We recommend going for the base “Sport” trim for the CX-9. Most upgrades on the more expensive trims are aesthetic in nature. The engine choice remains the same across the lineup. For a daily use crossover, the Sport trim does the job. Although the “Grand Touring” does give off a more sporty vibe with its paddle shifters and an additional half-gallon of fuel capacity, it would still be hard to recommend.

The Mazda CX-9 comes in 4 trims along with a new Carbon Edition package introduced in 2021. The same trim levels are expected for the 2022 CX-9 model, although it is still unsure whether the Carbon Edition makes the cut or not. The three-row Mazda is available with a variety of standard features like heated side mirrors, heated front seats, triple-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, and more.

Mazda CX-9 Pricing:

Pricing for the 2022 Mazda CX-9 will likely start around $36,000 for the Sport trim, which is slightly higher than the outgoing model considering all CX-9 models to arrive with standard all-wheel-drive. The next-in-line Touring Trim will cost around $38,000, followed by the Grand Touring around $43,000. The top of the line Signature trim will likely be around $48,000. The Carbon Edition trim introduced for the 2021 model at $42,980 may continue to be available for 2022 CX-9 with a slight bump in prices.

Release Date:

The 2022 Mazda CX-9 will likely hit the dealerships in the last quarter of 2021, which is around November. Official release dates are yet to be revealed. Stay tuned for the latest updates.

"This turbocharged engine holds its own against the V6s that power most rivals. Whether you’re driving in the city or on the highway, it produces plenty of power." - Motortrend.com

In a segment dominated by V6's, Mazda has taken a bold move by putting in the 2.5 L turbocharged four-cylinder engine to chase fuel economy and peppy performance. This CX-9 engine delivers 250 hp with 93-octane fuel (or 227 hp on 87 octanes) and 320 lb-ft of torque, which might be slightly underpowered compared to its rivals, but it does deliver a much better torque figure. There is no optional V6. For 2022, all CX-9 models will have standard AWD, which improves the SUVs' performance in snow. 

The punchy little engine helps shoot the CX-9 from a standstill to 60 MPH in about 7.0 seconds, which is pretty much on par with the rivals and actually better than some of them. The engine has a refined texture to it, and due to which the large three-row crossover seems surprisingly light. The ride quality of the CX-9 is quite plush. The SkyActiv chassis setup has been excellent and has received praise from critics as well as customers. The CX-9 definitely boasts a better ride quality than most other mid-size crossovers in this segment.

*2021 Model Year used for reference

Compared to its competition, the Mazda might seem a bit underpowered due to its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. However, in real-life driving, this engine is quite potent, and it should be more than enough for swift highway takeovers. The engine falls short on power, but it does make it up by producing 310 lb-ft of torque, which puts it ahead of others and ties up with the new Ford Explorer. There are rumors about the possible hybridization of the CX-9 for the 2022 model year. But until Mazda releases a statement, it's all just speculations. Until then, the SkyActiv engine is likely not going anywhere.

Mazda's smaller engine has proved to be efficient and better at squeezing out miles from gas than most other V6s in this segment. Combined, The 2021 CX-9 with FWD delivers EPA estimated 24 miles per gallon, which is as good as it gets in the three-row family SUV segment. However, since the 2022 CX-9 comes with standard AWD, like the 2021 model it will return 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

*2021 Model Year used for reference

With a large 19-gallon fuel tank, the CX-9 AWD should have an estimated range of 437 miles in mixed driving situations. However, the competition has caught up, and even the more powerful V6's are now delivering the same results. Kia with its Telluride stands a little behind the other competitors with a combined mpg of 23.

"The CX-9's cabin wows with upscale materials and detailed styling, but compared with other SUVs in the segment, it's short on passenger and cargo space." - Caranddriver.com

The Mazda CX-9's interior is crafted with upscale materials and detailed styling. And with the refresh planned for the 2022 model year, it will get even better. The interior quality of the current CX-9 model is actually on par with more luxurious brands like Audi or Lexus. Mazda has laid out the interior with soft-touch plastic with brushed aluminum accents. The highest trim, Signature, gets even more premium-feeling materials. 

All trim levels come with the same large 10.3-inch infotainment system that boasts Mazda's user-friendly UI. The screen is crisp and responsive and probably the best in the segment. With the Mazda Connected Services and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, the system is a powerhouse when it comes to connectivity. And the 2022 model year will likely offer the smartphone charging pad as standard across all the trims. 

*2021 Model Year data used for reference

The interior room is a bit less when compared to others in this segment, but the CX-9 makes it up by providing plush and comfortable seats. They provide ample support and bolstering, which makes the car perfect for long drives. The cargo capacity is also quite disappointing when compared to its heftier rivals. However, the third and second row of seating folds down flat pretty easily, providing you with the large flat cargo hold that you might need. 

From the beginning, the Mazda CX-9 has been a bit cramped compared to other SUVs in this segment. It ends up in the bottom tier of space with its below-average headroom, legroom, and shoulder room. The cargo capacity isn't great either. The new Telluride absolutely dominates this aspect with the best-in-class cargo capacity of 21 cubic feet. Major interior features include-

• 10.25-inch infotainment system display
• Apple CarPlay 
• Android Auto 
• Touring trim and up receive 12-speaker premium sound system
• Satellite radio and Wireless smartphone charging.

"It’s arguably beautiful and way more stylish than the seemingly designed-by-committee efforts of the rest of this class." - kbb.com

Mazda has blessed the CX-9 with a timeless design that still looks beautiful and relevant. The SUV boasts a sporty yet swanky stance which makes it stand out amongst a sea of other generic SUVs. The 2022 CX-9 is expected to get some subtle styling changes on lines of smaller redesigned CX-5.

The 2022 Mazda CX-9 will likely feature updated front and rear fascia along with an updated grille design. Mazda might also introduce a few new paint schemes to lure potential buyers in. This is not a generational update, so do not expect a drastic change in the design. 

*2021 Model Year used for reference

The Mazda CX-9 is indeed handsome and does stand out amongst other heftier SUVs. It mimics the looks of something much more expensive, something like a Maserati Levante, with its sleek and flowy design. It does not sacrifice on the ground clearance either at 8.8 inches which is the largest in this segment. Major exterior highlights of the SUV are- 

• All-season tires
• Painted alloy wheels
• Heated Side mirrors
• Rain sensing windshield wipers

The 2021 Mazda CX-9 received the highest overall safety rating of five stars by the NHTSA. Also, the IIHS gave the CX-9 the highest rating of Good in all six crash tests and named it a Top Safety Pick+. Mazda is also appreciated for offering more advanced safety features than its rivals. Mazda's i-Activsense array of driver assistance features comes standard.

The second-gen Mazda CX-9 was revealed with the latest SkyActiv chassis technology developed by Mazda. This chassis goes into all their cars and has helped them perform incredibly well in crash tests and real-life scenarios. The chassis boasts a modular design with high-strength steel alloy construction along with aluminum components to reduce weight. Mazda has spared no expense when it comes to safety technology. Few salient safety features include-

• Automated Emergency Braking
• Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control

2022 Mazda CX-9 vs 2022 Toyota Highlander

If you want a family-oriented mid-size SUV that can squeeze in eight people, you should opt for the Toyota Highlander, which offers the best-in-class interior room and cargo. Also, the Toyota is one of the most reliable offerings in the class.

However, if you prioritize spirited drivings, interior comfort, and quality, the Mazda CX-9 is the one for you. The Mazda also boasts better driving dynamics compared to the rather sluggish Highlander. 

2022 Mazda CX-9 vs 2022 Kia Telluride 

The Kia Telluride and its corporate twin the Palisade have been one of the best-selling mid-size contenders. Both of them devour the CX-9 when it comes to an interior room and providing adult-friendly third-row seating.

The Mazda gets the edge over the Telluride in terms of sportiness and fuel economy. However, the Kia and the Hyundai both cost 1.5 grand less than the Mazda CX-9, making them a better deal.

2022 Mazda CX-9 vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The new Ford Explorer offers only a slightly larger interior room compared to the CX-9. The CX-9 boasts a far better interior cabin along with an excellent infotainment system that the Ford lacks.

In terms of driving capabilities, both of these are evenly matched and feel equally sporty and connected to the road. In the end, it's just a matter of preference.

The 2022 Mazda CX-9 will likely be an excellent family car with tons of infotainment features to keep your kids busy on a long journey. The interior cabin is one of the best in this segment, and you will feel that it is worth every penny. However, there are some catches like the rather small interior room situation along with a cramped boot. Mazda also does not offer any complimentary scheduled maintenance that rivals like Hyundai and Kia offer. In the past, the CX-9 has been one of the slowest-selling vehicles despite its swanky exterior and plush interior. It seems mid-size SUV buyers prioritize practicality over luxury. Only time will tell whether the 2022 refresh will boost this number up.