MSRP: $48,200
7.5 /10
Rating
Pros
- Sleek exterior styling
- Engaging driving dynamics
- Luxurious, well-appointed interior
Cons
- Tight third-row seating
- Mediocre fuel economy
2021 Mazda CX-9 review with Vyocar
The CX-9, even with minimal updates, remains unmatched at the top
Overview
Hanging out in the 2021 Mazda CX-9 Signature feels less like babysitting a large three-row crossover and more like driving something that’s genuinely good to drive. Mazda’s ongoing favorite punches above its weight against fierce competition like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, balancing luxurious touches (hello, top-shelf leather) with a down-to-earth vibe. The 2021 edition isn’t rehashing its 2020 CX-9 Signature twin—it’s sharper outside, comfortable inside, and avoids feeling like a swooty not-wagon despite its size.
Cost? At ~$48K, it’s pricier than base entrants, but Mazda’s perception as the accomplished amateur of automakers works here. Lease rates are competitive, though ownership leans into the Zoom Zoom slogan more than minivan-level practicality. Day to day, it’s easy to live with—unless your kids are college-bound linebackers. Parent-tested, neighbor-approved, but more room than the Mazda CX-5 doesn’t mean “Feel Alive” vibes for all three rows.
Tested over a week, the CX-9’s drive remains a knockout in the segment—agile steering, quiet cabin, and a turbo engine that doesn’t expire on highways. Yet it’s no Hyundai/Kia suitor for tech gimmicks. If you’re shopping for new cars that get along with real life (hi, Tabitha), this model’s purpose is clear: attractive without yelling, special without pretense. Just don’t expect “Costco trips” to feel luxurious twins with actual cargo shape.
What’s New in 2021?
Subtle updates define the 2021 Mazda CX-9: a revised front grille and rear bumpers sharpen its styling, while the 2.5-liter turbocharged Skyactiv-G engine gains 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gasoline (up from 227 horsepower/310 lb-ft on regular). The Signature trim adds Nappa leather seats, second-row captains’ chairs, and a revised center console for better usability. A larger 10.25-inch Mazda Connect infotainment screen debuts, paired with wireless Apple CarPlay (now optional), and all-wheel drive becomes standard on the top-trim model. The six-speed torque-converter automatic carries over, unchanged since 2016—Mazda’s updates focus on polish, not reinvention.
Pricing, Trim Levels, and Best Choice
Powertrain, Transmission, and Driving Dynamics
Confession: The 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder isn’t new—it’s carried over since 2016—but feed it premium gasoline and you’ll unlock 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, enough to shame the Toyota Highlander’s 227 horsepower in passing zones. The six-speed automatic feels smooth, if stubbornly old-school next to rivals’ nine-speed transmissions; shifts lack urgency, though the programming holds lower gears longer during uphill climbs.
Steering nails good feel—tight in town, weighty at speed—and the well-damped suspension masks this SUV’s heft better than front-biased AWD suggests. Brakes offer strong initial bite, but the stop/start system stutters in traffic. Mazda’s zoom-zoom slogan peeks through in body control, though the heavy turbo engine reminds you it’s no sport-car iterations.
Quiet? Mostly, except when the engine grumbles under hard pedal. The formula works: good to drive for everyday errands, even if rivals like the Honda Pilot prioritize cushier rides.
Fuel Efficiency and Real World Testing
Crunching the fuel economy numbers after real-world testing, our driven mileage settled at 21.8 mpg—a mix of bumper-to-bumper city crawls and steady highway hauls. The EPA’s 20 city/26 highway estimates feel optimistic: aggressive acceleration drops stop-and-go economy below par, while highway running at 75 mph in sixth gear (no eighth gear here) keeps the engine speed hovering over 2,000 RPM, sapping efficiency. Compared to the hybrid Highlander, which breezes past the 30 mark, this six-speed transmission feels dated. Officially, the mileage figure matches older models, but real-world limits glare in traffic—where the 23 average yielded on freeway trips feels like a small win. Smooth shifts? Yes. Magical efficiency? Not even close.
Interior and Comfort
Sophistication takes the wheel: The cabin wraps you in Nappa leather, real wood trim, and soft-touch surfaces that shame the cheap plastics in rivals like the Honda Pilot. Heated and ventilated front seats (with thumb rests on the steering wheel) cater to long drives, though the flimsy latch handle on the center console feels out of place. Chromed highlights and gray piping add subtle flair, while the stitched armrest and genuine wood door panels scream step above the CX-5. Downsides? The mirror panel lacks tilt memory, and the sound insulation could mute more road noise. Still, for two drivers sharing the car, seat memory settings are a lifesaver.
Cargo & Practicality
Utility shines—mostly. This three-row SUV offers 14.4 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 71.2 when both rear rows stow—enough for Costco hauls but tight for class leaders like the Honda Pilot. Captain’s chairs on higher trim levels add comfortable second-row lounging, though six-footers will find the rearmost seats knees-to-chin. Clever touches like a well-used center console bin and door pockets offset the letdown of no underfloor storage. While cargo space trails the largest in its segment, the rear hatch’s low lift-in helps. Just don’t desire minivan room here.
Tech & Connectivity
Polished but slightly dated, the 10.25-inch center display runs Mazda’s infotainment system with crisp graphics and a toggle wheel that’s quicker than touch screens once mastered. Apple CarPlay works wirelessly, but the lack of Android Auto feels old-school in 2021. The Bose 12-speaker premium system pumps clear, louder tunes, though bass lovers might crave more thump. HVAC and seat controls (including heated steering wheel and ventilated seats) sit as physical menu buttons below the screen—no digging through menus. Downsides? The dial controller isn’t as intuitive as BMW’s iDrive, and voice controls struggle with “voice controllable” commands like adjusting heated fans. Still, the steering wheel buttons and media controller keep eyes on the road better than most updated rivals.
Safety
Assurance comes standard: Mazda packs the CX-9 with full-featured safety systems, including radar cruise control, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring that’s quicker to spot bikes than Honda’s setup in the Pilot. The 360-degree cameras and rear parking sensors simplify tight parking, though the lighting’s headlight brightness lags behind rivals at night. Smart city braking intervened twice in testing—once for a jaywalker—while rear cross-traffic alert saved a bumper scrape when reversing blindly. Downsides? The lane departure warning nags more than guides, and the tow rating maxes at 3,500 pounds, shy of the Pilot’s 5,000. Still, emergency braking and trailer stability control add peace of mind missing in many three-rows.
Warranty and Maintenance Plan
Peace of mind comes standard: Mazda’s limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles, with powertrain protection stretching to 5 years or 60,000 miles—matching Toyota’s Highlander but trailing GMC’s Acadia (6/70,000). Buyers get complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first 3 years, a perk rivals like Honda charge extra for. While the plan won’t wow new-car shoppers used to longer terms, it’s straightforward and hassle-free. Just don’t expect the CX-9’s coverage to outlast its competitors.
Vyocar Bottom line
Luxury meets practicality: Upscale Nappa leather, real wood trim, and a quiet cabin pair with agile steering for a premium feel, though the third-row space suits kids better than adults. Performance over gimmicks: The 250-hp turbo engine delivers 320 lb-ft torque for confident passing, but the six-speed automatic feels dated next to rivals’ 9-speed units. Value with caveats: Priced below German rivals but warranty trails GMC’s Acadia—ideal for drivers prioritizing driving joy over max cargo volume or hybrid thrift.
