2019 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD: The Japanese Three-Row Crossover Continues To Move Upscale

Highlight: A new upscale Signature trim has been added to the CX-9.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $49,330 (Base model $33,275)

Seating Capacity: 6 or 7

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; hill launch assist; traction control system; stability control; a blind spot monitor system; a rear traffic cross alert system with the rearview camera; a smart city brake support system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and spare tire.

Standard Equipment On Sport (Base Model): 18-inch wheels; a 6-speed automatic transmission; a three zone a/c system; a remote keyless entry system; a push button ignition starter automatic off headlights; second row center armrest; a manually operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; cloth seats; manually operated front seats; a leather wrapped steering wheel; a 7-inch infotainment screen; and cargo area under floor storage

Standard Equipment (Grand Touring): 20-inch wheels;  a 7-inch infotainment screen; ventilated front seats; traffic sign recognition via gauges; a heated steering wheel; and front and rear parking sensors

Standard Equipment (Signature Model): includes Grand Touring features; all-wheel drive; rear exterior badging; LED grille accent lighting; Nappa leather seats; a Rosewood interior trim; a hand-stitched leather wrapped steering wheel; and LED interior accents

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: a cargo mat; a rear seat entertainment system; illuminated door sill trim plates; and a machine gray exterior paint
 
Other Trim Levels:

Touring
Touring Premium Package
Grand Touring

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM/HD radio

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes

                                                                                  

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder/250-hp (at 93 Octane) or 227-hp (87 Octane)

Recommended Fuel: Regular or Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 22-city/28-hwy

What’s New:  The current generation three-row crossover is riding into its third year with its contemporary design. New for this year Mazda adds Apple Car Play, Android Auto, a 360-degree camera, power folding exterior mirrors and ventilated front seats to the CX-9.

Why: The stylish CX-9 is the brand’s flagship three-row crossover. With the exception of the top of the line Signature trim, the CX-9 is available in a front wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration. The three-row vehicle is available in a variety of driving modes. The CX-9 seemed to be tuned more for performance like an Infiniti.

The CX-9 is a great road trip vehicle. The standard 4-cylinder engine, which pours out 227-horsepower, when using regular fuel and 255-horsepower, when using premium, is more than adequate for this three-row vehicle. The Japanese brand’s signature Sky-Active engine allows one to be fluid, floating between two types of fuel, depending upon one’s desired goal, as it relates to fuel-efficiency and horsepower.

Previously we complained about the firm seating that was in the 2018 Grand Touring model we reviewed. However, Mazda has addressed our concern, with this year’s more upscale Signature trim. This premium trim was equipped with Nappa leather, which we found to be both supportive and comfortable.

Mazda continues to elevate the brand to near luxury level with more features one would expect from a full line luxury brand. Some of those features include ventilated front seats, a frameless rearview mirror, power folding exterior mirrors, LED interior lighting and a 360-degree camera.

Lastly, Mazda has incorporated a number of driver assist features in the CX-9, pushing it closer in the lane of becoming a self-driving vehicle.

But: We continue to have a few gripes about Mazda’s fullsize crossover. It is really a tight squeeze to slip into the third row. Adding, a panoramic roof or a dual roof would further accentuate the CX-9 sexy exterior design, pushing the vehicle closer toward being a near luxury brand.

And, its too bad one has to use premium fuel in order to achieve more horsepower in the CX-9. Mazda should design a 4-cylinder that is capable of pouring out 250-horsepower without the added expense of premium fuel.

Moreover, Mazda’s new CX-9 Signature trim is only available in an all-wheel drive configuration. The brand’s flagship crossover could squeak out better gas mileage, at a lower price point, if a front wheel drive configuration was available.

Lastly, Mazda’s i-drive-type rotary system continues to require too many unnecessary steps just to change or save radio stations. Something that should be simple has turned into a more complicated task.

Verdict: Mazda seems to be making an effort to push the brand and the CX-9 closer to the near luxury level, with the likes of Acura, Infiniti and Buick.

Unlike Buick, the Mazda design still targets a more youthful demographics, looking for a slightly more engaging driving experience. Mazda’s CX-9 seems to be headed down that road, especially with the higher level Signature trim, which includes Nappa leather seating, LED interior lighting and an all-wheel drive system. For buyers seeking to differentiate themselves from today’s mainstream three row crossovers being offered by Chevy, Ford, Hyundai, Kia and Toyota, the CX-9 is worth checking out, before finalizing a car deal.

Competition:  Chevy Traverse; Ford Explorer; Nissan Pathfinder; Toyota Highlander and VW Atlas