Mazda has slightly revised the U.S.-spec CX-9 for the 2020MY, adding new gear and adjusting its price list.
The 2.5-liter turbocharged engine now produces an extra 10 pound-feet (14 Nm) of torque, delivering 320 lb-ft (434 Nm) on 93 octane gasoline, and 250 HP. It’s paired to the six-speed automatic transmission and the i-Activ all-wheel drive system that’s standard in the Signature and optional in the rest of the range.
When paired with AWD, the 2020 CX-9 is Mazda’s first vehicle to be offered with the new off-road traction assist feature. It replaces the usual traction control and senses when diagonal wheels start to slip, so it reduces the torque and increases the brake force at those corners, transferring power to the wheels that are still on the ground and helping the vehicle regain traction. The G-Vectoring Control Plus is standard as well.
Also Read: Review: You Can Like The Mazda CX-9 Even If You Don’t Have Kids
Other novelties include the addition of the optional second-row captain’s chairs, which enhance comfort on long journeys. Mazda has also added the electric-operated tailgate on the Grand Touring and Signature models.
In terms of equipment, the base CX-9 Sport gets heated front seats with electric adjustment on the driver’s side, heated side mirrors, dusk-sensing headlights and rain-sensing wipers, High Beam Control and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, with a Gray Metallic look. It also comes with LED exterior lights, rear privacy glass, 7-inch infotainment system, Bluetooth, 3-zone climate control, reversing camera, keyless entry&go and others.
The i-Activsense suite of safety features is also standard and includes Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection, Smart Brake Support with Collision Warning and radar cruise control with stop&go function.
Pricing for the 2020 CX-9 Sport starts at $33,790 with FWD and $35,690 with AWD, whereas the CX-9 Touring costs $35,610 and $37,510, respectively. The latter adds a 9-inch infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, leather trim, power liftgate, power-sliding and tilting second-row seats and others. The Touring Premium Package includes a power-operated moonroof, Bose premium audio, SiriusXM with 3-month trial subscription, two USB ports in the third row, second-row retractable sunshades, front and rear parking sensors and LED fog lamps for a $2,100 premium.
The CX-9 Grand Touring is available from $41,450 with FWD and $43,350 with AWD, and can be ordered with the optional heated second-row captain’s chairs. Rear-seat occupants can set the desired temperature by using the HVAC controls located on the backside of the front center console.
Finally, the CX-9 Signature starts at $46,115, is available solely with AWD and gets the aforementioned second-row individual seats as standard, as well as a center console with extra storage space and access to two USB charging ports and cup holders. The revised interior trim includes choices between the Deep Chestnut and Parchment Nappa leather, and Mazda has also added the Soul Red Crystal exterior paint option.
Note: Prices exclude the $1,045 destination and handling charge ($1,090 in Alaska), as well as taxes and additional fees
