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Identifying the First-Gen Ford Mustang2022 Mazda CX-9: Luxury For Less
Check out our review of the 2022 Mazda CX-9 for a discussion on trim levels, powertrain and tech features of this luxury-minded midsize SUV.
2022 Mazda CX-9 – mazdausa.com | Shop 2022 Mazda CX-9 on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2022 Mazda CX-9?
With an upscale look and high-end features, the 2022 Mazda CX-9 three-row SUV is the Japanese automakers’ flagship vehicle. On sale since 2007, the second-gen CX-9 arrived in 2016 with elegant styling and a reputation for strong driving dynamics. These are some of the reasons we put a used CX-9 on our list of best mid-size SUVs. New for 2022, i-Activ AWD is standard across the CX-9 range. In prior years, this was optional equipment as we discuss in this review of the 2020 model. Other changes include a new midrange Touring Plus model with features like ventilated front seats and 20-inch wheels.
The Breakdown
Standard 10.3-inch infotainment screen
Genuine wood trim inlays are a nice touch
Styling that could be mistaken for a luxury brand
Needs an optional, more potent engine
Tight cargo space versus the competition
No panoramic sunroof available
CX-9 trades in elegance and style
2022 CX-9 Specs
- 227 horsepower from base engine
- 310 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 6 available trims
- 14 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 79 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Standard Trailer Stability Assist
- Heads-Up Display Shows traffic sign details
- NTSA 5-Star overall crash rating
- Three years of 24/7 roadside assistance
2022 Mazda CX-9 Powertrain
Mazda touts the 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on tap with the 2022 CX-9, but the caveat is that you will need to fill up with 93 octane to achieve those figures. Which is a tall order given the price of gas these days. The turbocharged 2.5L inline-four, Skyactiv-G in Mazda-speak, makes 227 hp and 310 torques on regular fuel, so it is not an insignificant swing. Regardless of how you fill it up, the CX-9 is now fitted with the i-Activ AWD system across the board working with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
This AWD system works in concert with G-Vectoring Control to monitor weight distribution and steering inputs to move power around, while subtly adjusting torque and braking to keep you firmly planted on the road. A slick system, it is not the same thing as true four-wheel-drive, as we talk about here. Other chassis and powertrain highlights include fully independent suspension with a multi-link rear setup and manual-shift mode that, when paired with the available paddle shifters, offers sporty handling in the CX-9.
Towing & Payload
Mazda does not spend a lot of space talking up the towing prowess of their CX-9; however, the 3,500-pound rating is enough to pull a small travel trailer for weekend adventures. All models are fitted with traction control, trailer stability assist and hill start assist to make the process smoother. Mazda also offers a Class II hitch and 4-pin wiring harness for $450.
2022 Mazda CX-9 Fuel Economy & MPG
Amongst the competitive set, the CX-9 is reasonably fuel efficient, coming in at 20 mpg in city driving and 26 on the highway. That matches the Honda Pilot, a used comparison of which you can read here, in the city and is just one mpg less on the open road. Speaking of the highway, you can expect a bit over 500 miles of cruising range with the 19 ½-gallon gas tank.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The CX-9 cabin seats up to seven people but you can option it with second-row captain’s chairs if six is enough. Leather upholstery is included on Touring models and above, with the top-spec Signature trim sporting the Nappa variety with fancy quilting and piping. Features like this are what help the CX-9 earn a spot on our list of best SUVs. Other niceties include second row sunshades and triple-zoned automatic climate control.
Technically a three-row SUV, the CX-9 comes up a bit short on paper when it comes to the all-important legroom metric. The third row offers 29.7-inches whereas a Ford Explorer measures 32.2-inches in that department. While the second and third row can be folded flat to open up 71 cubic feet of space, Toyota’s Highlander boasts 84 cubic feet. The 2022 CX-9 cabin is a nice place to be, just be aware of the space limitations.
Entertainment & Technology
Every 2022 Mazda CX-9 is equipped with a 10.3-inches color infotainment screen sprouting from the dash, controlled by the Multifunction Commander Control, otherwise known as a rotary dial mounted behind the shifter. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are baked in, as is a 3-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services. Using the MyMazda app, this connectivity allows owners to start the CX-9, work the door locks and manage a Wi-Fi hotspot. Moving through the trim levels unlocks up to six USB ports, a wireless charging pad and 7-inch LCD gauge cluster screen. Grand Touring and Signature models feature an Active Driving Display, otherwise known as a HUD.
Safety Features
Mazda dubs their suite of driver aids Activsense and fits all eight systems as standard equipment. They include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection and advanced smart city brake support. There are additional systems, like driver attention alert, that are available on higher-end models. For 2022, NHTSA gives the CX-9 an overall 5-Star rating and IIHS rates it a Top Safety Pick+.
2022 Mazda CX-9 Trims & Pricing
Sport – $36,505
Base CX-9 Sport is nicely equipped with 18-inches alloy wheels, full LED exterior lighting and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Tri-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats ensure a cozy cabin, while the Apple and Android integration via 10.3-inches infotainment screen keeps you connected. There are no packages at this level but the i-Activsense group of driver-assistance aids is included.
Touring – $38,655
Touring models unlock additional paint options like Soul Red Crystal Metallic and a power-operated tailgate with programmable height is included. Inside, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and your choice of Black or Sand leather spruce things up. For $2080, the Touring Premium package adds a moonroof, wireless charging pad and Bose Centerpoint 2 surround sound stereo with 12 speakers.
Touring Plus – $42,885
New for 2022, CX-9 Touring Plus trim sports black-finished 20-inches wheels, LED fog lamps and a gloss black grille. Upmarket cabin touches include a frameless rearview mirror, climatized front seats and second-row retractable sunshades. SiriusXM satellite radio is on hand along with parking sensors front and back.
Carbon Edition – $44,805
Only available in trim-exclusive Polymetal Gray Metallic, Carbon Edition CX-9’s are the stealth option with black rims and gloss black exterior bits. Side mirrors feature LED turn signals, heating elements and automatic power folding. You will also find a hands-free liftgate, second-row captain’s chairs and red leather upholstery that is exclusive to this model.
Grand Touring – $45,665
CX-9 Grand Touring ratchets up the amenities with adaptive headlights that swivel to illuminate curvy roads at night, a windshield wiper-deicer system and aluminum roof rails. An integrated navigation system and SiriusXM with Traffic and Travel Link subscription is on hand as is a HUD with Traffic Sign Recognition.
Signature – $48,435
Only found on the CX-9 Signature are fancy bits like LED front grille accent lighting, Santos Rosewood genuine wood cabin trim inlays and the option for Deep Chestnut or Parchment Nappa leather with quilted inserts and piped seams. Its’ a snazzy setup, furthered by the console added between the second-row captain’s thrones, 360° View Monitor and heated steering wheel.
Warranties
Mazda offers an industry average warranty with 3 years or 36,000 miles of basic vehicle and roadside assistance coverage. The powertrain term runs 5 years or 60,000 miles and unlike competition from the likes of GMC, there is no complimentary maintenance.
What We Think
2022 Mazda CX-9 – mazdausa.com | Shop 2022 Mazda CX-9 on Carsforsale.com
It is easy to see that Mazda is aiming their 2022 CX-9 at the luxury market even though it’s not priced accordingly. Elegant styling, a robust roster of standard equipment and available high-end features make it a compelling option even if it’s not quite as big inside as some competition. Normally, I would lean towards the lower priced, value-packed trims but the top-spec CX-9 Signature model is dressed up like fancy German SUVs without the inflated price tag, making it a good place to start.
