Mazda’s 2019 CX-9 comes in four trims: Signature, Grand Touring, Touring, and Sport. The Signature luxury trim will be the focus of this article.
The CX-9 is powered by a SkyActiv-G 2.5T 4-cylinder Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine. When it’s fed 93-octane fuel, this smooth-as-silk engine provides 250 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 310 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,000 rpm.
The SkyActiv-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift and sport mode boasts enhanced fuel economy while retaining a good response. All together with i-Activ AWD, the powertrain achieves an estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
The interior of this seven-seat SUV is nice and roomy, with 199.4 inches of overall length, allowing for 71.2 cubic feet of cargo volume with second-and third-row seatbacks folded down. The 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity provides additional hauling capability.
Mazda works hard to provide a relationship between vehicle and driver. As you step inside, you can readily identify the technological functions and what they offer to the driver. Mazda’s goal was to build the car around the driver’s needs. That goal has been accomplished.
The Mazda Connect infotainment system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
A sweeping, single piece of aluminum adorns the dashboard. This satin-polished trim finish can be seen around the gear selector cluster and cup holders and on the inside door panels. The metal provides a nice contrast to the luxury leather seats.
The CX-9 driver’s seat is designed with Mazda’s all-out driver-car unification philosophy, placing the steering wheel dead center and the floor-mounted gas pedal where it feels just right. Every dial, button, and knob throughout the cockpit is presented exactly where you want them.
Displayed on the Mazda Connect screen is a system of cameras that helps you to maneuver even when it’s hard to see the surrounding. Adding to the standard rear-view camera, the 360-Degree View Monitor system also displays normal front view, top-down view, side view, wide front view, and wide rear view.
It is worth highlighting three systems that provide valuable driver assistance, from the more than a dozen that are standard. These would be Traffic Sign Recognition, Adaptive Front Lighting, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go. These features make for a safer, more fun driving experience.
The Mazda CX-9 drives and handles well while being frugal with fuel, and it’s also gifted with the latest in safety, creative, and comfort features. But it was the quality upholstery that elevated the driving experience. Expert fabrication complemented with textured stitching and seam placement helped to create a distinct interior design. If it were not for the tight-fit seat size and the lack of small open storage space, Mazda would have made the perfect cockpit.
The MSRP for the CX-9 Signature is $45,365. It is only available in AWD. The base FWD Sport model starts at $32,280.
New Vehicle Warranty 3-year/36,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty 5-year/60,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty 5-year/unlimited mileage Warranty Against Body Rust-Through 3-year/36,000-mile 24/7 Emergency Roadside Assistance
