The CX-9 is aimed at modern young couples and families, but also appeals to nestless seniors who pursue active lifestyles.
Now in its second generation, the CX-9 seats up to seven passengers in its standard configuration, with two bucket seats up front, a three-person bench seat in the middle, and a two-person bench seat in the third row.

With two captain’s chairs instead of the middle row bench seat, the CX-9 can accommodate up to six passengers.
For 2022, CX-9 prices start at $35,280 (plus $1,225 freight) for the base Sport model and top out at $47,210 for the Signature model, which we tested for this report.
In between are the Touring model ($37,430; new-for-2022 Touring Plus model ($41,660); Carbon Edition ($43,580); and Grand Touring ($44,440). Each model builds on the characteristics of those below.

All CX-9 models are powered by the Skyactiv-G 2.5T turbocharged engine, which is rated at 227 horsepower and 310 foot-pounds when using regular gas (87 octane). But that can increase to 250 horsepower when using premium fuel.
It is mated to a six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission.
New exterior design cues introduced last year are complemented by a well-crafted interior with a new seat pattern and the largest infotainment screen ever fitted to a CX-9.

The Signature model comes with middle-row captain’s chairs, but they’re available on Touring, Touring Plus, and Grand Touring models. They are heated on Signature and Grand Touring models.
The base Sport model includes some premium features, such as heated cloth front seats, power driver’s seat with lumbar support, 18-inch gunmetal gray aluminum-alloy wheels, sensor-sensing windshield wipers rain shower, heated exterior mirrors and automatic headlights and high beams.
Mazda’s i-Activsense safety features are standard on all models. They include Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection, Smart Brake Support with Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keeping Assist and the Blind Spot Monitoring System with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Other standard features include a seven-inch Mazda Connect infotainment screen, LED headlights and taillights, one-touch front and rear power windows, rear privacy glass, tri-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio pairing, rear view camera, keyless entry and push button start.
The Touring model comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, leather seats, power passenger seats, height adjustable power tailgate, second row center armrest with storage, cupholders and dual USB charging ports , and a new touch of color nine-inch screen.

Other touring features include Mazda’s advanced keyless entry and start system with next-generation key fob and power sliding and reclining second-row seat.
Touring Premium Package ($2,080) allows selectable middle-row captain’s chairs with armrest and center pass-through for third-row passengers, and adds a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, charger wireless phone system, a power sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, dual third-row USB charging ports, LED fog lamps, second-row retractable window sunshade, and SiriusXM satellite radio with trial subscription. three months.

Touring Plus models come with all the features of the CX-9 Touring with the Premium Touring package, plus ventilated front seats, power driver’s seat with memory, 20-inch black metallic aluminum-alloy wheels , a gloss black front grille, aluminum roof rails and a frameless rear-view mirror.
Grand Touring extras include dual third-row USB charging ports and 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with gloss silver finish, 360-degree camera system, active driving display with traffic sign recognition, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, auto-folding exterior mirrors, power sunroof, LED door pocket lights, LED front door handles and switches, Adaptive Front Lighting System, trim chrome exteriors, satin chrome roof rails, wiper de-icers, front center console overhead lighting and front and rear parking sensors.

Our Signature tester comes with two USB charging ports and built-in cupholders on the back of the front center console. It also included a center console similar to the one before, with interior storage.
Signature models also come with a choice of Deep Chestnut (our tester) or Parchment Nappa leather seats to go with the standard Santos Rosewood interior trim. There is also a dark silver wheel finish unique to the CX-9 Signature,
Outside, our tester had the premium Snowflake White Pearl Mica color ($395 more). There are also two premium colors for $595 each: Soul Red Crystal and Machine Gray Metallic.

The front seats in our vehicle were heated and ventilated, while the middle seats were heated.
The CX-9 directly competes with the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Subaru Ascent, Chevrolet Traverse, Volkswagen Atlas, Volvo XC-90, Acura MDX, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave and Dodge Durango.
Mazda’s CX-9 stands out as one of the best family SUVs in its class, even though it’s not a highly publicized vehicle and one that doesn’t automatically land on many lists of races. That’s unfortunate, because it’s worth considering in the crowded mid/large crossover field.
It combines big metrics of style and performance in a package that not only has great appeal, but is also a joy to drive.
Although the newer CX-9 continues to offer a six-speed automatic transmission as before, it has a sport driving mode that pairs well with the turbo engine. However, most competitors opt for eight-, nine-, or 10-speed transmissions.
We had plenty of power from this engine, thanks to the turbocharger and the impressive torque, which gave the vehicle a sporty feel. The transmission shifted smoothly and there was little to no turbo lag under hard acceleration.
EPA fuel economy ratings are 20 mpg city/26 highway/23 combined. We averaged around 22.7mpg in our week of testing, with a mix of around 50-50 per cent highway/city driving.

Capable on slippery surfaces and in sand and on most dirt and gravel roads, the all-wheel drive has 27 sensors to measure conditions more than 200 times per second to determine how to allocate power to each wheel to minimize wheel slippage.
This system is not intended for extreme off-road use, however, as it does not have a low gear. Driving on the beach is easy with this system, however.
Other safety features include electronic stability and roll control with traction control, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, front seat-mounted side airbags, and roof-mounted side curtain airbags for all three rows. Our tester also had trailer stability control, but trailer towing is limited to 3,500 pounds.
There’s 14.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, but that expands to 38.2 cubic feet with the third-row seatback folded down, or 71.2 cubic feet with both rear seatbacks folded down.
We enjoyed the impressive 12-speaker Bose premium sound system and the navigation system, which had 2-D and 3-D modes. It was easy to program and had large print for easy reading on the go.
The interior of the CX-9 is typical of Mazda products, with great attention to detail and plenty of comfort. The three-zone automatic climate control was effective in keeping the front and middle row passengers comfortable.
Other than the premium paint, there were no options on our 2022 CX-9 Signature tester. The total sticker price was $48,830 including freight and options.
G. Chambers Williams III’s automotive chronicles have appeared regularly in the Express-News since 2000. Contact him at [email protected] or on Twitter @gchambers3.

2022 Mazda CX-9

The Package: Midsize crossover utility vehicle, seven-passenger, five-door, turbocharged four-cylinder and all-wheel-drive.
Highlights: This is the latest version of Mazda’s family crossover, with good looks, sporty performance and plenty of high-tech safety features. For 2022, all-wheel drive is now standard on all models
Cons: Limited cargo space behind third row.
Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four.
Transmission: six-speed automatic.
Horsepower/Torque: 227 HP./310 ft-lbs using regular fuel ); 250 HP./320 ft-lbs using premium fuel.
Length: 199.4 inches.
Curb weight: 4,054 to 4,301 lbs.
Cargo volume: 14.4 cubic feet (behind third seat); 71.2 cubic feet (third seat folded).
Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds.
Electronic Stability Control: Standard, with anti-roll function.
Side airbags: seat-mounted front side airbags; side curtain for all rows.
Fuel Capacity/Type: 19.5 gallons, regular unleaded acceptable.
EPA Fuel Economy: 20 mpg city/26 highway/23 combined.
Base price range (2022): $35,280 to $47,210, plus $1,225 freight.
Price as tested: $48,830 including freight and premium paint (2022 Signature model).
Road rating: 9.2 (out of a possible 10).
The prices shown are suggested by the manufacturer