Reviews

2019 MAZDA CX-9

By Benjamin Yong, 21 May, 2019 10:23 PM

Equipped with comfort, luxury & technology

Perhaps in passing you’ve observed Mazda’s latest products are looking even nicer than usual. That’s because over the last couple of years, the Japanese automaker has been making the transition to becoming a more upscale brand. The 2019 Mazda CX-9 is a great example, just undergoing a subtle refresh increasing comfort, luxury and technology. Let’s take a look.

Having recently entered its second generation in 2016, the changes are focused inward. In range-topping Signature models, the rear-view mirror is now frameless for a cleaner appearance. On the GT trim and above, an available 360° View Monitor employs four cameras to display a birds-eye view making parking a much easier, and safer, affair. In the summertime, front occupants will appreciate the cooling effects of added front-seat ventilation.

The Mazda Connect infotainment system also receives additional functionality. You might be surprised to learn Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were not supported until now, the brand responding it wanted to get the implementation right the first time. To get started, users simply need to plug their mobile device into the powerful 2.1-amp USB input, which as a bonus provides quicker charging.

Unlike in most other vehicles, the above software can be navigated not only by touch on the central monitor, but via the commander control knob comfortably located beneath the transmission lever, as well. Rotate to highlight a different onscreen icon and push to select, or alternatively press the surrounding physical Entertainment, NAV and Home buttons to execute the respective commands. This is part of an overall strategy to minimize driver distractions while behind the wheel.What else is new? SiriusXM Travel Link — a five-year trial subscription included with every CX-9 purchase — integrates live traffic and incident reports directly to the built-in map, and offers weather, fuel prices, parking availability and sporting event information all at your fingertips.

No ride can be considered premium if there’s a bunch of road noise present. As a result noise-damping characteristics were studied and the internal structure of the headliner reworked to better absorb any unwanted sound from entering the cabin.

Similarly, a bumpy journey is a big no-no in the segment and as such the suspension utilizes updated top mounts for the rear dampers and new rebound springs front and back helping smooth out and stabilize vehicle behaviour. To improve steering wheel and response, engineers made modifications to the steering knuckle, hub bearings and steering gear.

The 2019 Mazda CX-9 is still split into four main grades: GS, GS-L, GT and Signature. The entry-level GS is the only one sold both in front and all-wheel drive (AWD), the others are AWD only. Under the hood is the same SKYACTIV-G 2.5-litre turbocharged four cylinder generating 227 horsepower (250 if filled with 93 octane fuel) and 310 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission. Fuel economy is excellent for a full-size crossover: I averaged 10.5 L/100 km over a week mostly motoring about town.

Aside from the base, all models feature i-ACTIVSENSE safety tech. The suite bundles blind spot warning, adaptive forward lighting that autonomously sweeps the beam pattern up to 15 degrees into the direction of a turn, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, emergency braking and radar cruise control.

Finally, buyers have a total of five exterior paint colours to choose from: Snowflake White Pearl, Jet Black Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Titanium Flash Mica, Machine Grey Metallic, Sonic Silver Metallic and the iconic Soul Red Crystal Metallic.