Introduction

The 2020 Mazda CX-9 is an affordable three-row crossover with high-class looks and sports-car handling. It isn't the biggest or roomiest crossover around, but it should have no trouble pleasing buyers whose priorities go beyond maximum carrying space. 

The biggest change for 2020 is that low-trim models now come standard with Mazda's active-safety suite. Rain-sensing wipers, a power driver's seat, and heated front seats have all been made standard as well. 

All CX-9 models use a 2.5-liter turbo-4 that puts out a stout 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard. Gas mileage checks in at 22 mpg city, 28 highway, 24 combined for front-wheel drive models. Opt for the optional all-wheel drive and those figures drop to 20/26/23 mpg. 

The newly standard suite of active-safety features mean that every CX-9 comes standard with automatic emergency braking, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alerts. 

The crashworthiness of the CX-9 is commendable, with the NHTSA awarding it a five-star overall rating. The IIHS has called high-trim CX-9s with LEDs a Top Safety Pick+. Lower-trim models without LEDs have poorer headlight scores, which precludes them from the award. 

Lineup

All prices reflect front-wheel-drive models and include an $1,100 destination charge. 

The base-model CX-9 is known as the Sport and starts at $34,835. Standard features include the active-safety equipment previously mentioned as well as a 7.0-inch infotainment screen, cloth upholstery, 18-inch wheels, and heated front seats, with the driver's featuring power adjustment. 

The Touring costs $36,655 and adds a power liftgate, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a power passenger's seat, and leather upholstery. 

The $42,495 Grand Touring is where things begin to get ritzy, with 20-inch wheels, a dual-pane sunroof, head-up display, a heated steering wheel, second-row heated seats, and adaptive headlights. 

The $47,160 Grand Touring is the most luxurious model available. It gets nappa leather, real wood trim, a panoramic moonroof, and Bose audio. 

Walkaround

The CX-9 is one of the more attractive three-row options on the market, with smartly styled lines that suggest something from a higher price bracket. The big horizontally-themed grille and thin headlights do a convincing impression of something with a German badge. 

Moving backwards from the front, there's nicely-sized 18-inch wheels to fill in the wheel arches and thin taillights that stretch horizontally towards the center of the tailgate. The CX-5 is just as classy out back as it is up front. 

Interior

Mazda's push upmarket means every iteration of the CX-9 feels expensive inside, even the base Sport with its cloth upholstery. Fit and finish are commendable and the overall interior design is tasteful and attractive. 

Despite the premium trappings, the cabin is rather cramped, especially when compared to other three-row crossovers. Most competitors offer more space in the back two rows, particularly the third row. Even trying to access the far back seats in the CX-9 is a difficult endeavor, and once back there even teenagers will feel cramped. Adult passengers are out of the question. 

Cargo space is another area where the CX-9 trails the competition. The 14 cubic feet available behind the third row is decent but not class-leading. Fold down those seats and 38 cubic feet of cargo area becomes available. 

The new 9.0-inch screen found on all but the base trim appeases some of our complaints by finally introducing touchscreen operation, though the clunky rotary knob remains affixed to the center console for those who prefer to twist and click rather than poke and swipe. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration work far better on the touchscreen system than on the old dial-only setup. This is a welcome improvement, though other brands still do infotainment better. 

Driving Impression

The only engine on the menu is the 2.5-liter turbo-4, but we're not complaining. The boosted engine makes more power than many of the V-6s that can be found in this segment; feed it premium gas and a strong 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque is at the ready. Stick to 87 octane and output falls to 227 horses and 310 lb-ft, though this is still plenty of power. 

The CX-9 is one of a dwindling number of larger crossovers still running a 6-speed automatic. That hinders the fuel economy of the CX-9; in its most efficient form, highway economy is 28 mpg. Many other competitors easily crack the 30-mpg barrier. 

With a nod to performance enthusiasts, the CX-9 has surprisingly snappy handling traits. It can tackle a corner with gumption, despite being a hulking three-row crossover, and the body remains planted in twisty bits of road. Buyers who are trading in their sports car for a family car may find some solace in the CX-9's eager chassis. 

Summary

The 2020 Mazda CX-9 is the three-row for those who need to occasionally seat seven but would rather be in a two-seat sports car. The handling and performance is something like fun, though more objective factors like third-row space and fuel economy remain sore points. Whatever its flaws, the CX-9 is a compelling three-row crossover in a class that is typically more yawn-inducing than anything. We'd get a Touring trim. 

 

-by Anthony Sophinos, with driving impressions from The Car Connection.