2020 Mazda CX-9 Test Drive Review: A Breath Of Fresh Air

Mazda's CX-9 has now proven that Mazda can take its ethos of building smaller fun to drive vehicles and bestow that upon the three-row crossover segment. The Japanese brand has managed that while also turning away from the V6 engines common in the CX-9's rivals like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Power comes from a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant all through the range, and with 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on tap, drivers will appreciate both its vigor and fuel economy figures. Drivers and passengers will both appreciate the i-Activsense safety suite that's now standard on every CX-9.

While we love the handling and fuel economy for such a big vehicle, it's not at the expense of things the whole family can appreciate. The CX-9's ride is smooth, the interior is refined, and seats seven as standard. Mazda's three-row crossover is not perfect, but in a world of stodgy crossovers, it's still capable and a breath of fresh air.

What’s the Price of 2020 Mazda CX-9?

Due to the small number of changes made for the new year, the Mazda CX-9 sees only a minor price increase for 2020. The entry point to the range is the Sport, with an MSRP of $33,890. The Touring is a modest step up from the base price to $35,710, while the Grand Touring takes a bigger price hike, adding another $5,840 to the final bill at $41,550. At the top of the range is the Signature, which comes standard with the all-wheel drivetrain. When you consider that all-wheel-drive adds $1,900 to the cost of the other trims, the Signature isn't that much pricier at $46,215. These prices exclude tax, registration, licensing, incentives, and Mazda's destination charge of $1,100.

2020 CX-9 Exterior

Dimensions

2020 CX-9 Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

The CX-9's handling dynamics truly set it apart from its rivals, although some are starting to catch up as it heads into its fourth year of this generation. Nobody is quite there yet, though, and enthusiasts will enjoy the grip and agility of a vehicle half its size. The G-Vectoring torque system and well-tuned suspension make the CX-9 surprisingly nimble, which is to its advantage both around town and out on country roads. The retuned suspension minimizes body roll and keeps things composed, and it's not until reaching particularly rough-cut roads that its firmness starts to affect ride quality negatively.

Ride quality is bolstered by good insulation in the cabin from road and wind noise, and freeway miles are eaten up with quiet ease. In the city, the CX-9 never feels sluggish and is easy to maneuver in tight areas. The available all-wheel-drive system is set up for inclement weather, but it'll also help out when soft-roading up to a hiking or picnic area.

2020 CX-9 Interior

2020 CX-9 Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Verdict: Is the 2020 Mazda CX-9 A Good car?

We are huge fans of the Mazda CX-9 as an SUV and family vehicle, but we are not blind to the fact that the class-leading driving dynamics come at a cost to cargo space and the usefulness of the third row. As an alternative to the two-row CX-5 for families that will find value in an occasional-use third row, the CX-9 is an excellent car. For families where the third row is part of everyday life, and plenty of cargo space is a necessity, they may want to look elsewhere. The CX-9 also falls behind rivals when it comes to towing capacity. However, it's a practical three-row SUV with quality levels that border on premium. The punchy engine, engaging chassis, and overall connection with the driver, however, can't be ignored. This is a midsize SUV for the family man or woman who has been forced to give up his sports car but can't give up their passion for driving.

What Mazda CX-9 Model Should I Buy?

With the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the bump up to a larger screen, leather trim, power-adjustable passenger seat, and power liftgate, we would opt to skip the Sport trim and step straight into the Touring model at the very least.

Looking at the Grand Touring trim level, the luxury-level extras like 20-inch wheels, a moonroof, a seven-inch driver information display, a Bose sound system, and hands-free tailgate operability make sense for those that are going to spend a lot of time in the vehicle. However, we would opt for the middle ground here and go for the Touring trim plus the Touring Premium Package that adds LED foglights, the power-sliding moonroof, front and rear parking sensors, the Bose surround sound system, and extra USB ports. Adding the package gets a bunch of meaningful premium features while leaving money over to spend on a family getaway.

The Signature might offer near-premium levels of luxury, but for the discerning buyer, there's no need to opt for the Rosewood detailing and Nappa leather upholstery.

2020 Mazda CX-9 Comparisons

2020 Mazda CX-9 vs Mazda CX-5

Just a single tier below the CX-9, the Mazda CX-5 bears many similarities to its big brother. While the compact crossover may get an uninspiring 187-hp four-cylinder engine as standard, it does get access to the same turbocharged four-pot as the CX-9. Properly equipped, the smaller SUV can be quite a spirited driver while still offering the same quality interior and long list of available features as the more expensive CX-9. Naturally, you will be sacrificing a bit in terms of cabin capacity, since the CX-5 only seats five, and its standard cargo capacity of 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row can't match the CX-9's 38.2 cubic feet with the third row folded down. Still, there's a pretty significant price difference between the two SUVs, and you'll need to carefully consider your requirements. If you've only got a family of four or five, the CX-5 will definitely suit your needs just fine.

2020 Mazda CX-9 vs Honda Pilot

At more than $2,000 cheaper than the Mazda, the Honda Pilot is definitely tempting competition to consider when shopping around for a three-row SUV. In terms of sheer practicality for money, the Honda Pilot makes more sense, as it can more easily accommodate seven passengers, and it even has a bit more cargo capacity. But, looking at the bigger picture, the Mazda CX-9 seems to come out on top. Unless you're going to be squeezing six or seven into the SUV on a regular basis, the CX-9 is quite a bit more comfortable with its plusher, upscale interior. It also gets more standard and available features, along with an easy-to-use infotainment suite. Throw in significantly better driving dynamics and just a smidge better fuel economy, and you have a recipe for success. At the end of the day, it will come down to where your priorities lie, but the Mazda CX-9 seems to be better as an all-rounder.