2019 Mazda CX-9 Review: Features and Performance

The 2019 Mazda CX-9 is the flagship vehicle in the Japanese automaker’s lineup and is also their largest offering to date. The first iteration of this mid-size crossover SUV was launched in 2006, while the second generation became available in 2016. The CX-9 shares its basic architecture, albeit with a few modifications, with the 6 sedan. It’s a three-row, seven-seat crossover and utilizes Mazda’s Kodo design language.

The first-generation Mazda CX-9 featured a 3.7-liter V6 engine and shared the same platform as the Ford Edge of its time. However, with the new second generation, Mazda engineers have reduced this large SUV’s weight by up to 130 kilograms. Consequently, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 is now lighter, more spacious, better equipped with features, and more fuel-efficient. Its chief rivals in the UAE include the Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse, and Ford Explorer.

Exterior

The 2019 Mazda CX-9’s vast size and aggressive front-end design give it a confident stance on the open road. Its wide front grille features a large Mazda logo and is accompanied by a pair of sleek yet small LED headlights. The long, sloping hood enhances its aesthetic appeal, and the CX-9 sports a 'pouting', shark-inspired front nose found on the smaller CX-5, along with a muscular bumper.

Along the sides, the new CX-9 boasts distinctly pronounced fenders, massive 20-inch rims, the ubiquitous black body cladding, and a gently rising beltline. At the back, there are narrow, wrap-around LED taillights, a thick chrome strip on the tailgate, a well-integrated bumper, and twin exhausts. The new CX-9 measures:

• Length: 5.075 meters
• Width: 1.969 meters
• Height: 1.716 meters
• Wheelbase: 2.930 meters

Meanwhile, with the third row down, total boot capacity is 407 liters.

Interior

The cabin of the 2019 Mazda CX-9 is a well-thought-out and practical space, featuring ample cubby spaces and storage for personal items. The first and middle rows provide generous room for even tall adults, while the last row is best suited for children or shorter adults on brief journeys. The material quality and fit and finish in the CX-9 are quite impressive, and Mazdas typically excel in build quality and reliability.

The new CX-9’s interior includes various pieces and a variety of trim to enhance the cabin's appeal. There’s a good use of soft and cushy materials on many surfaces, complemented by piano glossy-black plastic and metal accents. Key features include:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic/adaptive LED headlights
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Electric sunroof
• Power tailgate
• Power front seats with heating and cooling
• 12-speaker Bose audio system
• 8-inch touch-infotainment display with navigation
• All-around parking sensors with camera
• 6 airbags
• Active headrests
• Lane-departure and blind-spot warning
• Rollover stability control

Engine and Performance

Under the hood of the 2019 Mazda CX-9 is a turbocharged four-cylinder SKYACTIV engine, displacing 2.5 liters and producing 226 hp with 420 Nm of torque. In the UAE, this engine is paired with an all-wheel-drive system and a 6-speed automatic transmission as standard. The 1.9-ton crossover can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds, while its top speed is restricted to 210 km/h. The SKYACTIV engine in the new CX-9 achieves a fuel efficiency of 8.5 L/100 km when driven appropriately.

Verdict

The 2019 Mazda CX-9 is priced at AED 145,000 for the GT trim, while the fully-loaded LTD variant starts at AED 165,000. The cost of insurance varies between AED 3,263 and AED 3,713 for the GT and LTD variants, respectively.