2021 Mazda CX-9 Review: Stylish and sophisticated | CarGurus
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- Опубліковано 21 лип 2024
- With incredible design and premium materials, is the Mazda CX-9 a luxury bargain?
Shop for the new 2021 Mazda CX-9 on CarGurus: cargur.us/HkZ7Z
It's been around now for a minute, but the 2021 Mazda CX-9 looks as good as it did when it was refreshed in 2016. Forrest Jones drives one through Southern California to see if this turbocharged family hauler sits at the forefront of the midsize crossover segment.
For more information on the 2021 Mazda CX-9 read a full overview on CarGurus: cargur.us/HkZ74
Presenter: Forrest Jones
Cinematography: Phil Shuyler
Written Review: Christian Wardlaw
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My wife and I plan to Road Trip the Country and traded our CX -5 (loved it) for the CX-9 Signature. What a wonderful car. It has everything that is necessary and so much more in terms of fit, feel and luxury. I wanted an interior that was comfortable for the long haul and this car fills that bill in all respects. I wanted a responsive and smooth road feel and this is car has that plus what you might call a fun feel on the highway. I especially like the tuned suspension tech when cornering slow or at speed. It's a "cool car" according to my grandchildren and I agree. I have only had it a short time but this car gets a lot of second looks going down the road. Like most people, I want a stylish car as well as a durable and reliable car. The CX-9 style is one that still says wow even after several years with only nominal tweaks, mostly in tech and even gives you some of that Mazda Zoom Zoom (yeah, I'm old enough to remember that). I'm a happy road tripper. :)
We bought a used 2021 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring with Red Crystal Metallic paint and black interior about a month ago. It has 26K on it and we paid a little over $30K. We have owned Mazda’s in the past and knew that we liked the brand. We have not been disappointed. It’s just my wife and I in the house, but we will keep the 3rd row collapsed most of the time to maximize cargo capacity. When we want to go out to dinner or to an event with friends, we can easily fit three couples in this car. It has great low-end torque, is a blast to drive, and needless to say, we love it!
That really dark 2nd row atmosphere is excellent for infants’ nap time. The pull up sunshades are a must👌
I have a 2016 CX9. It is an absolutely outstanding vehicle. Power is great especially for the fuel economy it gets. I have always had Fords and Mazda’s handling and refinement beats Ford hands down. The reliability has been stellar. Absolutely no issues.
Have a 2019 Signature and it is the best SUV I have had .The 6 speed transmission works excellent with the turbo.Looking online everyone complains about 8 and 10 speeds with a turbo. Kia dual clutch in new Sorento is terrible.No start stop at intersections is also a big plus.Everyone complains about it.Smooth and quiet with lots of power.This reviewer has it right.
CX9 has been out since 2016 and no reliability problems.Made in Japan which is still the best quality.Only reason not to buy this vehicle is you need more cargo room.
I have a 2016 GT CX9 and concur with your assessment. Power train is smooth, shifts crisp, power delivery is linear with little to no turbo lag felt. Very quick to respond. The only caveat I’ve noticed is slow acceleration off the line during initial take off, but once it gets going, you’re passing every one.
Nice to see a reviewer actually get most of the facts about a car right. Good job, and well presented. A lot of reviewers look like they've barely studied a vehicle before shooting a review.
agree, mostly right... except for the hair. it's 2 inches of hairspace, Forrest.
I recently drove a ‘21 CX-9 and it’s on my short list when I replace my somewhat disappointing Lexus NX. Not all of us have families that we have to cart around, or, need huge cargo space. Some of us are a little older and like a refined SUV that’s handsome and reliable. My experience with panoramic sunroof was not good: it constantly rattled. Shift paddles are a silly fad: this is a Mazda not a Macan. I had a car with an 8-speed transmission which was always hunting for the right gear. Not needed.
I’d rather see a power tilt and telescope steering wheel with memory and a power seat exit setting. Waiting to see what they’ll do for the 2022 or a totally new version. Zoom. Zoom.
Excellent presentation, and thank you for covering all the points, good and bad, and explaining things fully
I've had 6 Mazda vehicles and currently have a 2020 CX-5 Signature. The 6-speed auto performs well and is smooth with the turbo. I feel that Mazda made the decision to keep the auto at 6 speeds to prevent so much gear hunting that most vehicles with 9 and 10 speeds have. Sometimes less is more, at least with this application. I am looking forward to experiencing Mazda's upcoming 8-speed auto with their new inline-6 engine.
Yeah I'm really excited too, what's more interesting is it would likely be rear-wheel drive designed.
I think the gears question depends on why you feel they're needed. Will it improve fuel economy and power? If not, why fix what ain't broke?
I like your review style, excellent review. Thanks for taking the time.
We have the exact same car. If you are shopping for this, I have a few things to look out for. 1. The rotary dial is extremely annoying. Too many twists and clicks just to do simple things that a touchscreen would do with one touch. I personally think extremely unintuitive and still have not gotten used to it. I tend to wait until a stop light to change anything. 2. The seat is not comfortable for me, so please make sure its right for you. Also not enough leg room for the driver to rest my left leg, and I'm only 5'7. 3. It has memory seats and memory seats only. What I mean is that it only moves the seats for you and not the steering wheel nor the mirrors. So when I switch b/w my wife and I, we have to take extra time to adjust everything. My BMW and Acura from the year 2000 does it! And one last thing which is more along the lines of preference. The captain's seats in the second row can be annoying when you have an extra 5th person, whcih if often for us with kids' sports. Also we have a dog so the 3rd row needs to be down most of the time. When there is a extra person, you will have to raise the rear seats to get them in . I'm used to cars with 3 seats in the back, so its can be a slight nuisance. Otherwise, we LOVE the car. Driving dynamics is better than most other SUVS and the color is absolutely gorgeous. In regards to the 6 gears, I think it works well for driving but not a big deal. If it would increase MPG significantly, yes add extra gears.
Great review! After driving a minivan for almost 20 years, I wanted something that still had a third row and some cargo space and I also really wanted AWD. But now that my oldest is about to get his license, I won't be transporting groups of kids and sports equipment on a regular basis. Still need room for 6 or 7 passengers on occasion. And room for my garden center purchases. What sold me was the way the car feels when you're driving. The handling is phenomenal. It's peppy and grounded, and the way it handles curves is amazing. Other midsize SUVs just felt more like driving a truck to me. I've had my preowned 2019 Touring w/ premium upgrade for a little over a week and am extremely happy.
Great review and the CX9 is the best driving car and best looking in this class. We liked it so much that we bought it after test driving all the other vehicles in its class.
Just got mine this week and man I love this car and it's awesome features it comes with.
Just bought the Carbon Edition. Love it!
I also like that the engine seems to have two additional cup holders on it.
1. Why do reviewers always complain about 3rd row space? With limited exception, adults aren't sitting there.
2. Why would a 10 speed make sense in a Mazda when they are known for sporty performance? Wouldn't that be counterintuitive?
we just purchased a 2021 CX9 GT and LOVE it! Have nothing negative to say about it other than the lack of pano sunroof ... come on mazda This video is spot on!
Good ole Forrest 👍
Just bought one, 2021 touring AWD. Love it so far
Great review and information,...Thank You!
🏁😎🏁👍👍👍👍👍
It’s just me and my husband and I still bought a CX-9 😂 a Carbon Edition
Idk, it just feels so much more up scale and roomier than our CX-5 did. The new infotainment is miles better, and it’s just generally a better drive all around. I had a ‘19 CX-5 GT before this.
A nice vehicle, with a great presentation from Forrest.
Best driver in its segment. We are on our 3rd.
Cool. Which years do you have? Is the third row seat ok for short trips with adults that are 5'8"?
@@chrisnaden This is our second CX-9 (just recently got the 2021 and splurged on the Signature this time) - there’s enough room in the third row for someone who’s 5’8”, especially if the trip is only a few hours. Also, the captain seats are adjustable so, if possible, you can get a few more inches there. The seats themselves are incredibly comfortable.
@@lmh12121 Thanks for the input. I am definitely getting this vehicle within the next few months.
Great review!! In addition, I do agree with your concern about the 6-speed transmission.
Currently own a 2018 Grand touring model and I love it!
really so I just bought one. my first Mazda is it great?
Great review, just one minor correction - torque rating increases to 320 lb-ft when using premium fuel
Great review. Thanks for doing it.
Loved this reviewer! Great job!
You need to know something about "traction" on Mazda SUVs. I have two 2021, AWDs...CX5 and CX9. Great SUVs but the OEM tires suck. I changed them with Vredestein Quatrac Pro; wet traction is phenomenal. Also the tires have less rolling resistance, hence MUCH smoother ride. Even my wife who is NOT a car person noticed the difference in the ride. ALSO, for those in snow country, the tires are Severe Snow Service Rated (mountain symbol on the tire). "NO" I don't work for Vredestein, I just live by something my late father taught me when I got my first car many, many years ago, "Never go cheap on tires or brakes, they are your life line." Keep your great videos coming!
Nice review!!!
I bought one and really like it overall. I didn't get the signature and wish my model had the power folding mirrors.
Could be one of the best options as a family van, assuming its wide lineup is designed for a large number of passengers. I have to notice the distinctive impact on their ads that features family-centered activities.
Good review. We purchased a 2023 of this day before yesterday. Love it.
Just bought one. Sublime is spot on.
How do you feel like the 3rd and trunk is? Is it roomy?
@@ronacrandall not super roomy. Maybe best for short hops. Kids would be fine. It is like most 3 row crossovers. It is very stylish. Plenty of power. Love it he new larger infotainment screen.. mine is the Touring with convenience package.
The Signature should have wireless Apple CarPlay. My GT has wireless Apple CarPlay. Love it.
I've just watched your review on the 2021 Sorento and I'm leaning in that direction. Wanted to take just one more look at the CX-9. Not feeling the long front end and the center armrest in the 2nd row. Love the interior styling I just can't get past my previous complaints. Agree with the vehicle fitting a niche consumer.
That is definitely me. My kids are older and we no longer need a lot of storage. I’m very glad to avoid some of the behemoths on the roads these days. My wife an I are car lovers and the smooth drive of these CX-9s are terrific. And don’t get me wrong, these are still large SUV’s, just not the largest.
I'm proud of him for making it to car gurus
don't know him but I like it, no one notices how solid the car sounds closing the door
@@greendg7 I noticed because I sell them it's like closing a vault
Excellent review! CG is my favorite car buying app, good to know CG has a YT channel with a competent host. I've been looking at '21-'23 9's to upgrade my wife's current '22 Mini Countryman.
Forrest, on an unrelated note, is that ring on your right hand from James Avery?
I just picked up a Grand Touring and it’s such an incredible vehicle. How something it’s size drives so nicely is beyond me
I bought a 2020 CX9 Grand Touring about 2 weeks ago with under 11,000 miles on it. We are the target audience that the reviewer talks about around the 11:19 mark of the review where we are a family of four. Overall I agree with the review.
My three biggest gripes with the CX9 are 1. the infotainment system taking so long to load, 2. the usb port to plug into the infotainment system being under the elbow rest (I get why Mazda did it but I keep leaving my phone behind since it's out of sight, out of mind), and 3. the narrowness of the driver's cockpit (if they used softer materials to rest my knee against it wouldn't be an issue so I bought some pads to stick to the center console and it helps a lot).
My three favorite things about the CX9 are 1. the fuel economy is a little better than estimated which for me is a first as I usually get under (averaging over 24 MPG after 1,100+ miles of driving using real world calculations (miles driven / gallons needed to refill tank)), 2. the SUV drives smaller than it actually is which gives me as the driver more confidence in driving a larger vehicle, and 3. using the built-in navigation and having it pop up on the heads up display so I can free the infotainment system up for other functions without having to switch back and forth (you get 3 years of free map updates and the cost for a 3 year subscription afterwards is reasonable).
As far as the four cylinder / 6 gear question, the amount of torque to me is the important part. Everything still shifts nicely and I get up to speed quick enough on the aggressive New Jersey highways which is the important thing. Another reviewer made a great point which is due to the amount of torque in the CX-9 it may be easier to tow a 3,500 pound camper over another SUV in its class due to the torque.
Great review.
Awesome review
Wow, you are an excellent presenter! Thx for the video.
I grew up on this street you're filming on. You're the 2nd person I've seen filming car reviews here. It's so weird... How I miss Anaheim Hills.
Nice review.. quite gentle voice..!!
Purchased the 2022 Carbon Edition model last August. I can't tell you how many compliments I keep getting everywhere I go. It's sporty, comfortable top notch build quality throughout and honestly I don't mind the 6 speed transmission. I'm a car guy and it is the best SUV on the market hands down.
We have a 2021 year model and absolutely love it.
Great review, one correction though, the torque goes up-to 320 lbft when using premium when compared to 310 lbft with regular gas. The 6 speed auto is adequate, gets the job done, but can benefit with a 7 or 8 speed in the future. Great car overall, loved it.
Definitely a SHARP car...wondering if it's true that you can't touch the screen even while parked like the former models...love the review guy; well-informed and likeable like all the Car Guru guys...God bless!!
Do they make rubber backs for the third row if you have the seats down? I have dogs just wondering. Plus MPG is better then most
i love the new grill and new wheels
I have the Mazda CX5 and I really like it. I'm sure I would like this one too.
Thanks for posting this. I am considering buying a used 2021 with about 5K miles on it after reading everything I could find on it. I am tall for a girl...5'10"...it helped a lot just to see you in this vehicle, and you really answered a lot of questions for me I probably would have forgotten to even ask about at the dealership! LOL. I have no kids, but I do a lot of 3-4 hour one-way drives for business, so really...this was SO helpful. Thanks so much!
In regards to the 6 speed vs 10 speed , I have a 10 speed accord and half the time it's hunting gears giving you a feeling it's confused ... I think 6 speed will at least avoid this hunting gears phenomenon. I drove 8 speed durango for a year, I feel that's the most you want to go when it comes to gears.
I was deciding on this or the Durango. Which one would you recommend if you have driven or owned both?
@@anthonyhernandez6230 owned Durango and driven CX-9. It depends on your driving preference. If you like big bulky but cushy and quiet drive then Durango. If you like nimble and feel the road type drive then CX-9. Durango drives big and heavy, while CX-9 drives small and agile.
Some of these car review people love to say that the Mazda's SUV design has not changed in a while and needs to change.....but the other luxury/high end SUV car makers design stays the same also. I compared the 2017 Lexus 350 SUV to the 2020 Lexus 350 SUV and everything is basically the same - the interior design and the outside, they modified the outside grill a little and it costs much more than the Mazda. The Mazda does the same, they have modified their grill some and even the interior but these crazy car people love to mess with the Mazda. Also the Mazda Cx9 is better looking than the Lexus 350 especially with the interior.
I own 2017 RX 350. Horrible SUV with rough transmission and drone noise issues. First and last Lexus.
Lexux gx have same back what i see 13-15 years ago
They got rid of the touch screen?
The sun roof isnt panoramic bc the big glass would make it more top heavy and add a different dynamic to the driving experience
great vehicle that I want, excellent vlog.
I am not tall, I am less than 6 feet, my wife is even shorter than me but I have 4 kids, ages from 12 to 1 year old, I adore the mazda for its building quality and for how it drives
I compared it to others like Honda pilot and Toyota highlander, but for me the cx9 always wins 🏆
I sacrificed a little more space for its unique features in this segment
What do you Think? Am I right?
I believe this six-speed automatic transmission is definitely adequate in the chief aim that Mazda is going for with 320 lb torque on 91 octane Plus having longer gear ratios means you don't have to downshift as often utilizing pretty much the best torque in the segment to ride out and stay in the gear longer as well as Mazda uses a small torque converter plus a multi clutch in order add more gear lock up to have more of a direct feel, with quick and smooth downshift rev matching as well as quick up shifts when wanted, this transmission feels far better than most of the eight and ten speeds out there at the moment, unless if most of the class was using ZF 8 Speed automatics that would be a different story because that transmission is incredible but it's not the case most of the competition is using in-house 8 and 10 speed designs that just don't match the ZF yet and aren't really better than Mazda's ingenious solution designed six speed with their current skyactiv drive transmission but I do agree it would be nice if they just slapped on a couple more gears of this current transmission with lower gear ratios and higher top gears design to aid in quicker acceleration as well as better fuel economy but with the con of having more shifts to row through instead of riding on a torque wave in a longer gear with out shifting which is also nice and smooth , on top of that this transmission is bulletproof.
Nice, what color code of this red?
I have one,a 2018. Definitely a 5 start vehicle.
I can't say enough about it.👍👍👍👍👍
Mazda needs another signature color. Sure, the soul red (crystal) is nice (our cx-5 is the same color), but Mazda needs to expand the color palette. Deep/dark green would be nice. Even if all the paints got the "crystal" treatment, that would be fine; they just need more colors.
Yes, would love to see a 7spd auto. 6spd auto is simple and just as fast/frugal, but a 7spd would be nice and possibly help utilize the torque of the turbo motor and promote slightly better fuel economy. It doesn't need 8 or 10 speeds, but adding +1 is just right.
Most buyers of any vehicle are conservative when it comes to color . Black, white, silver, grey/silver make up almost all the cars and trucks on the road. After you throw in blue and some shade of red pickings get real slim.
"Fun" fact: 2016 CX-5 has 34.1 sq ft behind the second row seats. The larger CX-9 only has about 38 sq ft behind its second row. Part of the problem is the load floor is unnecessarily high.
I own the grand touring and I love it!!!
This or 2021 Kia Telluride??
I think I will wait for the 2022 version, hopefully they fix some of the issues this one has but still a nice vehicle.
I bought the 2022 CX-9 Sport. I traded in an Equinox LT . The Chevy has a few tech features over the Chevy I.e. remote key access vs push a button on the Mazda.
SIRRUS/XM not available in the Mazda Sport Edition so I have to connect my iPhone to the Mazda. More room than the Chevy. All in I got the Mazda for $33k out the door and refused the dealer add ons for an additional $3k. Nice safety features like side warnings etc. This will be the last year of the CX-9 as the new Mazda will be out for 2023 at a higher cost I bet.
Looks like a great guy!
Best SUV by far, 2 month old user
Ironic you pose the question about needing more gears because I am researching a replacement for our Odyssey. Biggest complaint I have with the Odyssey? The constant gear changes at lower speeds and hunting for the right gear. Hard down shifts as well as general shifting when pulling away from a light… so no, Mazda, please don’t add more gears, 6 is enough! I will avoid 8,9, & 10 speeds for as long as possible.
Спасибо за информативный обзор!
You would get a lot more views if you showed the base sport model,just saying.
As the owner of a 2016.5 CX-5 and a kia cadenza I can say Mazda's drive awesome and six gears are enough. The kia has a 8 speed automatic and it's overkill. The car is always in too high of a gear.
I had a Kia Credenza and got rid of it. Uncomfortable. Terrible tires for winter driving. Rattling pano sunroof. Reliable? Yes. Loaded with lots toys. Glad I got rid of it.
The six speed transmission is better than more gears. It makes driving more pleasant with fewer shifts.
Very good car thanks
The other options seem too big for me. Small family looking for extra space with many road trips to the country and after school activities.
Gorgeous.
I must be in that niche you're talking about. I drove a CX-9 back-to-back after a Highlander Hybrid and then a standard Highlander. It wasn't really close for me in the driving experience. I also compared the Pilot and MDX. The MDX is more luxurious but the overall driving experience isn't equal to the Mazda. The Pilot was pretty 'meh' to me. Looks like we're getting a CX-9.
Personally, I think 6-speeds is fine for the automatic. In addition, being a former Miata owner, it does everything I would expect with Mazda’s penchant for quality experience. It handles beautifully for its size, it goes down the road comfortably, and has the options you need.
This is a great review and I’m jealous I didn’t get to ride along for the review. But then it would be biased with two people who really like and understand it!
Our 2019 is a well made car. No memory linked mirrors or pano roof on Signature model was a disappointment. Hwy gas mileage is better than EPA estimate. It should be reliable. Still not convinced Hyundai/Kia options will be.
Really like this SUV. My biggest complaint is position of moonroof relative to front passenger position. They would have to crane their necks to see out.
I am currently looking for a vehicle in this segment. One of the challenges that I am facing is that the vehicles that are in my budget and that I am interested in are not available with a rear bench in the top trim. And a used 2019 CX9 Signature doesn’t come with a panoramic sunroof. So I am currently exploring a 2018 POC Sorento SXL.
You Wanted more gears but then driving it up the hill you debunked your own complaint as you complemented its drive.🤷🏻♂️
I have mazda and I think mazdas are very under rated cars...they are way better than many cars and subs out there
Not a fan of the non-touch infotainment screen though.
I think 6 speed transmission is perfect. the more gears in transmission the more less precession shifting I hear a lot of complains that. the vehicle with more gears like 7 or 8 speeds keeps on hunting gears . and doesn't feel right while driving.!! my objection is 4 cylinder engine in such large SUV like that regardless of the Turbo . I still think there should be restriction . what size of a vehicle 4 cylinder engine can be used. I wonder 10 years from now how the engine OR the Turbo will hold up over time ?!!! that's why V6 is the best Reliable choice in the long run .
ln Europe 99% of vehicle's have 4 cyl engines,try thinking of the planet for your offsprings.
@@raydavies3278
Than why don't you buy a bicycle?
I have a 2018 CX9 GT and still like a SIX SPEED tranny. It is smooth and shifts right where I want it to. I have read about too many problems with other 7.8 10 speed transmissions.
An honest review
You have any ideas when they change the design 😉🤔🤔
2023 model year at the earliest. Possibly '24.
The next gen will be on the new RWD platform with inline 6 and 8 speed.
I love this vehicle but I'd probably choose a Palisade
I have this exact car and color except I have the chestnut interior. I have now 1k miles on it. I have driven from NJ to BOS and back. Great vehicle. I think the engines seems to whine a bit.
The seats seems nice and doesn't hurt my rear like my old Highlander.
Reviewer failed to mention that under the center console there is a wireless charging pad... BTW this gentleman's review is excellent!!
Mazda’s 6 speed is reliable.
And with the abundance of torque available, I don't see why more speeds are necessary
3:21 Mo' gears, mo' problems. 6 speed is fine.
I loved you on Key and Peele
Nice car
6 speed is great
Digging that hair. Thanks for the review. Just purchased this vehicle off of a lease. Very impressed with it. And yes, the 2.5 4 banger is torquey.
At the dealer I checked out the new cx-90 and wow it's something to behold. Going to wait for one of those to come off lease in a couple of years.
Twin headlights, would have added to its elegance. A single headlight, on either side was too economical.