2020 Mazda CX-9 review
Mazda CX-9 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Sporty handling
- Quiet ride
- Premium interior
Cons
- Small cargo space
- Tight third row
- Cumbersome infotainment controls
Mileage (EPA estimate)
20 city, 26 highway, 23 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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2020 Mazda CX-9 is a three-row crossover SUV residing at the top of the Mazda lineup
The Mazda CX-9 carries the same exterior design into the 2020 model year, though the automaker's flagship SUV receives a number of upgrades. The 2020 CX-9's cabin gets a more premium feel with the available second-row captain's chairs, and the hands-free power liftgate adds a new level of convenience. Under the hood, the CX-9 gets a boost in power—the turbocharged engine puts out 250 horsepower, up from the previous year's 227 horses. Available in four trim levels ranging from the base-level Sport to the most luxurious Signature, the CX-9 is available with front- or all-wheel drive. While the first two rows offer comfortable and roomy seating environments, the third row is short on legroom, making a tight fit for two adults. With a premium interior and a quiet, solid ride, the CX-9 holds its own in a crowd of competitors that include the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Subaru Ascent.
All Mazda CX-9 years
What is new for the 2020 Mazda CX-9?
- Quad Seats and Tow Hitch features are now available as options on select trims.
- The Sport trim now comes with Front Seat Heaters, Power Seat(s), Lane Departure Warning, and Automated Cruise Control as standard equipment.
2020 Mazda CX-9 trims
Curious how Mazda CX-9 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesSport:
- 227-hp, 310-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
- Smart Key
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Third Row Seat
- Front Seat Heaters
- Power Seats
- Cloth Seats
- Rear View Camera
- Lane Departure Warning
- View our Mazda CX-9 Sport inventory
Touring:
- Includes all features available on the Sport
- Leather Seats
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- View our Mazda CX-9 Touring inventory
Grand Touring:
- Includes all features available on the Touring
- Memory Seats
- Head Up Display
- Rear Sunshade
- Sunroofs
- Rear Seat Heaters
- A/C Seats
- Parking Sensors
- Heated Steering Wheel
- View our Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring inventory
Signature:
- Includes all features available on the Grand Touring
- No significant upgrades found on the Signature
- View our Mazda CX-9 Signature inventory
Mazda CX-9 photos
What We Like
Performance: With the added power for 2020, the CX-9 is very responsive with quick acceleration from a stop—especially with all-wheel drive. More athletic than some competitors, the CX-9 handles well on a winding road with good steering and brakes. The CX-9 drives like a smaller SUV with good maneuverability around town. The smooth-shifting transmission adds to the Mazda's everyday drivability.
Interior: The CX-9 may not be considered a luxury SUV, but the interior design is simple and elegant, trimmed in quality materials. Getting in and out is easy, and the new second-row captain's chairs add to the comfort of rear passengers. These new seats also make access to the third row more convenient.
Comfort: The CX-9 delivers a smooth ride and strikes a nice balance between sporty and comfortable. Seats in the front row provide ample support and can be heated or cooled. Rear passengers get good legroom and headroom with either captain's chairs or the three-seat bench. The third row is tight on legroom, but it's wider than the third row in other three-row SUVs so it doesn't feel as cramped.
What Needs Improvement
Storage: For a three-row SUV, the CX-9 is short on cargo space—with the third row in place, there's just 14.4 cubic feet, barely enough room for one suitcase. Folding the rear seats does increase the overall storage area to 71.2 cubic feet, but that is considerably less than competitors like the Kia Telluride.
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Mazda CX-9 an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Mazda CX-9 4th out of 16 among Fullsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Mazda CX-9Mazda CX-9 features and specs
Curious how Mazda CX-9 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Sport 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Mirrors
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Third Row Seat
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Apple CarPlay
- Full Roof Rack
- Parking Sensors
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.5L
Horsepower
227
Torque (ft-lbs)
310
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
19
Wheelbase
115.3"
Overall length
199.4"
Width
77.5"
Height
67.6"
Leg room
F 41"/M 39.4"/R 29.7"
Head room
F 39.3"/M 38.5"/R 35.4"
Front tires
P255/60HR18
Rear tires
P255/60HR18
Seating capacity
7
Max towing capacity
350/3500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2020 Mazda CX-9 FAQ
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Sport: 22 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Touring: 22 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Grand Touring: 22 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Signature: 20 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
The Mazda CX-9 received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Mazda CX-9 as 3 out of 16 among Fullsize SUV
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 has received an average 4.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2020 Mazda CX-9, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2020 Mazda CX-9 Reviews.
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 has a maximum towing capacity of 3500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2020 Mazda CX-9:
- Quad Seats
- Tow Hitch
- Lane Departure Warning
- Power Seat(s)
- Front Seat Heaters
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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