Three-row crossover SUVs are surging right now. Mazda’s three-row, the CX-9, is coming off its best year of sales since 2011. The 2019 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD arrived in my driveway wearing a coat of Machine Gray Metallic paint ($300) and a starting price of $45,365 ($49,330 as tested), with an assertive stance and mature bearing. I’ve been working my way through the Mazda lineup lately, having tested the MX-5 Miata, CX-5 and new Mazda3 this model year. I’ve owned two Mazda vehicles – a 2014 CX-5 and a 2012 Mazda3 (which is still my wife’s daily driver) – so I’ve got an affinity for the brand. I was eager to see how the CX-9 would compare to the rest of the lineup, and how it would stack up to the competition.
CX-9 debuted as a 2007 model. The second-generation vehicle followed as a 2016 model, and is the flagship of the Mazda lineup, which currently consists of the Mazda3 sedan and hatchback, Mazda6 sedan, CX-3 subcompact crossover, CX-5 compact crossover, CX-9 three-row crossover and MX-5 Miata soft top/MX-5 Miata RF (retractable hardtop). Mazda vehicles share a common design language, which the company calls “Kodo,” that endeavors to capture the sense of motion in its sheet metal forms. An engineering philosophy, SKYACTIV, also threads through the Mazda vehicles. It is a holistic approach that debuted in 2010, encompassing engine, transmission, body, chassis and driving dynamics technologies that balance performance with efficiency, safety and weight savings.
One of the things that I’ve always found attractive about Mazda vehicles is the fun-to-drive quotient. Almost always, the Mazda entry into a vehicle class has been one of my top choices when it comes to pure driving experience. Contrary to my expectations, it’s not about speed or horsepower, it’s about balance and responsiveness. Ask any enthusiastic driver about the experience of driving a Miata, and you’ll hear an ode to the direct relationship between steering and handling, and a story about fun.
CX-9 is not a Miata – not by a long shot. But it shares some of the driving character that makes a Miata one of the best driver’s cars on the road. CX-9 weighs in at 4,383 lbs in AWD trim, a little lighter than a comparable 2019 Ford Explorer. That weight is supported by four-wheel independent suspension (MacPherson strut front/multi-link rear with stabilizer bars at both ends) and 20-inch by 8.5-inch wheels on Grand Touring and Signature trim models/18-inch by 8-inch on Sport and Touring. SKYACTIV G-Vectoring Control introduces torque vectoring into the equation to improve cornering feel and performance. The system subtly reduces power upon corner entry, shifting the vehicle’s weight to the front wheels, which makes turn-in smoother and easier. Perfectly weighted electric power assist steering helps point the CX-9 in the desired direction. You never forget that you’re driving a 199.4-inch long SUV, but swooshing through the curves is free from body roll and is delightfully precise. The EPA estimates that CX-9 AWD can achieve 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway/23 mpg combined.
CX-9 uses a six-speed automatic transmission behind its transversely mounted 2.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine (227 hp/310 lb-ft of torque). Shifts are smooth and power comes on in a linear, predictable fashion with no discernable turbo lag. There’s a genuine sense of momentum and urgency on tap, especially when you select Sport mode with the center console-mounted toggle switch.
CX-9’s interior is gorgeous, especially in the top-of-the-line Signature trim level. There’s an elegant simplicity to the dash, and quality material selections have been made throughout the cabin. The driver’s cockpit is perfectly aligned, with attention lavished on the driver’s line of sight. The eight-inch color touchscreen display is mounted high on the center of the dash, and a head-up display with traffic sign recognition is projected above the instrument panel’s cowl. Sight lines in all directions are clear, augmented by a blind-spot monitoring system with cross-traffic alert and rear-view camera.
Amenities in the cabin are at a luxury level in the Signature trim. Heated and ventilated power front seats with perforated leather provide comfort and support. A heated steering wheel, two-position driver’s seat memory, second-row window sunshades, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic on/off LED headlights, radar cruise control, auto-fold side mirrors, proximity key with push-button start, and other premium features are also included. A Bose 12-speaker surround sound audio system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is standard on Signature, as is navigation. A power liftgate is part of the Signature trim level as well. My test car was equipped with a rear-seat entertainment system ($1,995) with twin screens mounted on the back of the front seat headrests. Access to the two-position third row is a one-handed affair, with seating adequate for full-size adults.
Safety and driver assist technologies include trailer sway control (3,500-lb towing limit), rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, Smart Brake Support and Smart City Brake Support.
If you’re considering a 2019 Mazda CX-9, you owe it to yourself to check out the competitors. Drive the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot and Kia Sorento. Check out premium entries like Volvo XC90, Land Rover Range Rover Discovery Sport, Infiniti QX60, Lexus RXL and others. As Mazda continues its push toward premium, the 2019 CX-9 represents the brand’s core values extremely well, and is worthy of consideration.
