collision warning and emergency brake, rain-sensing windshield wipers, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Touring is also the cheapest trim to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With the ability to use your smartphone for navigation, there is less reason to pay extra for the Touring Premium Package.

Check out other Mazda CX-9 Styles

2019 Mazda CX-9 Comparisons

2019 Mazda CX-9 vs Honda Pilot

The Pilot is one of the CX-9's primary rivals with a base price of $31,450 that slightly undercuts the $32,280 CX-9 Sport. A key difference between these vehicles is the cargo space. The Pilot can accommodate seven adults more comfortably than the CX-9 and has 2.1 cubic feet more space behind the third row. Fold down the third row and the Pilot has 8.6 cubic feet more space than the CX-9. Where the CX-9 is lacking in space, it makes up with interior quality and performance. It also offers a more stimulating driving experience thanks to its sporty driving dynamics and responsive steering. It is more fuel efficient too, and boasts a better infotainment system, while safety tech is about on par. Ultimately it comes down to your seating requirements. The Pilot is better equipped to transport seven people but a family of five will be more comfortable in the luxurious CX-9 interior, while the driver will enjoy the Mazda more.

2019 Mazda CX-9 vs Mazda CX-5

There a number of similarities between Mazda's two largest SUVs, with the key difference being the third row in the CX-9. The CX-5 offers the same level of interior luxury but as a two-row crossover SUV. The CX-9 offers 14.4 cubic feet behind the third row and 38.2 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded. The CX-5 offers 30.9 cubic ft behind the rear seats and 59.6 cubic ft with the rear seats folded down. Both vehicles offer premium Mazda interior quality and very sporty driving dynamics. While the CX-5 has better acceleration because of its lower weight, both deliver an engaging and stimulating driving experience. If you're willing to sacrifice some cargo space and seating for seven, the CX-5 is more suited to a family of five, and at a substantial price difference as well. In the end, it comes down to your budget and seating requirements, but the CX-5 is exceptional.