Flash Drive

2019 Mazda CX-9

December 5, 2018 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 
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Model Tested: 2019 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD

The 2019 Mazda CS-9 is a handsomely styled 7-passenger SUV that gets mid-twenties fuel economy.

Engine:2.5-liter turbo I-4, 227-horsepower, 310 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatictransmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 19-mpg city, 25-mpg highway, 21-mpg combined

Base Price: $42,640

As Tested: $45,455

Performance:

Good performance considering size and only four-cylinder engine

Noticeably quicker in Sport mode

Acceptable fuel economy—our best was 25.2-mpg highway

The Mazda CX-9 (right) is a three-row 7-passenger compared to the two-row 5-passenger CX5.

Great head-up display

Pleasant, comfortable highway ride

Excellent winter/skiing vehicle

Smooth 6-speed automatic transmission

Excellent suite of safety features

Rain sensing wipers

20-inch alloy wheels

Comfort:

Great stretch-out front legroom

Very good headroom

Heated, contoured leather steering wheel

Ample range tilt/telescopic steering column

This cutaway image shows the three-row seating arrangement.

Power lumbar both front seats

Three temperature heated/ventilated front seats

Heated second row seats

Second row adjustable seatback angles

Wide second row armrest with small storage bin

Ample second row legroom

Typically small third row seating

Utility:

Power lift gate

Large cargo area

Extra storage under deck

Front row room, comfort and amenities are great.

Flat floor

Rear seats fold flat

No lift-over

Long rear doors open wide for easy in/out

Big rear door bins

Good cargo space behind third row seats

Large, deep front door bins

Medium size console bin

Windshield wiper de-icer

High beam headlight control

The centrally located controls are simple and intuitive.

WOW Factors:

Spacious, comfortable interior

Big, flexible cargo capacity

Excellent safety features

Strong luxury content

Skyactiv Technology really works

Whines:

Tight third row access for large adults

Bottom Line:

We think the sweet spot in the Mazda SUV lineup (CX-3, CX-5, CX-9) is the CX-5, but if you truly need seven passenger accommodations then

The whole Mazda CX lineup (CX-3, CX-5, CX-9) are all excellent winter vehicles.

the 2019 Mazda CX-9 is a fine choice. It has all the positive traits of the CX-5 (a little harder to park) plus the third row and added cargo space. The turbocharged four-cylinder Skyactiv engine does an excellent job of moving the larger vehicle. Passenger space and sumptuous accommodations are excellent for the first and second rows.