Why Does The 2020 Mazda CX-9 Sell So Poorly? Really! Why?
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- Опубліковано 2 кві 2020
- When some vehicles have low sales, the reason is easy to find. But sometimes we have a crossover like the Mazda CX-9 which defies logic. It's quiet, comfortable, efficient, handles well, is well-crafted, and absolutely gorgeous... yet somehow it was dead last in 3-row sales in 2019 and 2020 doesn't look much better. While the CX-9 won't be the right CUV for every family, it deserves a harder look from shoppers and really ought to sell better.
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This dude should have a syndicated show on Sunday mornings like the old Motorweek. This is highly informative.
Consumer Reports now rates Mazda the most reliable car company, and the CX-9 is most reliable 3-row. Yet, the general public still won't take notice.
It can’t even pull off without swerving lol
@Nissan370Z Glass what... u crazy. Your logic mazdas would be selling like hot cakes. More women buy cars
They are merging with Toyota to work on something big
@@five18audio Alabama plant. Toyota wants to use Mazda's new inline 6 for their lexus line
@@mbenton6 that would be nice the Lexus needs a remodeling I want them to bring a Lexus truck hopefully I want a truck but I want a luxury truck I’m gonna buy the tundra anyways
We recently replaced a 2018 Volvo XC90 with a 2019 CX9, due to the XC90's lack of reliability and poor dealer experience. Our overall experience with Mazda, and their dealers, has always been excellent. We also own a 2017 CX5 and 2006 MX5, and are now 100% a Mazda family!
We've had Mazda products for the last 7 years. Before, we had Honda's & Toyota's. My wife drives a 2019 Maxda 3. She had a Cx7, then a CX5, then a CX3 AWD. I own a 2007 MX5 since 2009 and I have a 2018 Mazda 6 GS-L 2.5 L Turbo. Before, I had a 2010 Mazda 6 GS then a 2012 Mazda 6 GT. Mazda=fun to drive. :)
Oh no!! Are Volvos really unreliable? I always wanted one 😭😭
@@hr9592 pretty much any euro car will have you on a first name basis with the service dept.
@@hr9592 They're not that bad. No modern car is "unreliable." It's just that some last longer than others and Volvo's dealerships and servicing isn't great, but if you want a Volvo there's no huge reason not to get one just because of "reliability." I personally think they look kinda ugly tho but that's just me.
H R, I had a 2010 CX60 for 7 yrs and was reliable for most part...but due to poor dealer service experiences and the higher cost to maintain for parts & service, not to mention horrible fuel economy (I-6 3.0L T) we switched over to a 2017 CX9 and I also have a 2019 6 GS. Found the Mazdas more reliable, cheaper, practical, nice design, better fuel economy and cheaper to maintain both parts & service.
Mi wife has a 2019 CX9 and I have a 2017 Mazda 6.. Never been happier...
My 2017 Mazda6 GT was an awesome car. I miss it every day.
I got a 2017 Mazda 6 GT and my fam got a CX9 signature
Happy wife...HAPPY LIFE! 💪👍
I love my 2017 cx9
I have the opposite: 2017 CX9 and 2019 6...both great flagship models!
Having driven one for a few thousand miles, I think it is in a different category than the typical minivan on stilts in this segment. It feels like a luxury car. I am always impressed how well it handles on a tighter road where most SUV’s would feel like boats. And that handling doesn’t come at the comfort, it absolutely destroys long road trips.
Drives like my 2000 Honda Odyssey. Since then they have started dumbing them down, especially from 2011 onward. Took a late model Toyota Sienna on a test drive++- way to soft. L
tbh it really felt like cheap bmw in a good way, you get comfort but also great handling
“No auto start/stop” that’s actually a good thing, Way less engine wear, Makes sense to me.
Auto/stop has long term damaga to engine and resrarch show no significant benefit.
Wouldn't that wear out the spark plugs quicker too?
@@grandpa5508 I hate the auto stop thing, I have it on my Telluride, but fortunately there is a button to disable it- unfortunately you need to disable it each time you start the car. The biggest reason to me is safety. The autostart causes a delay, so if you need to pull out quickly from a stop, or being in a traffic circle waiting for your turn... you have like a 1-2 second delay which could be the difference in causing an accident. Especially in icy conditions, when you go to take off, there's a delay, instinctually you give the car more gas to overcome the delay, as a result, you get wheel spin (that further delays you) and potentially causes an accident. I think the auto start/stop is the most ill conceived "innovation" yet. The crazy thing is that on some cars (Buick Enclave in particular) you can't even disable it.
My Tiguan has that feature with no way to turn it off permanently. I absolutely hate it.
@@TheChubbyd07 pretty sure you can turn it off with odb.
We have one. It's AWESOME! My wife says, if a tree fell.on this one, we'd be buying another the next day. Quick, handles like a much smaller car, super comfy, AWD and 3500lb towing! Love, Love, Love it!
I purchased the top trim in 2016 and I love it, this is the first vehicle I didn't have buyer remorse.
I feel that Mazda is seriously underrated, they have the interior quality and driving dynamics of an Audi or a Volvo, but at a discounted price.
Yes, so why aren't they outsell other brands? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Mazda needs to do root cause analysis and ask the question 5X as why aren't their cars/SUV are not selling as well as other brand. This is a simple quality improvement process to determine the root cause of something that does not goes as plan.
I agree with you brother it is an underrated vehicle, I think we drive what other people are driving, and we don't give other vehicles a try. I have a cx9 and is my first Mazda, don't know how my experience is going to be but we will see.
I agree. We've owned Mazda cars since 2014. We are very pleased. Cannot figure why so many people buy Nissan & Toyota, or Hyundai, Kia, etc predominantly without even considering Mazda. The engines and interior quality are great. Comfortable for cross country driving, and city.
@@tousshong9438 when was the last time you saw Mazda add? they need to advertise more, more, more, more, more, more, and more! people tend to forget when it comes to buying their next car, people usually by things what they remember ... the only way to affect this process is 1908237012897X advertisement, no one will kick rocks at your dealership just because they need to have a reason to stop by for test drive or buy, its called "marketing" it will drive the people to your door and wonder more, let them know that mazda is out there and to be added to their list for next upgrade. people need reasons to buy something. it wont work if you make one of the best cars out there if no one know about it.. for example, if you sell eggs know one will know about it till you reach out but not that only you need to convince people why they need to buy it over Walmart ? you need to have some reasons to your customers.. 2 things advertisement + reasons = WIN WIN chicken dinner!
@@moalo6652 Isn't word of mouth the most effective? Like a person had a Toyota or Honda for over a decade and their friend asks for a recommendation. The Palisade and Telluride are wow amazing but I wonder about their long term cost over 10+ years if driving it to the ground. But yeah I used to think advertising was evil XD, but then I realized companies need to actually have people see and know that it even exists!
Mazda needs to advertise on tv and media better for the CX 9, it’s a beautiful crossover
And you’ll see “ads fee” on the breakdown payment for your deal. Lol
I love to own a CX9 but if buying one, it has always been a Highlander.
cx-9s are very popular in Australia. Don't know why they are failing.
@@theytwatcher950 There been a big uptick recently here in the US. The CX9 have been selling well. One of the reasons is that most Americans like to play follow the leader. So if everyone has car X they hop on the bandwagon. Its really hard to shake this mentality here.
@@letsgonow5641 It's absolutely true. Tesla autos are a perfect example. There is no way they are worth what they are selling for yet it seems to be all the rage here in SoCal. Too bad these buyers don't realize there is no dealer network for service/repairs. I sure wouldn't want to try to sell a 2019 model 5 years from now.
I recently bought a cx9 over the Highlander, Telluride,Palisade, and Explorer because I didn't really need a third row and I wanted something that was fun to drive. I keep the third row folded so I have plenty cargo space.
Me too!
Congratulations 👏
Did you ever thought of getting cx5 ?.
Just not sure how reliable Mazda turbos are. They didn't always use turbos.
Been looking at one
Agree with Alex's comments about CX-9 has the most attractive overall looking among the same segment.
I was thrown away when Alex made that comment. The Cx-9 is nice, no doubt about it but the Atlas, Telluride, Pallisade just to name theses reviews much better looking vehicles
If only it were longer like the 2015 model. Every year, every car line seems to shrink. You used to be able to buy a decent sized crossover SUV. Now, they're not going to sell you a decent sized crossover, you have to go up to the Yukon to get what used to be a decent sized crossover, and you have to go to the suburban to get what the Yukon USED to be. Even the MiniVans are shrinking.
At some point, someone is going to see an opening in the market and start making a 2015 sized crossover again with a V6 getting 30MPG and take a big bite out of the market. Mazda SHOULD be that car maker since the now diminutive CX-9 is their LARGEST vehicle. But I doubt they will see it. I liked my Mazda3 until I outgrew it. Mazda now seem more interested in making as many iterations of vehicle based on the Mazda 3 platform as they can think of. Ick...
Look! its a mazda3 SUV, its a Mazda3 truck, Its a Mazda3 minivan, its a Mazda3 whatever.
Great review, I think one reason for the lower sales is that Mazda just has a smaller footprint in the US, fewer dealerships just means fewer sales. As the review says, it really deserves to sell more, it's a fantastic product.
I recently rented one of these in awd and drove it from el paso, tx to burlington, vt, in 5 days. Almost all interstate driving at 75-85 mph with a/c on and i got 24.7 mpg so pretty close to epa especially flogging it at 85 mph. I was impressed with fit n finish and power. Passing under all conditions was a snap! Very comfortable long haul vehicle
S G this is so true I also took one of these bad boys and for the amount of weight it got amazing Mpg I was so shocked it’s fuel mileage is perfect
If it's that good then why aren't consumers buying the damn thing and this doesn't answer Alex questions? When is the last time you've seen a commercial about Mazda? I don't recall seeing one recently when watching TV, watching UA-cam etc..
@@tousshong9438 I see them occasionally. A lot of their problems are their dealer network sucks and they are slowly moving into the premium market, but aren't there yet. They are working on new engines and platforms that will help drastically.
@@tousshong9438 you are right.. the only mazda commercial that i see is on Facbook add lol. i believe mazda did cut down the marketing budget and utilizing it for newer Tech, and up coming models ... i love the brand and i own 2 mazdas. i have 2019 mazda3 sedan + 2020 CX-30 for wife.. i guess mazda is struggling financially which really hurts for those who wants the brand to grow and go BIG... in fact i know 2 things now! 1- mazda invested in some projects like hell.. just watch out for the next gen mazda6 (may call it different name) and the next gen of cx5... they will erupt the market( !!!MAZDA LISTEN!!! if you keep the current cx5 as is but instead of the current interior design to be replaced with how the 2019+ mazda3 interior design look like form the inside you will make big $$$$$. dont be afraid to charge more!! people buy more expensive cars! even BMW dose not look that pretty when it comes to it) . also mazda is already killing it with the Curent cx30. Mazda if you read this please invest in to your marketing department, let your engineers go out and talk to send out some massages show how the Craftsmanship and what mazda kodo design is! and much more!! speak about the tech.. take your SUVs in to snow storm adds, Show how it handles/ preforms in extreme weather, how it keeps you and your family safe with all standard safety tech. People dont know!! even some think Toyota is the safest car in earth hahaha. Go out and find 500,000+ miles mazda3 and how its still in the road in a commercial to show your reliability bring the owner let him talk. i dont know do something cool let people know... all mazda line up are great dont need much work just let people know about it, and the only 2 ways where people know about the brand is through this #1- word of mouth by current mazda owner #2- by commercials. it does not matter how your cars turns heads on streets people tend to forget even if they liked how it looks! because when it comes to buying time they will buy what they remember not what is best for them( this is very basic marketing principle). i swear people dont know about all the hard work that mazda is doing behind the seen. i know all of this because im mazda nerd LOL. Mazda has big selling point by describing the effort that they put in to each vehicle and the human soul that goes in to each car design.. hint!! learn from FORD Adds. Recruit young marketing people there are many ways to reach good number of the populations with out breaking the bank! bring up your new slogan "JINBA ITTAI" explain it!!!
MAZDA you are killing it in designing wise, just invest in advertisement, many people dont know what you guys are doing, what you are offering and for HOW MUCH!
I'm in Texas and I've been seeing Mazda ads so much over the past 5 years, on all channels
I have a 2019 CX-9 Grand Touring AWD and it is FANTASTIC!
0228mustang , awesome choice! People in general knock the CX9/Mazda brand and don’t even consider...each has his/her own reasons for choosing a vehicle just so happens that most don’t fall under the CX9/Mazda. If you want to blend within a crowd go with a safe and common brand/choice - if you want to stand out then go with a CX9/Mazda!
@@ztekz mazda wont budge on price. Remember the previous generation was a watered down ford edge, and had reliability issues. Mazda after splitting from ford has shown no regards to embracing a longer warranty to give previous owners the confidence in the brand again. That's why they get passed up. Let's not get started on the New model. Yes they went turbo 4 but it was missing things like ventilated seats on the signature and more. The 3rd row is cramped, there's no comparison to the highlander. It felt much smaller. You cant charge $40k+ and not give you more luxury options. Like lexus pricing with ford interior and honda handling. It's a lost puppy
SuperSmoovyI disagree...if price is your sole basis yes there are others that have better deals but Mazda being a small niche brand unfortunately doesn’t have the financial backing like the big brands (Toyota, Honda, VW, etc). I don’t just look at price and the way I look at it, you get what you pay for and depends what you’re comparing it to. I almost bought an RX350 good thing I held off and afterwards the CX9 came out...$6K lower on Signature vs base RX and $12K vs a similar spec’d RX not to mention 7-seater vs 5. Cross shopped too with XC90, Q7, QX60, Pilot and Highlander and still ended up with CX9. Didn’t care much for engine, or cargo & 3rd row space nor missing features like pano sunroof or ventilated seats as my priorities were diff and the others also used 4cyl turbo engines. Pilot and Highlander drove like minivans and Highlander at the time had dated interior. All the rest came out more expensive with higher int rates and I get it coz they’re more popular and had higher resale value. I buy vehicles coz I like them not coz of resale value or deals...to each their own
@@ztekz and that is exactly the problem. Their target market is skewed. Do they know who they are selling to? They built an SUV no one wanted. It looks beautiful and I love the style, but be honest, its utility as a family hauler barely meets the standard. Glad you enjoy yours, but I want more bang for my buck and demand more utility from my SUV. The 10 foot long hood is not only different, it is unnecessary. It eats away precious cargo space other manufacturers use. The pilot, and highlander for that matter have better tow capacity, space, resale value, utility and parts support. Again, Mazda, if they were serious about their target market I'd take them serious. they actually need to look at the market leaders and aim higher than those. Until then, everyone including myself will always overlook them. This is the exact opposite of what kia and hyundai was able to show this year with the Telluride and palisade.. again, a lost puppy!!
SuperSmoovy, well it is what it is...Mazda isn’t for everyone and while they may have missed a lot of marks they will always be a small niche company unless other big manufacturers merge with them like Toyota or Honda and thank goodness they moved away from Ford. Like I said, for me it meets my needs and I actually prefer something that is not common where you see everyone else driving...they may have used a shorter hood for more space and added more features here and there but they prioritized styling over function and I respect them for that but obviously not the majority did. Sadly, Mazda is made up of brilliant designers and engineers but not marketers to promote and elevate their brand and image!
We bought a 2019 Signature CX-9 last June and absolutely love it. Never feels underpowered and that’s coming from someone that has a 600hp Gt500.and 300hp C-30 Volvo hatchback. The Cx-9 is a blast to drive and truly handles great. Wish the 2019 had the off-road button.
I think it's the fact that most buyers simply do not care for sporty handling. And, when brands *do* sell sporty handling, I'd argue it sells more because of the badge than anything (e.g., the German trio). Are suburban moms and dads actually buying RS, M, and AMG SUVs to go vroom-vroom everyday and push lateral G's? No. I'd argue most of them just buying those models to show they have the best trim level compared to others.
The other issue is that the SkyActiv tech requires longer exhaust travel, forcing Mazda to make their hoods longer, which eats into interior volume. So you end up with a car that's large on the outside, but smaller on the inside than rivals due to the space lost to the engine bay.
In the US, interior volume sells cars - especially in the SUV segment. Sporty handling is a bonus, but low on the priority list (if on it at all). So, outside of the luxury space, I can understand why people would rather opt for something like a Kia Telluride or Palisade instead. More efficient use of space.
(And models like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot basically sell themselves at this point, due to brand/model name recognition. Everyone by default assumes both those cars are reliable, which in turn leads to higher resale values, which in turn leads to higher popularity among the general public, and so forth. Mazda doesn't have this luxury.)
I also think Mazda is somewhat out of tune with American buyers, instead excelling far better with European and Asian demographics abroad. Even the new Mazda3 hatch/sedan appears to be designed with European tastes in mind, rather than American ones. If it was designed first and foremost with American tastes in mind, they would have just made the car larger overall, like Honda did with their 10th-gen Civic (which has continuously gotten larger). While *I* have tastes more similar to Europeans, most Americans logically do not. And so that alone might explain why a company like Subaru does great in the US (but poorly abroad), while Mazda does poorly in the US (but excels abroad).
You and I share a preference for good handling vehicles and that preference has led me to own a couple of Mazda's in the past. And even if Mazda's other vehicles were trash, the very existence of the Miata would justify the brand's existence. But I'd differ from your analysis in a crucial respect. You seem to be saying that it's Americans' taste that explain the failure of models like the CX-9. I don't think that's the case. Instead it is the absurdly inefficient allocation of space in a VERY LARGE three row crossover that undermines its functionality. It's worth noting that Mazda doesn't even bother to offer the CX-9 outside North America. In other international markets the largest Mazda crossover is the CX-8, a stretched version of the CX-5. If Mazda wants to sell such a large midsize crossover in the US, they need to understand that functionality is a priority for the vast majority of buyers.
Mazda CX5s does GREAT in the USA especially California.
I agree with everything you said and I like that Mazda is sticking to their brand even though it probably hurts their sales. Makes Mazda kind of cool.
@@stevenwilliams9280 Riiighttt.... Much like Kaiser, Hudson, and Studebaker. Very cool.
@@stephenhendricks103 , that is huge disinformation. CX-9 is sold in most markets, especially around Europe, while CX-8 is the replacement for JDM and some Asian countries, where cars bigger than 5 meters, or something around that figure, are not allowed for public use. We have hundreds of Mazda CX-9 here, Eastern Europe. Idk where you got that information...
Alex, you are so right! I spent a week with this puppy in a grand touring all-wheel-drive package to take on vacation and I absolutely loved it. My family was very impressed with it, it had plenty of power and room for four of us and my little dog to go sightseeing on our vacation. I followed behind my brother and his RV in the rental car and used the adaptive cruise control and loved the heads-up display. A very underrated vehicle!😔
I never looked at Mazda till recently. There's huge potential here and I think it's just a matter of advertisement.
No. It's a matter lack of interior space in a HUGE vehicle.
They've been advertising for decades.
The American public just isn't sold on Mazda..thats all.
I literally just seen one of these in black about 10 minutes ago and I was completely stunned by how beautiful it looked. Coming from a person who doesn't like the look of most SUVs...
It’s nice I got a vid on my channel
It's a beautiful car
I drove this vehicle for 1 week and now I am looking to purchase my own 😍
Yeah, Mazda Cx whichever's (except the Cx3), Lexus Rx's & the recently redone Rav4 are among the only modern crossovers I ever see myself messing with.
But for SUVs in general, I personally prefer the turn of the century boxy but clearly rugged designs... xTerra, Escape, old pathfinders, hell, looking back, I wouldn't even be ashamed getting a 1st gen Rav4 as a beater lol
stunned and beautiful....sweet jesus, people have low standards. same kind of people that are blown away by a kia...
I have a 2018 CX-9, and I love it!
Gee Dub i have the 2016, love the car. Long trips are very comfortable.
Rented one a few weeks ago in Birmingham before flying became a thing of the past. And it was awesome. The heads up display was awesome
I have a 2009 CX-9 I hate the fuel consumption 😂
Gas is $1.41 and dropping here...I dont mind it now
@@alphabeta3383 ya, those just weren't that great, all around.
I test drove the CX-9, Highlander (quite nice too), Pilot, and Explorer. I immediately bought a 2021 CX-9 Kuro/Carbon edition. I love it.
I just love every freaking video you do. So much detail, so much knowledge, so much honesty. Over the years you've helped me decide on several cars and are my go-to source. Thank you so very, very much. And thank you for continuing to look at "older" cars in new ways -- and as new models from other brands come along -- in videos such as this.
Consumer Reports has it as one of the best.
Very high safety rating.
I had one of these for two weeks as a rental when my car was being fixed, I’m surprised how well the handling is and how fun it is to drive this guy
Part of the reason is the sales experience. Most of the Mazda dealers I've been to treat their cars like they're M-series Bimmers and negotiate like it too. They will treat you as such, so if they think you're not worthy of a Mazda you're not treated as well. That turns a lot of people off, to make things worse there's the old adage:
"Treat someone great and charge a fair price, they'll tell one person" "Treat someone poorly and be expensive, they'll tell five people"
I got 6k off my 2020 cx9 Signature, I thought it was a sweet deal.
Fake news
This is a beautiful vehicle. I saw one the other day and they sure have alot of presents on the road.
Recently purchased a 2020 Mazda CX9, after totaling my 2010 Mazda CX9. I had never had a accident in my 57 years. My 2010 saved my life. Every safety measure lived up to what it should do. Although being 10yrs old it still held its value. I did only have 91,000miles on it. But they gave me $9,500.00 from the insurance sompany. This time I leased a top of the line CX9. I love how it drives. I was worried about the change in engines. But it was just as fast and handled beautifully.I find many people dont give Mazda vehicles a chance. Like you pointed out they follow what sells the most. They dont know what they are missing. Once a mazda owner you"ll never go back.
Alex, I really like your new graphics! Keep making great content!!
Personally, I could care less how popular a vehicles is. It would 'never' factor into my decision process...
I prefer a vehicle that's not popular but when it comes to parts and servicing the exact opposite is true 🤔
Paul von Helger the thing is while you may not care unfortunately popularity is important otherwise the company will ax the car that you enjoy driving because it’s unpopular.
Right on Paul.. i have always felt that way about many goods that i purchase, from cars , stereos, speakers, even my God dare I say it toaster oven, 🤔. I have owned 2 Mazdas. Great sporty cars. Extremely reliable too. Like their ads in the past, zomm-Zoom. Mazda has always been known as the Poor Mans BMW. For a decent SUV leased , i almost, pulled the trigger on the CX-9. Ended up with a Acura MDX -SHAWD. Both were 2019s. Both have pros and cons. The Acura had the slighly better $$$$ deal.
I should add , the infotainment systems in both are lacking in different manners. The Acura is dated with dual screens, the Mazda screen was too small with too much scrolling.
Ditto!
In-depth review as always. Amazing, keep it up Alex!
Thank you for your honest opinion! Prior to seeing this video, I went thru the rounds of picking out a 3 row SUV. I loved the Telluride, but couldn't accept my local dealer's up-charge due to demand. LOVE the new Hybrid Highlander (with increased 3rd row headroom) but couldn't justify the price. And Voila! I test drove the CX-9 (which was my top pick 8 years ago) but decided on the Mazda5 at that time due to price & 5 year ownership cost. The CX-9 is rich with safety features, and as Mazda is known for, it really makes driving enjoyable!!!
Prefer the 5
Nice review, Alex. For empty-nesters who have to drive across the country to visit the kids, the Mazda kind of makes sense. Not that large on the inside, but most of the time that wouldn't be very critical for us. You've given me lots to think about! Thank you again for your great work.
I have a 2018 CX-9 and there is nothing that can match the ride, handling, and interior quality at the price. Good acceleration and gas mileage, and 100% reliable.
My company car is a signature series CX-9 and it’s an over achiever in every way
Clearly I need to work for your company.
Which company do you work for?
General manager of a fuel company _ convenience store company in update ny
It may be true but why aren't they flying off the lot? Marketing!!
Tous Shong that’s a good question. My last company car was a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited but this Mazda drives so much better. Handles great. Infotainment goes to the Jeep. Driving fun goes to the Mazda
Just bought mine. Best vehicle I’ve ever owned.
Just bought mine too and I concur.
Very good review, all very well explained, and I agree this is one of the best sub out there but very underrated
Why others sell more:
Highlander and Pilot: Perceived reliability and resale value
Telluride and Palisade: Value for money and 3rd row legroom
Some people (me included) consider a turbocharged 4 cylinder (or any 4 cylinder) a negative. Since Mazda doesn’t offer a V-6, those people choose the famously reliable Toyota 3.5 V-6.
@@steveprinty5674 havent heard any Major problems yet? been 4 years since it has relased?
Remove the word "perceived" and you might have it all figured out.
@@InvestBetter. Who is consumer reports most reliable car brand of the year? Not honda def not Kia
Dmilli I had a new Ford Ranger 4 cylinder (‘84 model) for 19 years, I still have the ‘96 Suburban that I bought new 24 years ago. I think naturally aspirated has a much better chance of long term reliability. I used to have a Volvo (‘81 245 DL), and while waiting in line to talk to the service writer, I heard him tell the guy in front of me that his car needed a new turbo. When the customer looked at the written cost, he nearly fell over. That was over 30 years ago, but it probably influenced my bias against turbochargers. And all of my 15 vehicles have been 2 wheel drive. Simple is better to me.
thanks for video, looking at 2022 CX9 carbon edition, found your video(s) and love that you're also tying in support for local foodbanks.
Thanks for all that info. You do a great job delivering important ideas and details that should be considered when buying a car.
Love the 4k keep up the great work Alex
Jay Max's comment is a great sum-up. I'm on my 3rd recent Mazda so I've spent some time sitting in CX-9s while getting an oil change for my car. My immediate impressions: The interior feels in-cred-ibly classy. The Signatures' leather is lovely, everything looks and feels expensive and that goes a long way, and the engine might be a four-cylinder turbo, but it's a BIG four cylinder turbo. That same engine goes like stink in my CX-5. But the CX-9's rivals are clearly roomier, and you just can't get people to stop buying painfully boring - but exceptionally well made - Toyotas. When it's all said and done, I hope Mazda is happy enough with it's sales numbers to keep making classy cars I want to drive, not passenger pods that might as well drive themselves.
Thank you for this video! I’m looking for a new suv and this video was so informative and so specific. I think you just sold me with Mazda. I had a Mazda some time ago and it has been one of my favorite mini vans. I’m ready for a cx9. Thank you! Happy 2023.
Thanks for that awesome thorough review! Mazda makes great, innovative fun products that are often underrated and overlooked by mediocre tastes. Mazda's philosophy is that of incremental improvements while preserving reliability and robustness. That's why they have stayed with a 6 speed and I like that. 8 and 9 speeds increase weight complexity and proven reliability.
As a dad with a third child on the way, I chose a CX-9 because of a folding 2nd row which allows me to keep a child seat in place and still get to the 3rd row. (other models which have this are the Pathfinder and Atlas) The vehicle is very maneuverable around town and gets excellent fuel economy (26+mpg around town for a 3-row). The car drives well and i like it more now than when I picked mine up new, about 2 months ago. My 2019 CX-9 GT has more features than you'll find in all but the top trim Telluride and that one forces you into 2nd row captains chairs, but my car was $8k off MSRP while Tellurides are still selling above MSRP. I can get three child car seats across the middle row. The headlights and adaptive cruise control are also excellent and make it a great road trip car. I would recommend it to anyone. My 2015 Mazda6 has been incredibly reliable and enjoyable.
Great review Alex! I appreciate your comprehensive reviews. I would definitely for for the Mazda. I am a fan of Mazda, and it is in my opinion, by far the best looking in this segment! Combined with all of the other attributes of this vehicle, handling, mileage, and the above average interior, it is a great package. It is definitely on my radar for next vehicle purchase.
Even though I'm not in the market for a CX-9, I'm watching this video all the way through to boost your views during this time of crisis when I know your views are down significantly. That said, I generally watch your videos as I find them super informative and interesting. I also love your Q&A sessions, so keep those coming for all of those of us that are at home. It's nice to see you in a more relaxed environment answering our questions! Keep safe!
Alex, hands down you are the best reviewer ever, and getting better every time, pura vida
It's a lot more popular up here in the great white north. We have the 2019 model which thankfully has 7 seats in the signature trim and absolutely love it.
I have had a 2020 CX-9 Signature for about three months and I can tell you that it is a joy to drive every day. Sure, it does not have the complexity nor the high-quality graphics that the X5 and Q7 have, but the layout is very easy to use, and the learning curve was very short. Little things like having a volume knob right next to the circular controller is excellent. It has a very quiet but energetic ride, that remains composed. I had a 2017 MDX advance very loaded up for three years, and the infotainment on the MDX was god awful. Everything you did was accompanied by a very loud beep which you could not disable. One of the happiest days I’ve had in quite a while was when I traded that MDX in and started driving the Mazda. The CX-9 has a much higher reliability record per consumer reports than either the X5 or the Q7, The two cars I was comparing it to. At that point, the Mazda was much less expensive and much more reliable. My ownership goal was also different in that I don’t expect to have this car for longer than 3 to 5 years. Normally I buy in run cars for 10 years, with the exception of the MDX, which I could not wait to get rid of. Of course, this was just my story, but I do believe that the Mazda CX-9 Signature is highly underrated and has an extremely premium interior and great driving dynamics. I love driving it.
Excellent review.
Thank you!
Mazda design language moves nearly seamlessly from size and category...great looking suv!! Thanks Alex.
We've had a CX-9 for a couple of years now and it's been an amazing vehicle without a single hiccup needing service. Ours is the mid-level Touring trim, which gives us heated leather seats, the sunroof and Bose, but 18" wheels rather than 20's, so the ride is pleasant even on our horribly rough roads here in Michigan. I can't think of any options I would still want save for Apple Car Play which wasn't available back then. The MSRP on ours was $38k or so but the lease payments were down below $340/mo after all of the incentives and with zero down for 30 months. Frankly, I don't find the interior cramped in the least and my two kids are teenagers and taller than I am. It honestly feels like a full-on luxury car to me in terms of the quality leather, seat comfort, and on-road behavior. I think Mazda's sales issues do partly come down to their dealer network. The one we dealt with was great with an enthusiastic sales person, but they are 2.5 hours from where we live (and are now the closest). There are probably 4 Toyota dealers I pass on the way to get there.
Purchased a Mazda-3 2018 Touring little over a year ago. I opted to exclude upgrading to Apple Car play because I didn't feel like their 200-300$ was justifiable for something I haven't needed in the past. Well one day, I connected my iPhone for charging and what do you know? Apple Car Play popped up. Was the strangest thing. Has worked without issue every since. I know this comment doesn't directly apply to your other comments, but I just figured I would share with someone who "doesn't" have apple car play and try it out! You might have to verify if your iPhone 'Allows' the Mazda infotainment system.
Is the 3rd row usable for two fully grown 6 foot tall people?
I love my CX-9 and checked out all the competitors. The mazda came in about $5k less than anything else in this class. Love the interior and exterior styling a lot. The Bose stereo is better than some of the competitors as well. The handling is great and doesn't feel like a third row SUV at all. The gas mileage is better than some of the cars I've owned in the past and I personally didn't notice any difference between regular and premium gas the way I drive.
On a recent trip to the Toyota dealership for another vehicle I learned that Toyota is now using Mazda technology in Toyota vehicles and Toyota is also financing Mazda vehicles. Great partnership in my opinion. Overall, Im very happy with my CX-9.
Thanks so much for this great review. This solidified my decision to purchase a used Mazda cx9 for my next Uber vehicle.
That's exactly what I did! Got a 2018 GT. Make some room for me Uber XL. Just need to put some better tires on it & I'll be set! 😁
Great review. I got the 2023 cx-9 touring plus with vlack 20" wheels, and we are so happy. Reliable, quiet, luxurious, and getting 7.2 from 0-60 is very respectable
I settled on an X3 because I don’t need the extra space as of now, but will need it in a couple of years. Was about to go with the cx9 but couldn’t get the deal I wanted. Thank you very much for the detailed review.
Just purchased my 4th CX-9. I have test driven most in the segment and have always felt the CX-9 gives you the best of both worlds. A quality semi luxury SUV along with a fun to drive car with a sporty feel. This latest, is my first 4 cylinder SUV and I was hesitant about committing to this vehicle until I test drove it and got the feel of the low end torque and ramp speed. It does not disappoint.
Why do you go through them so fast?
This is one of the best car reviews for content and accuracy. Thanks for all the comparisons.
My son is 6 foot, He fits perfectly in the 3rd Row.... I had a 2018 CX9 T and now a 2020 CX9 GT
Finished a lease of one last year. No regrets, nice SUV. One thing I noticed that I have never heard anyone else complain about is engine vibration through the brake pedal. I actually brought it back to the dealer and they said that all Mazda's do that. A test drive of another Mazda confirmed that.
They need to do something about that infotainment system to make it look more cohesive and fluid with the centre console.
That's intentional, to keep the screen nearest to where you watch the road. The problem with the infotainment is how old the software is. This thing needs fully digital gauges and a much larger center screen. It could be redesigned to be less of a "pop up" look (although this is more in line with what Audi did for years, and what Kia still sort of does, so I don't think it turns consumers off), but it needs to stay near the top of the dash to reduce the distance required for glancing.
@@JakeRoot I know it's intentional. The placement is fine. The design is the issue.
@@SimonFanProductions 👍that I don't disagree with
@@JakeRoot I was next to a new BMW that has the same screen in the same place. I wonder if they can update the operating system like mac does every year that would sure make a difference.
Car play/ Android auto can be added with with a retrofit kit to any car with Mazda connect.
I rented a CX-9 for week long road trip and found it uncomfortable and small on the inside this is in comparison to a Infiniti QX60. Why get such a large vehicle to feel cramped. The CX-9 felt like a compact cuv. I disagree with Alex's rating of front seat comfort of 9/10 I would give it a 4/10. Alex didn't mention about the placement of the door mirrors. You have to set the seat far back to see appropriately out the mirrors. Also the dash and armrest protrudes into your legs. While it does handle well that also lowers its comfort making it a harsh ride. I don't see why anyone wants a sporty large crossover. Make the harsh suspension for a sport trim of some sort. Gas mileage was great on trip I recorded 27 mpg highway. What also probably scares customers away is the previous turbo 4 suv the CX-7 which was a guaranteed engine failure
Smack9x. I am 6'1 and weigh well over 200 pounds and I find my CX9 to be very comfortable, especially the front seats. Therefore, I 100% agree with Alex.
@@terence4427 Savagegeese's agrees with me so there. What I found out is that I had to put the seat all the way back because of the door mirror positions. Also, the center console and door panels are unnecessarily wide and protrudes into my knees. It is not built for heavier/wider folks.
@@smack9x . I don't know who Savageese is but his or her opinion is meaningless to me in relationship to a vehicle I drive every day. I'm not discounting your experience, I am only speaking from my perspective and the CX9 is the absolute best vehicle I have ever owned.
Just bought a carbon edition CX-9. It’s gorgeous and surprised me so much. It’s my wife’s new car but I’m in love with it. I love the high belt line, interior dimensions and wide tires.
Great video, thank you. I've been on the fence about buying a new car lately, but you've convinced me that a gently-used CX-9 may be the perfect solution if I can find the right deal. I've owned a couple of Mazda's in the past and their reliability was rock-solid.
Love the exterior styling. Had one as a loaner vehicle for a couple of days and the dealbreaker for me was I could not get my knees to be comfortable. It was always hitting some hard piano black plastic on both knees. Very uncomfortable on long drives.
One thing I like about the CX-9 is that it drivea almost akin to a compact car, but unfortunately driving dynamics isn't the mainstay for vehicles in this class.
The new animations are on point my man!
I just picked up a 2021 Grand Touring model and it’s a sweet ride indeed!
I love my 2019 CX-9 anyway, never regret, got it in Dec 2019 with at a huge discount
Do you find the 3rd row usable for 6 feet people?
@@gpsdoc2222 3rd rows in compact SUVs aren't for 6 feet people.
@@grjones520 Right, but it seems like the Palisade and Telluride are starting to make things slightly bigger to fit 6 ft people albeit uncomfortably. But at the point, people should be getting a Suburban or full size suv which cost 20k more.
It's huge outside but the interior is freaking cramped. Compared to the Palisade/Kia, it felt like a cave
No kidding, my family has a 2015, the first generation. It is so much bigger than this current 2nd generation, it's a joke how much of a difference there is between the 2015 and 2016 in terms of space!
That really is the main reason it doesn't sell well along with an outdated interior and tech. My parents have a 2016 and while it's STUNNING, my Sonata had more room in the backseat. The Turbo is super unrefined and sometimes a pain in the ass. Another issue we personally had was with fit and finish compared to our old Santa Fe and Highlander. The main thing that put us off from Mazda for the future was the center console. The plastic is cheap, it's too wide, it creaks if you rest your leg against it. Here's the real kicker about the console: we spilled water on it one time and it seeped through a gap near the infotainment controller into the circuit board for the AC (dealer's words) and our entire climate system just quit which has never happened in our old two cars or mine. It was a $2000 fix and while we were dumb to spill, it's a family car so that's gonna happen and it should be able to take it. The dealer manager literally said "don't take drinks in your car" lmfao. The door panels are also very hallow and are starting to rattle and creak along with the center console after only 3 years and 48,000 miles. They need to work on interior build quality and panel fitting before they shove leather everywhere imho. I will say the powertrain, despite being unrefined, has been dead-ass reliable, more than our Highlander.
@@austing4321 I just wonder when these professional reviewers will realize that?
COMPLETELY agree! I test drove the CX-9 and I was like where the hell did the space go?? It was claustrophobic in the rear two rows and forget about the trunk area. I laughed on my way out and told the sales guy good luck selling em.
too expensive for the size. i opted for the 2019 subaru.
Very helpful and well done content. Thank you.
Very good review, thank you.
Mazda deserves best selling
Look at the Mazda Koeru Concept say it could give you an idea for the direction of the new CX9, looks awesome! ua-cam.com/video/pJlKtcZ0Fdk/v-deo.html
Nice review! I believe Mazda’s biggest advantage today is reliability. High car technology has driven down reliability and longevity. I paid $2.69 cents for supreme last fill up. Down 50 cents from normal. I believe Mazda’s biggest attribute is longevity! Like all top Japanese cars use to offer.
I bought the 2019 cx-9 in black and it is definitely a good looking car! Comfort and performance are top notch. I would pick the same car tomorrow if buying again!
great review, thank you Alex. i think this is still the best looking SUV in its segment and i almost bought it. What stopped me was the drivers seat, i’m 6’4” and felt like the seat was too short, with not enough support under my thigh area. That combined with the limited storage that it offers plus the 3500lb towing capacity were the deal breakers. I hope Mazda upgrades the drivers seat to offer thigh extensions for taller people. bumping towing capacity to 5000lb will help it compete better in the segment. The highlander is years away, i find it unrefined in appearance, rough and with less style. I own a toyota and despite its reliability would not consider the 2020 Highlander.
Best looking suv indeed.
The 6 Speed Auto is one of the best autos out there, in my experience less hesitant (that is not at all) than the more modern 9 speeds I have used, Mazda 6 speed Auto has a very well optimised torque converter and lock up clutch that nips through the gears like well operated manual, its very underrated set up
They give good marks for the transmission, more gears is not always better.
Horrible transmission. Very jerky, shifts extremely hard, and it's not even that reliable.
I drove one last week on winding roads in Hawaii and the handling was way better than my Mercedes GLC. It handles pretty well.
Great video and solute you for doing the comparisons.....
A Telluride or Palisade can be had at dealerships for several thousand dollars less. Kia/Hyundai has a much larger dealership network, and Mazda dealerships are often paired with other brands. My local Mazda dealership is paired with Ford, and the salespeople push buyers towards Ford products because its more profitable to them.
Did you know Telluride and Palisade are selling above MSRP, at least that was the case prior to covid-19 mess. So no, you can't beat CX-9 value with anything else. Given that it might the oldest design among 3 row SUVs you may be able to get a better price than competitors.
Great video, I've often wondered this myself! I consider myself a car enthusiast and like to drive, but when it came to choosing the CX-9 it was the wife's decision but I think she made a great one. We traded a 2008 Highlander 3.5 V6 (that developed VVTi knock at startup, and the oil cooler started leaking - both of which have TSIBs but were out of the window which Toyota would honor them, big $ to fix) for our 2018 CX-9 GT in Pearl White. We originally started out looking for a CPO BMX X5 but could not find one equipped with a third row (and wow the X5 has gotten soft..definitely not a sporty driving experience in typical trim). We looked at Infiniti (but a friend noted CVT shuddering issues which scared us away), Acura MDX which was well equipped for the base model. The MDX has some transmission programming issues, no CarPlay and confusing infotainment at the time but otherwise was top of our list. The Mazda had lower maintenance costs, and better resale value (surprising!). Maximizing interior space wasn't a priority for us since our kids are teenagers and don't need stroller space, etc..and the Mazda ticked most all of the other boxes. 2 years in, we are absolutely happy with our decision. I installed the updated USB hub for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the 2018 which really transforms the infotainment (we use google maps with satellite view, looks nice). I like the control knob + Apple CarPlay, very easy to use while driving without taking my eyes off the road or my arm off the armrest. Great driving dynamics/character, love the torque, fuel economy, HUD, and LED headlights that steer into the corners are nice too. Easy maintenance, the oil filter is also a canister type and faces down for a clean oil change. (Our Highlander had a paper element and an adapter to drain the housing, not as quick/neat.) Things I'd like to see change: #1 panoramic moonroof. A split for the third row may make it more useful for some as well. If $ wasn't an issue and we had to do it today, we'd probably give up the third row for a Tesla Model Y.
Love the left side data points when you are talking. Great video, great information, well done. Two thumbs up. RE: Tires...must state that Mazda is notoriously bad with OEM tires. I have a brand new MAZDA 3 Premium Hatchback. The OEM tires were terrible...slipped on wet pavement and couldn't hold hard dry road turns. Replaced OEM tires with Vredestein tires and the MAZDA 3 handles like a race car. Also had to replace the OEM tires on my wife's 2018 Mazda CX-5 when purchased new in 2018 for the same reason. What I have learned about Mazdas is that if you want the great driving experience, replace the OEM tires with really good tires; by doing this, the driving experience is significantly enhanced. I've owned 4 Mazdas and have had to replace OEM tires on every one.
Thinking about the CX 5 and wanted to make sure we did not want or need the CX-9. Thanks for a GREAT comparative video.
I loooove my 2020 Cx9. Chose it over Honda Pilot, Subaru Ascent, and Hyundai Palisade. Did I mention that I love it!? #FeelAlive
Telluride or Palisade is the best value 3 rows suv in the market for now. Unless VW or mazda gives me super huge discounts on their Atlas or CX9, I will buy Telluride or Palisade instead
If you can find a Telluride that doesn't have dealer mark-ups.
I sat in a Palisade and felt like I was in a bus. I don't think the lines are as nice as a Mazda
Buying Korea K(c)rap good luck ..mine spent more time in the shop than on the road
I love your chanal and your reivews. Please keep up the good work
Great vid. I’m now looking for one.
I have a 2019 CX-9. I love it. Last summer when i was looking it was between the CX-9 or the Kia Telluride. I just liked the handling of the CX-9. To me the reason why it doesn't sell is simple. It's just a V-4. That's it. Yes, it's a 4 Turbo but just a 4 none the less. Make it with a V-6 and it will sell great.
I think I can answer the question of why the CX-9 is the worst selling midsize 3 row crossover. And it's not the worst by a little; it's the worst by a LOT with fewer than 27,000 units sold in the US in 2019. The KIA Sorento, hardly a sales champ, sold 96,000 units. The Telluride, available for only 10 months and hampered by limited supply, had twice as many sales. Comparisons with most other competitors is even worse.
In a category where the "U" in CUV stands for UTILITY, the CX-9 simply doesn't offer what most customers are looking for compared to the competition. At 199" long, it's among the largest midsize crossovers in the category. Only the Durango and the Chevy Traverse are longer. It's even a fraction of an inch longer than the 2020 Explorer and the VW Atlas and a couple of inches longer than the Telluride.. It's 4" longer than a 2020 Highlander and a full 10"(!) longer than a KIA Sorento. Bottom line? It's a BIG vehicle.
On the other hand, the interior space of the CX-9 isn't just below average. With only 71 cubic ft of overall cargo capacity, it's TINY. The much smaller Sorento offers more (73 cf). So does the compact CR-V! And it's not just cargo space. The CX-9 has 135 cubic ft of passenger space; the Sorento has 154 cubic feet. Even more striking is the passenger room in the third row, presumably a major reason for opting for a 3 row crossover. A Ford Mustang provides 30" of legroom in the back seat. There are only two midsize crossovers that offer less, the ridiculously cramped Highlander at 27.7" and the CX-9 at 29.7". Again, the much smaller Sorento offers 31.7".
To be fair, the CX-9 does offer superior handling on twisting secondary roads. But who buys a 3 row crossover for its canyon carving prowess? Apparently not many consumers. And if Mazda's handling is a priority there's an alternative and a third row of seats isn't needed, the CX-5 offers the same engine/drivetrain as the CX-9. It, too, is relatively cramped compared to rival compact crossovers but with a deficit much less than the CX-9 vs its competition. The CX-5 has a curb weight over 550 lbs less than a CX-9 in a package that's 20" (!) less in length. Better handling, better performance, and MUCH less expensive. It's no mystery why Mazda sold about 6 times as many CX-5's as CX-9's in 2019.
Oh wow, that's a great analysis. It sounds like Mazda SUV lineup is cannibalizing itself.
I agree with your argument, but at least there is the option of a more sporty crossover in the market. I think this car's real competitor is the acura mdx.
Stephen...I always enjoy your thoughtful input! I think you're exactly right. In most respects, the CX9 just isn't competitive in this class. Too many compromises. We don't even have Mazda here, but even if we did, I wouldn't buy one.
@@johnholst Thanks, John. Right back atcha. :)
Say what you want about the car. The review format this guy does is fantastic.
This was at the top of my list but was told no packages/options had remote start. I love my remote start! I understand you can have the dealer install one but I didn't want to go through that and since I was leasing I didn't want to do aftermarket.
Great Review!! Cx9, desicion taken.
The CX-9 needs a roomier 3rd row seat. The engine has lots of torque, but the interior room is cramped.
Exactly as I've heard as well. Claustrophobic 3rd row seat
@@SuperSmoovy Not all buying CUV need 3row at all....
They all are cramped mot just mazdas. Stop making excuses
It's fine for kids or short trips for adults
How many times have you seen anyone in the 3rd row of these suvs? People THINK they need that space. You spend all your time behind the wheel. That's where it should be most important. If you really need more room, why are you buying an suv? Get over your insecurities and get a minivan already.
awesome very detailed review
It's a beautiful suv which I've checked out numerous times while waiting for my wife's 2016 cx-5 gt being serviced. The problem is the infotainment lacks many features other Manufacturers systems offer plus for such a long suv there's only an additional 4 square ft behind the second row seats than my wife's cx-5!
I'm picking up my new CX-9 Signature tomorrow! I think I will be pleased with my choice. My second choice was the Mercedes GLB. They were comparable in many ways but in the end the CX-9 was a better value even had some features like the ventilated seats and the second row seats recline (unlike the GLB). I also was considering the cost of ownership/maintenance in the years to come.
Smart !
@@harlancarraher3526 36,000 miles later and I still love my 2020 CX-9! She rides well, performs well and is easy to own.
I own 2020 CX-9 GT and I'm 100% satisfoed with my purchase. Great review btw!
Me too. What is you MPG? I am getting 17.9. The turbo seems to really suck gas unless you are on cruse control.
@@bryantjenks3598 I have a 2019 GT FWD and am usually around 19 mpg with 80% city driving. If I have a closer mix of 50/50 city/hwy, I'm usually around 24 mpg. I've taken long road trips cruising at 80 and gotten about 26 mpg. I noticed that the high cruising speeds above 75 definitely affect mpg moreso than my old 2015 Odyssey Touring Elite. To surpass 28 mpg, I had to cruise under 70 mph. But what's the fun in that?! 😂
You'll still get much better MPG than a highlander or other V6 SUVs
Unless it's a hybrid highlander ofc
Not A Channel // Anymore I am thinking that the highland would be better. Having had a RAV-4 V6 I 3.5 liter I was expecting more power and mpg. But I have neither. Outside waiting for all my contacts to load before I am able to use the radio and the mpg, it’s a great car.
@@bryantjenks3598 The CX-9 is quite heavy, compared to the CX-5, which is more like the RAV4. The CX-5 should have better mpg. I completely agree with the horrible speed of the infotainment, but it's been updated for the 2021 model at least. Android Auto made me forget about Mazda Connect, so I'm good.
My neighbor bought a 2019 model last year. She used to own a Toyota Rav4. I bought a 2019 Subaru Forester last year.
As a Mazda lover: I'd buy it someday Alex.