2021- Mazda CX9 Signature AWD

2021 Mazda CX 9 Signature AWD - $35,335.

By Ella Patterson

PHOTO CREDIT: MAZDA.COM

If the idea of buying a crossover is an insult to your driving-enthusiast sensibilities, I’m happy to report that the 2021 Mazda CX-9 delivers plenty of the brand's hallmark driving verve. Its handling is far sharper than any of its rivals' and it's powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder that will provide enough pep for most drivers.

The Mazda's cabin earns just as much love from our editors as its driving dynamics, as it offers a near-luxury

Infotainment:

The CX-9's infotainment receives an overhaul for 2021 and now comes with a 10.3-inch display and the updated interface that debuted on the Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback. A wireless smartphone charging pad is now standard on Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature models.

A new Carbon Edition package is available on the Grand Touring, which adds black exterior trim, a blackedout grille, black 20-inch wheels, and red leather seats. Grand Touring and Signature models receive new paddle shifters and an improved exterior camera system.

The top-level Signature benefits from a host of new standard equipment, including rear automated emergency braking, a driver-attention monitoring system, updated grille and wheel designs, and new quilted leather upholstery. atmosphere and competitive list of standard and optional features.

A host of driver-assistance features are standard, too. Rivals such as the also-excellent Kia Telluride and its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Palisade, offer more passenger and cargo space, but the CX-9 remains one of our favorite SUVs to recommend to those who value athletic handling and driver engagement as much as we do.

Of the CX-9's four trim levels, the Touring model represents the best value. It offers plenty of niceties, including a power-operated rear liftgate, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and keyless entry with pushbutton start.

To get the CX-9's new second-row captain's chairs—a feature many three-row SUV buyers want—opt for the Touring Premium package, which also adds two additional USB ports in the third row, a Bose audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, fog lamps, front and rear parking sensors, and second-row window sunshades.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance:

In a segment where V-6 power is common, Mazda took a risk by offering a turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the CX-9's sole powertrain in the hope of a gain in fueleconomy. It does eke out an advantage over some

competitors, but it's slight. The engine sounds gutsy and managed a class-competitive result in acceleration testing, where it scooted the Grand Touring test vehicle from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds.

The 2021 CX-9 is clearly the driving enthusiast's family hauler; surprisingly light on its feet, it often feels as if you're driving a smaller SUV. The suspension is firm, but it's still supple enough riding over rough stretches of road. The steering, while not as communicative as other Mazda’s, still imparts vigor that's missing from other crossovers. The firm suspension and accurate steering culminate in superior cornering control.

Fuel Economy and RealWorld MPG:

Apart from its solid acceleration performance, according to the EPA the CX-9 is more fuel efficient than many of its rivals. The front-wheel drive model earned EPA estimates of 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway: all-wheel drive drops both of those figures by 2 mpg. In our real-world highway fueleconomy test, the all-wheel-drive CX-9 matched its 26mpg rating.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo:

The CX-9's cabin wows with upscale materials and detailed styling. Open the door and the CX-9's interior welcomes passengers with an upscale cabin that wouldn't look out of place in an Audi.

Mazda has tastefully arranged soft-touch plastic with handsome graining, brushed aluminum, and, in the Signature-trim test car, genuine rosewood. The CX-9's smaller measurements mean real-world limitations.

The CX-9's second and third rows of seats fold easily for quick configuration changes, though, and the resultant load floor is flat, making it easy to load bulky items. With second- and third-row seats down, the CX-9 accommodated 25 of our carry-on cases.

Mazda is known for its superior driving dynamics and is relentlessly focused on human-centricity. The vehicles feel like a natural extension of the driver’s body.

Mazda feel that a car and driver should have a relationship similar to that of a horse and its rider. This is called Jinba-ittai, a philosophy that lies at the heart of Mazda’s vehicle development. The Kodo design language uses a minimalist approach to create sophisticated styling that makes the vehicles feel more refined, elegant, and upscale. The vehicles will look and feel truly alive.

Mazda is committed to providing the most advanced safety technologies and continue to challenge to create unique products and technologies, which provide customers a confident, relaxing, and joyful driving experience.

Infotainment and Connectivity:

All CX-9s come with Mazda's user-friendly infotainment system and a 10.3-inch display. The software is easy to navigate, and the graphics are crisp, plus the Mazda Connected Services suite provides remote access to vehicle status, telematics, and key operations such as remote start and remote locking.

Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, HD radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are all standard features. A wireless smartphone charging pad is new for the 2021 model year but isn't offered on the base Sport model.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA):

A Top Safety Pick+ honor from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is difficult to earn, but the Mazda scored well in its crash tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also gave the CX-9 a five-star result.

Key safety features include: • Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection • Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist • Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mazda offers an adequate protection plan for buyers of new CX-9s. What it doesn't offer is something that both the GMC Acadia and the Toyota Highlander do:

Complimentary scheduled maintenance. • Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles • Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles • No complimentary scheduled maintenance