Mazda’s 2021 CX-9: Exhilarating exterior, tech and design updates, plus a new model
Woman at the Wheel,
The Mazda CX-9 receives several upgrades to styling and technology for 2021, aiming to meet practical needs while still satisfying the desire for a sense of style and driving enjoyment.
Mazda’s flagship three-row (six- or seven-passenger) midsize crossover brings new exterior design cues, new seat patterns and the largest infotainment display ever in a CX-9 -- in a highclass interior.
Five trims are available: CX-9 Sport FWD, $33,960; CX-9 Touring FWD, $35,750 (a Touring Premium Package adds $2,060); new CX-9 Carbon Edition FWD, $41,080; CX-9 Grand Touring FWD, $41,940; and CX-9 Signature AWD (my tester), $46,605.
All-wheel drive is also available on the others for $1,900. Carbon Edition allows owners to express their personalities with unique styling and premium features.
The CX-9 is powered by a Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter turbo fourcylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 320 foot-pounds of torque using premium gasoline. Its six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission is smooth and quick and has a manual mode with shifter paddles on the steering wheel.
Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus dynamics and motion control system responds to steering inputs for a smoother ride and more-natural handling.
Predictive i-Activ all-wheel drive with off-road traction assist was standard on my CX-9 Signature. Off-road traction assist, activated using a button, maintains torque and increases brake force to the wheels without traction to help the driver keep control of the vehicle.
My CX-9 was satin smooth Machine Gray Metallic ($495) with new 20-inch silver-metallicfinish aluminum-alloy wheels with 10 spokes, alternating narrow and wide. A new titanium-graymetallic finish signature-slatted front grille was dramatic with LED accent lighting. New larger dual tailpipes had bright tips.
Upgrades also included a hands-free power liftgate, automatic heated/power-folding outside mirrors, Adaptive Frontlighting System, chrome lower exterior accents and windshield wiper de-icer. Adaptive Frontlighting adjusts the light from the headlights according to vehicle speed and steering direction, pointing the low-beams in the appropriate direction.
Rain-sensing wipers, auto on/ off LED headlights with auto leveling, LED fog lights, daytime running lights, and combination taillights, automatic high beam control, and aluminum roof rails were standard.
Advanced Keyless Entry allowed entry and lock/unlock without removing the key from pocket or purse. The six-passenger cabin featured new quilting and piping on the first two rows of seating, and elegant patterned aluminum on the dash, door panels, and handle bezels.
Posh quilted Parchment Nappa leather seating, bold 3-D Santos Rosewood trim, unique steering wheel stitching and luxurious captain’s chairs with a full console including storage, heated seat buttons and cupholders gave