Mazda CX-9 2021 Review

Emphasizing style and performance over outright utility, the rakishly penned and turbocharged 2021 Mazda CX-9 is alluring and upscale for a three-row midsize crossover SUV. Sure, it gives up some cargo and third-row passenger space in exchange for its attractive looks, but if you don't need the maximum measurements for either metric, the trade-off might prove worthwhile.

This year, the 2021 Mazda CX-9 adds new infotainment technology, while the top-of-the-line Signature trim level moves deeper into premium territory with a fancy new grille and quilted leather seats. A more affordable alternative is the new CX-9 Carbon Edition, which gets a blacked-out look combined with unique paint, exclusive interior appointments and plenty of equipment.

As is true of any Mazda, the 2021 CX-9 is enjoyable to drive, a rarity in this segment. Be sure to examine our in-depth Expert Rating to learn all of the pros and cons of this appealing SUV.

What's it like to live with?

When Mazda last redesigned the CX-9 for the 2016 model year, we decided to perform a one-year test of the family hauler. Over the course of 22,000 miles, we learned plenty about what's great about the CX-9, and what's not. Be sure to dive deeper into our everyday experiences with the Mazda CX-9, which impressed us more than it depressed us.

Which CX-9 does MatoCar recommend?

For 2021, the Mazda CX-9 lineup expands by one trim level. The new Carbon Edition drops into the lineup above the base Sport and midlevel Touring grades and below the upscale Grand Touring and near-luxury Signature trims.

Sport The Mazda CX-9 Sport is thoughtfully equipped with:

• Turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium gas)
• Six-speed automatic transmission
• Standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Automatic LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation
• Heated side mirrors
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Heated front seats
• Second-row bench seat (seven-passenger seating)
• Triple-zone automatic climate control
• 10.25-inch infotainment system display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration

Every CX-9 also comes with:

• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go operation (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
• Lane keeping assist (steers the CX-9 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)

Touring The Mazda CX-9 Touring builds on Sport equipment with:

• Keyless ignition and entry
• Leather seats
• Power-adjustable front passenger seat
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Rear USB ports
• Power rear liftgate

Optional for the Touring is a Touring Premium package. It adds:

• 12-speaker premium sound system
• Satellite radio
• Wireless smartphone charging
• Sunroof
• Second-row window shades
• Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind or in front of the vehicle when parking)

Carbon Edition New for 2021, the Mazda CX-9 Carbon Edition includes the contents of the Touring Premium package, plus:

• Exclusive Polymetal Gray paint, red leather seats and interior trim
• Dark-finish grille and 20-inch wheels
• Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
• Windshield wiper de-icer system
• Power-folding side mirrors
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated rear seats
• Second-row captain's chairs
• Wireless device charging pad
• Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
• Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)

Grand Touring It loses the Carbon Edition's cosmetic exclusives but gains:

• Hands-free liftgate
• Integrated navigation system
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
• Traffic sign recognition system
• Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the CX-9 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

Signature Aiming to deliver luxury, the Mazda CX-9 Signature is equipped with:

• All-wheel drive
• Exclusive grille design and finish with LED lighting
• Premium quilted leather upholstery with piping
• Real wood interior trim
• Second-row captain's chairs with center console