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What do our experts think of the 2021 Mazda CX-9? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels and more. Find out more here.
2021 Mazda CX-9 – news.mazdausa.com | Shop 2021 Mazda CX-9 on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2021 Mazda CX-9?
The 2021 Mazda CX-9 offers some significant safety and tech upgrades to the 2020. Starting with some basics, Mazda made the infotainment screen a bit bigger, going from a maximum of 8 inches in the 2020 CX-9 to 10.25 inches in the new 2021. Tech enthusiasts will enjoy the addition of standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which was available last year, but not yet standard. You’ll also get available wireless charging as well as additional safety features including Smart City Brake Support. Finally, Mazda has added a whole new trim level called Carbon.
Check out our review of the 2020 Mazda CX-9 here.
The Breakdown
Lively, sporty Skyactiv-G engine
Well-designed and spacious interior
Swift, fun handling
Gorgeous exterior
No touchscreen
Lacking cargo space
A fun, fast SUV from Mazda
2021 CX-9 Specs
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- 227 horsepower from base engine
- 310 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 5 available trims
- 14.4 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 71.2 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- 10.25-inch infotainment screen
- Smart City Brake and high res backup camera
2021 Mazda CX-9 Powertrain
Mazda offers the same 227 hp four-cylinder turbocharged engine across all their CX-9 trims. That’s because the Skyactiv-G engine works well to provide enthusiasts with the power they want and the efficiency of an everyday driver. The first thing you’ll notice whether you are trying to merge onto the highway or start from a stop sign is the 310 lb-ft of torque. Skyactiv-G offers some unique engineering to make the CX-9 and other vehicles across the Mazda drive with no sense of “turbo lag” that makes other SUVs accelerate slow.
The drivetrain and suspension on the CX-9 retains the name Skyactiv-G as Mazda’s proprietary platform You’ll hardly notice bumps in the road, and the vehicle shifts seamlessly under stress. Cornering is also unexpectedly tight compared to rivals like the Honda Pilot.
Towing & Payload
Here is where the Mazda falters a bit. The 2021 CX-9 can tow, but not much. Mazda designed the CX-9 to tow up to 3,500 pounds. Many competitors like the Honda Pilot and the Chevrolet Traverse offer up to 5,000 pounds. The CX-9 also doesn’t offer upgrades like a Max Tow package which is sometimes the case in any other makes and models.
2021 Mazda CX-9 Fuel Economy & MPG
Since Mazda offers the same engine in all their trims, the only mechanics that change the CX-9’s miles per gallon is the addition of all wheel drive. Mazda starts at 22 city and 28 highway with the front wheel drive model Sport edition. Adding AWD takes away very little, retaining 20 city and 26 highway MPG.
You’ll notice that the MPG doesn’t quite reflect the torque you’ll need. To make a long engineering story short: Mazda’s Skyactiv engine makes combustion more efficient, and a 4 cylinder engine becomes more than enough to power a 7 passenger SUV.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Is the 2021 Mazda CX-9 comfortable? Comfort depends on whether you are asking the first and second row passengers or the third row. The driver and passenger get plenty of room to move around in addition to seats that provide a nice hug under acceleration. The dashboard is well thought out with a shiny aluminum button that is easily reachable to control your infotainment setup. The second row has optional captain’s chairs or a power folded split bench seat.
The only complaint here is that the interior is a bit small for 7 adults. While the thought of taking a couple of kids on a road trip isn’t bad, even with car seats, a 7 adult road trip doesn’t sound very pleasant unless you have friends with short legs and high tolerance.
For cargo space, you can definitely get more room for your stuff with Mazda’s competitors. If you don’t prize cargo space and prefer the Mazda style and engine, you probably won’t miss it. Still, the Mazda CX-9 will function fine for most normal trips to the grocery or hardware store.
Entertainment & Technology
The 2021 Mazda CX-9 features the Mazda Connect infotainment system. Mazda’s infotainment system has a nice aluminum knob for easy navigation, but you’ll most likely control your music and navigation through the newly standard Apple CarPay and Android Audio. Both software setups are readily controlled by your voice or with the knob itself, and with apps like iTunes or Pandora. Upper trims of the CX-9 offer navigation without your smartphone.
The CX-9’s screen offers a sharp display for when you are using navigation and the controls are quite easy to use with small movements from your hands on the knob – though entertainment can be requested on most smartphones with voice commands.
Safety Features
Mazda offers some surprising safety features on the CX-9, and they added more. You already get blind spot monitoring on the side mirrors, and radar cruise control with stop-and-go technology. This year, Mazda has added Advanced Smart City Brake Support with pedestrian detection. This long name is designed to work at lower speeds and detects moving pedestrians that might be in crosswalks or crossing streets from behind cars. Drivers who are frequently in pedestrian heavy areas will find this useful.
2021 Mazda CX-9 Trims & Pricing
Sport $34,160
The Sport model starts with cloth seating, a standard 6 speaker audio system, and remote keyless entry. The engine across all trims remains the same punchy 2.5L 4-cylinder. The Sport level still offers standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, blind sport monitoring, radar cruise control, and more. Want heated seats? They are still available in sport.
Touring $35,950
Cloth not to your liking? Get an upgrade with leather seating in the Touring trim – Mazda owners can also choose between Sand and Black for their leather color. The Touring trim comes with a convenient power liftgate for when your hands are full. For the kids or rear passengers, you also have the option to add captain’s chairs to the back.
Carbon $41,280
Welcome to Mazda’s newest trim level! Carbon is mostly cosmetic – and it looks sharp with an exclusive Polymetal Gray exterior. Inside, new interior leather options are available with a black or red leather. 19-inch wheels are standard on Carbon. The Carbon edition and above start to get ventilated seats and 2nd row heated seats available. Bose speakers are available in the Carbon trim. While all the standard Mazda models look sharp, Carbon adds a unique flavor.
Grand Touring $42,140
Add a bit more to the Carbon trim. The liftgate now becomes hands free. The lighting system becomes adaptive. Add on a power moonroof in addition to a classy polished aluminum interior too. Passengers in a Grand Touring edition also get a center armrest with USB ports. Safety wise, you’ll also notice an Active safety display in addition to traffic sign recognition.
Signature $46,805
Grand Touring added a lot of features, but the Signature edition provides even more. Add genuine Santos Rosewood to parts of the interior, quilting, and piping to the first and second row seats. The interior really shines with the addition of available Deep Chestnut Nappa Leather and Parchment Nappa Leather.
Warranties
A new Mazda CX-9 comes with a 3-year, 36,000-mile limited warranty in addition to a 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. Mazda also offers 24/7 roadside assistance when needed for the same length as the regular new warranty.
What we think
2021 Mazda CX-9 – news.mazdausa.com | Shop 2021 Mazda CX-9 on Carsforsale.com
For what amounts to a mainstream vehicle, the Mazda CX-9 is a very fun vehicle to drive. The 2.5L Skyactiv engine provides the power of a 6 cylinder or larger. The interior offers plenty of space for a driver, passenger and kids. However, there are better options available if you haul adults or tall teenagers on a regular basis. Overall, you’ll be enjoying a spirited, good looking vehicle if you don’t need lots of cargo space. Mazda has also done well including new safety features into their 2021 Mazda CX-9 without raising the price significantly – and the Carbon Edition looks very sharp.
