Mazda is well-known for its peppy Miata and RX-7 and RX-8 variants. However, Mazda has done well to keep up with the pack in terms of its SUV lineup as well.

The 2019 Mazda CX-9 is the biggest model in this automaker’s SUV selection. From fuel efficiency numbers to comparisons with the competition, it’s hard to go wrong when you go SUV, especially with the latest CX-9.   

Performance Specifications

Customers can purchase the 2019 Mazda CX-9 in the following colors:

  • Snowflake Pearl White Mica
  • Machine Gray Metallic
  • Sonic Silver Metallic
  • Titanium Flash Mica
  • Deep Crystal Blue Mica
  • Jet Black Mica
  • Soul Red Crystal Metallic

All 2019 Mazda CX-9 models are powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic. Capable of making up to 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, the 2019 CX-9 comes as either a front-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle. Towing capacity on this model tops out at 3,500 pounds.  

Entertainment and Safety Features

Beginning around $35,000, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 offers clients a long list of customizations and upgrades. Below are the trim levels available on the 2019 CX-9:

Sport models feature a black or sand cloth interior, Pandora, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, 18-inch wheels, and LED headlights and taillights. Infotainment comes in the form of a 7-inch touchscreen equipped with voice command. Customers will also enjoy remote keyless entry, push button start, dual exhaust outlets, and a 3-zone climate control. Driver assist features include a Blind Spot Monitoring System, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Smart City Brake Support.

Choose the Touring model and you’ll receive a power rear liftgate, heated outside mirrors, automatic on/off headlights, heated front seats, an 8-inch touchscreen, remote start, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Advanced safety features on this trim level include Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go.

Feel like upgrading? With a few more bills on the table, you could have the Grand Touring model. Leather seats, 20-inch wheels, and aluminum roof rails are just the tip of the iceberg with this trim level. Buyers will also enjoy a power-adjustment passenger seat, power-folding side mirrors, a Bose 12-speaker audio system, heated and ventilated front seats with heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. LED interior lighting will accent the second-row retractable sun shades. SiriusXM capable, the Grand Touring model features safety aids such as a 360-degree View Monitor and front and rear parking sensors.

As the only model available exclusively in all-wheel drive, the Signature model features LED grille accent lighting, a Signature badge, and a power sliding moonroof. Other amenities include Auburn Nappa leather seating and trim, Santos Rosewood inlays, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

According to the experts at Edmunds, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 achieved 4 out of 5 stars in the frontal barrier crash and rollover tests done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The model also received 5 out of 5 stars in side crash and side barrier tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) agreed that the 2019 CX-9 was safe, rating it “Good” in all test categories.

Fuel Efficiency

The 2019 Mazda CX-9 ranks tenth in Kelley Blue Book’s fuel efficiency listing, trailing behind competitors such as the Chevy Equinox, Subaru Outback, and Nissan Rogue. The 2.5-liter turbo inline-4-cylinder achieves 20 city and 26 highway EPA-estimated miles-per-gallon (MPG) when paired with the all-wheel drive transmission. Front-wheel drive models fare slightly better at 22 city and 28 highway MPG.  

Consumer Reports noted this year’s model shed 250 pounds from the last iteration, a weight loss that will only help fuel economy.

How the 2019 Mazda CX-9 Compares

Broadly speaking, Mazda competes with almost every other automotive manufacturer out there when it comes to the crossover/SUV segment. As the biggest of the Mazda trio, the CX-9 competes directly with rivals such as the Audi Q7, Nissan’s Pathfinder, Honda’s Pilot, the Volvo XC-90, Porsche’s Cayenne, the new Volkswagen Atlas, Subaru’s Outback and brand-new Ascent, the Kia Sorento, Toyota’s Highlander and Land Cruiser, Infiniti’s QX80, and that’s just a few.

The 2019 CX-9 is more upscale than anything Honda and Toyota can offer, according to Kelley Blue Book experts. Consumer Reports names the 2019 CX-9 a “compelling alternative to the more popular players.”

As “one of the highest-rated vehicles on Edmunds,” the 2019 Mazda CX-9 does offer customers a user-friendly infotainment system. Though it drives a bit like a sedan, the interior appointments show better quality than they have in the past. In fact, Edmunds experts recommend the Touring trim. You won’t get all the bells and whistles, but you’re sure to get the best car for your money.

Pros

  • Comfortable, quiet ride
  • Points for styling
  • High resale value

Cons

  • Limited engine options/no hybrid available
  • Small cargo capacity and third row seating

The 2019 Mazda CX-9 ticks many boxes for a lot of drivers. A good middle-of-the-road option, the Mazda CX-9 is a model that will travel alongside you and keep its value if you treat it well.  

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Rebecca Henderson has a Master's in German and a Bachelor's in Creative Writing. She alternates her time between writing and working on a variety of motorized projects. Most recently, she and her boyfriend have been building a custom drift trike. Rebecca believes that language, love, and a life worth living are only the first ingredients to happiness.