Road Test: 2019 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD

Driving Fun in a Three-Row Crossover SUV

The second-generation 2019 Mazda CX-9 is a driver-oriented midsize crossover SUV that can also hold seven passengers. This would seem to be a contradiction in terms, but it is true. One thing you can count on is a Mazda will handle great and, yes, that even includes a 4,383-pound family hauler. And the fuel economy is a bonus.

Getting There

Eschewing a V6, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 is powered by a smooth and responsive turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing either 227 horsepower (hp) with 87 octane fuel, or 250 hp running on 93 octane. The torque at 310 pounds-feet is the same regardless of the fuel grade. The CX-9 is recommended to run on 87 octane; so, if you are feeling extra sporty with a few extra coins in your pocket, go for the high test and let her rip. Clean Fleet Report’s CX-9 was the all-wheel drive (AWD) model (front-wheel drive is standard). Regardless, if it is two or four wheels driving the CX-9, the six-speed automatic transmission, with manual shift and Sport mode, provided smooth shifting.

The EPA rates the CX-9 AWD at 20 mpg city/26 highway/23 combined. In 531 miles driving throughout Southern California, we averaged 25.1 mpg. We knew we could do better, and we did. Over a 180-mile, all-freeway run with the adaptive cruise control set to 65 miles per hour, we averaged 30.1 mpg. Breaking the magic 30 mpg for a seven-passenger crossover SUV is a notable achievement. If you opt for the front-wheel drive CX-9, the fuel economy is about two mpg more than the AWD model.

Driving Experience: On the Road

Out on the road, the CX-9 truly shows its mettle.

The engine is quiet with no turbo lag, providing plenty of acceleration with zero-to-60 times in just over seven seconds. The ride was smooth, even on grooved-concrete SoCal freeways. The handling, with accurate steering, belied this was a large crossover, as the firm suspension kept the body roll to a minimum when pushed hard around corners. The Falken ZIEX 255/50 touring all-season tires were mounted on 20-inch alloy wheels; the short sidewall and large wheels enhanced the 2019 Mazda CX-9’s looks. The tires provided good grip when pushed hard on sunny and dry Southern California roads. The CX-9 isn’t supposed to handle like the MX-5 Miata, but it sure was planted and solid in anything we threw at it.

The power-assisted vented, front and rear discs, and the four-wheel ABS with electronic brake distribution provided sure and confident stops. The braking system includes dynamic stability control, traction control and the very handy G-Vectoring Control. The latter happens when cornering, on initial turn-in and throughout a corner. The system works seamlessly by adjusting power delivery, shifting vehicle weight front-to-rear and side-to-side. Mazda says G-Vectoring Control “Elevates your confidence and state of being through a heightened driving experience.” Yup, it works just as promised.

Driving Experience: Exterior

Following its “Kodo – Soul Of Motion” design language, Mazda says the CX-9 with its “fluid exterior lines gives an appearance of movement even while standing still,” and it has “aesthetically pleasing emotions that entices the CX-9 to be driven.” That was fun, but how does that translate in an actual design?

Design cues include a long hood, laid-back windshield, short overhangs front and rear, and a raked window on the power rear lift gate with an integrated spoiler. The narrow LED head and taillights allowed the designers to take up as little real estate as possible, and the grille does not suffer from being overly large. On the Signature trim, the front grille has LED accent lighting. The color-keyed shark fin antenna and the dual, bright exhaust tips complete the package. The result is a graceful and attractive design.

Driving Experience: Interior

At first impression, the up-market interior on the 2019 Mazda CX-9 Signature has a luxury feel that usually is found in a more premium crossover SUV. The two-tone auburn and black color scheme, with aluminum accents and Santos Rosewood trim, was more elegant than was expected.

Up front, the dash has a logical layout is simple and clean. The three round gauges, with black faces and white letters, were easy-to-read, with the round automatic HVAC knobs conveniently placed at the bottom of the center stack. The seats were firm and comfortable, and the tilt and telescopic steering wheel with cruise and audio controls made a comfortable driver seating position easy to find.

The 8.0-inch color touch-screen display erupts from the dashboard, home to the Bose premium audio system. The Bose system delivers deep bass and crisp treble through 12 speakers for the AM/FM/CD/MP3/AUX HD radio, SiriusXM (three-month subscription), Aha, Pandora and Stitcher internet radio integration. The Mazda Connect connectivity system includes navigation and Bluetooth.

Regarding the audio system interface, we found it cumbersome to make band and channel changes. It required multiple steps to control a single function, and the need to use the center console-mounted selector knob resulted in diverting the driver’s eyes from the road. Maybe in time it becomes an easy operation that can all be done by touch, but we’ve used many simpler systems. With the excellence of the Mazda line-up, its engineers could easily design a more user-friendly interface.

Most people will buy this-size car to accommodate up to seven people. The 2019 Mazda CX-9 does this, but please reserve the third row for children or those small of stature. Access to the third row is tight, and without a Captain’s Chair option for the second row, being an alumni of Cirque du Soleil might be helpful.

The seats throughout the CX-9 Signature are trimmed in soft Nappa leather; the fronts and outboard second-row seats are heated. The driver and passenger seats are ventilated, and have power adjustments with the driver also getting memory and lumbar. The second-row bench seat spilts 60/40 and reclines, with the third row splitting 50/50. These multiple configurations provide flexible seating and cargo stowing options.

An appreciated safety feature is the 360º View Monitor that provides a birds eye view of the CX-9. The security this adds for the driver cannot be stressed enough.

Convenience comes your way with remote keyless door locks, power windows with one-touch down, cargo area storage boxes, Homelink auto-dimming mirror, rain-sensing windshield wipers with de-icers, power and heated side mirrors, push button ignition, three-zone automatic HVAC and a power moonroof.

Safety

The 2019 Mazda CX-9 comes with an extensive list of standard and optional safety features including six airbags, four-wheel power disc ABS braking system, dynamic stability control, traction control, a tire pressure monitoring system, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, rear parking sensors and an anti-theft alarm and engine immobilizer.

The 2019 CX-9 has been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and received 5 Stars, its highest safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the CX-9 its Top Safety Pick.

Pricing and Warranties

The 2019 Mazda CX-9 comes in four trim levels, with these base prices, excluding the delivery, processing and handling fee of $1,045. Clean Fleet Report’s CX-9 Signature had a final MSRP of $47,385.

Sport  – $32,280

Touring – $35,330

Grand Touring – $40,840

Signature – $45,365

The 2019 CX-9 comes with these warranties:

• Powertrain – Five years/60,000 miles

• New Vehicle – Three years/36,000 miles

• Roadside Assistance – Three years/36,000 miles

Observations: 2019 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD

The 2019 Mazda CX-9 Signature, the company’s flagship seven-passenger midsize crossover SUV, has benefited in recent years from refinements and improvements. These include a retuned suspension for a smoother and quieter ride that results in a superb handling vehicle. The cabin has benefited from sound suppression through a thicker headliner and floor mats. The complete suite of driver safety systems offer confidence and security.

There are several quality competitors to the CX-9, so it is important you do some serious cross shopping. However, if you value exterior style, interior plushness, good power with equally good fuel economy in a seven-passenger midsize crossover SUV than handles with elan and esprit, then the CX-9 just may be for you.

Whatever you buy, Happy Driving!

Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews.

Related Stories You Might Enjoy—Seven-Passenger Alternatives

Road Test: 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Flash Drive: 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid

Road Test: 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe

Comparison Test: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 vs. 2.0T

Road Test: 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

5 Things to Know About the 2018 Toyota Sienna

7 Things to Know About the 2019 Subaru Ascent

Road Test: 2016 Kia Sorento

Road Test: 2020 Kia Telluride

Road Test: 2014 Honda Odyssey

Disclosure:

Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.

Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.