The 2016 Mazda CX-9 takes everything we loved about the original 7-passenger family SUV and adds even better handling, style, comfort and safety features. This sleek 3-row crossover rides on a longer wheelbase, providing more room for the rearmost passengers as well as improved cargo space.
Compared to the aging GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse, the CX-9 pulls off a more contemporary look that places it in the same league with such worthy competitors as the Toyota Highlander, the Honda Pilot, the Dodge Durango and Nissan Pathfinder. Under the hood, the previous V6 engine has been sent packing, replaced by a SKYACTIVturbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that develops an impressive 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Of course, you'll need to use premium fuel to achieve those numbers; filling the CX-9's gas tank with regular drops output to 227 hp.
From its modern, upscale interior to its nearly clairvoyant i-ACTIV all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, the new CX-9 provides families an efficient, safe, powerful and attractive way to get around, while offering the driver the kind of sportlike handling rarely found at this price point.
What's New for 2016?
Mazda has completely redesigned the CX-9 for 2016, with a longer wheelbase, a new engine and more interior space.
What We Like
Strong acceleration; good fuel economy; impressive AWD ability; handsome interior; great handling
What We Don't
Turbocharged engine is untested as far as reliability and longevity; seating limited to seven passengers; third-row seat still only fit for kids; no Android Auto orApple CarPlay
How Much?
$32,420 - $45,500
Fuel Economy
No matter which trim you purchase, they'll all be powered by a SKYACTIV turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, which produces 250 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque when using 93-octane premium fuel. When burning 87-octane regular gas, the CX-9's power rating drops to 227 hp, but torque remains the same.
A 6-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift mode is also standard on all trims. Fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive (FWD) models is rated at 22 miles per gallon in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The i-ACTIV AWD models get 21 mpg city/27 mpg hwy.
Standard Features & Options
The Mazda CX-9 is offered in four well-appointed trims: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and Signature. The first three are offered with a choice of FWD or AWD, while AWD is standard on the Signature trim.
The CX-9 Sport ($32,420 FWD, $34,220 AWD) comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, cloth seats, auto-off LED headlights, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, rear privacy glass, tri-zone automatic air conditioning, HD Radio with six speakers, two USB ports, a 7-in full-color touchscreen display, remote keyless entry, a MazdaConnect infotainment system, a 60/40-split folding second-row seat, a 50/50-split folding third-row seat and a tilt-telescopic steering wheel with cruise, audio and Bluetooth controls.
The CX-9 Touring ($36,870 FWD, $38,670 AWD) adds leather seating, heated side mirrors, a power rear lift gate, heated front seats, Advanced Key keyless entry and push-button start, an 8-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support, a 4-way power passenger seat, an 8-in full color touchscreen display and two rear-seat USB ports. Additional safety features include a blind spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert.
