2019 / 2020 Mazda CX-9 | The Sexy Alternative 

I have a 2011 CX9 that I bought new and it has 95,000 miles on it. It still dives, rides and even smells new. It has never spent the night indoors and the paint looks factory fresh. I imagine the new ones are even better.

7:33 "Of course if you want the most third row room in America, you really ought to be looking at a minivan" - This.

Wa, looks alone, wins over my heart. Loads better than all German SUVs. Impressed with how far Mazda has improved its CX9 from last gen. Great review Alex.

This is the best option in the 3 row crossover section for attraction & practicality.it is super attractive & after much comparison between the immediate competition, I would purchase the top trim with no hesitation.

I've posted this before, but since you put so much emphasis on combined legroom I thought I'd post this question again: How can we trust the numbers? I feel like the combined legroom numbers are misleading: 2019 BMW 5-series: 77.9" 2019 Altima: 79" 2018 Kia Soul: 80" 2019 Kia K900: 82.3" 2018 Corolla: 83.7" Corolla more legroom than K900...hmmm, I think not. Soul more than Altima and 5-series? Nope!

Another great video! Thanks Alex. Keep doing what you do! 😊👍

I'm biased, I have too much a respect for Mazda, but it is exciting to see so many enthusiastic readers of the range of mazda sedan hb and CX crossovers

Always loved this SUV. Had a 1st gen, 2007 😁 it's just gotten better with time

Have a Signature, Love everything about it, except drivers seat adjustability. Spot on review---thanks!!!

Year and a half ago i was going for a new family car, after trying, santa fe , sorrento, pilot , durango , explorer .... etc all of them in the same price segment , i was disappointed with all of them. I'm one of those persons that likes to drive , to have a family trip quite often. An important fact on that point is that i live in Peru, a country with lots of different kind of roads , mountain roads , icy roads , desert like high temperature roads and specially high altitude roads, 17000 feet high in some places. After trying all of these options, feeling disappointed and seeing that non of these entries were designed for the driver and just to be haulers i received a call from a rep from mazda so i could have a day test driving the cx9 that came to Peru as a 2018 model. i got to say it took me 5 minutes to make up my mind and bouthg the mazda immediately. As soon as i got it my family and i went on a trip that was intended to cross the Andes, a mountain road 16000 feet high with enough curves to make u smile for a month, there is no better suv than the mazda for this kind of trip , handling is amazing for the size and weight, plus the turbo engine will better any non turbo suv hands down, the only suvs that where at the same pace as the mazda in this trip where q7s or mercedes . i can remember one sentence said by my daughter while we were in this mountain road , " dad this feels like you car but much much comfy " ( my other car is an audi s3) . of course, the pilot has much more space, as well as the durango the traverse or the explorer but none of them drive well nor are compatible to where i live. the interior in another league as well compared to this segment , the only flaws that i can feel in this car are , disc brakes are to little in the front which makes then to over heat while driving down the mountain road at high speeds and there is a bit of torque steer while driving it out of the sport mode. regarding the 6 speed auto box it was perfect for the trip , in any moment it needed to lower the gear, this because of the 321 pounds of torque at 2000 rpm... in my experience there is no better suv than the cx9 on this segment.

This will be my first Mazda SUV now Alex.

One feature you forgot to mention, Alex, is that Mazda's adaptive cruise control works well in stop and go traffic. When I compared mid-sized cross overs last year, stop and go adaptive cruise control was not available in many other brands. As for driving experience, the CX-9 is almost as good as some very well designed sports cars I've driven in the past. Thanks for for such thorough review. Very informative.

I'm surprised Mazda didnt give you the signature trim. They do like to promote it.

I'm a Honda & Subaru fan. I have never been interested in the Korean brands until now. I'm going to give KIA, Hyundai, and Genesis a thorough look with my next purchase.

Very good review. Surgical you may say :) very detailed and helpful.

Another excellent video. Thank you.

I love how you have a specific format and can typically expect certain information to be present in your reviews, namely the cargo area load floors (as many reviewers skip this). I'm really looking for a large underfloor storage space for my next car to haul emergency equipment to keep the rest of the cargo area free. Also, do you have a way to donate that isn't via Patreon? PayPal/Venmo for example.

Excellent review! I bought a 2020 CX 9 for my wife and she loves it. The cockpit is a really nice place to spend time. The interior is every bit as good as a BMW or Mercedes. My wife is just at 5 feet tall, where I am 6' 1'' and I find the drivers area a little cramped especially my right knee where it hits the center console. I also agree that this vehicle could benefit from paddle shifters. I have them in my 2020 Outback, and I think they are really out of place in that vehicle, but would work well with the CX 9. I also think the CX 9 handles really well, but the ride is a little rough as you pointed out. We also got an amazing deal since we traded in our 2016 CX 9 and got Mazda loyalty discount as well as a veteran's rebate, so we got an amazing deal. The real issue with the CX 9, as with all Mazdas (Found this out the hard way when I went to trade in my Mazda 6) is resale value. The CX 9 holds its value better than other Mazda models, but it is still a sore spot for this brand for some odd reason, because they are really great cars.

All of that exterior chrome is a bit much. That said, great looking vehicle. Mazda posted one of their best sales figures ever in 2018 mostly propped up by the CX line (notably the CX5). Hopefully the brand will see an even better year in 2019. Only owned one Mazda, old '91 626 with a busted transmission, but I'm still a big fan of the brand. Especially since the Kodo design revolution.

Thanks for the review. In the next 6 months or so, looking to purchase an SUV. I am leaning towards the Kia Sorento. Recently, test drove a Hyundai Santa Fe and liked that but think I'll go with the Sorento.

I've driven both. I'm 6'2" 220lbs. I have no issues on the comfort in any of the front 2 row of seats. The third row doesn't mater to me because that is just for kids. Bumper to bumper, the CX-9 is a much better looking vehicle than the Sorento and all the others in this segment. There is more bells, whistles, safety performance on the $40K package (GT) of the CX-9 than the Sorento. Even if the Sorento has more leg, head and storage room than the CX-9, the few extra inches is not going to make up for what the CX-9 offers for that price.

I just watched this again... In his view the CX-9 has better steering feel/handling in the base trim than the MDX (or the Pilot no shock there). He compares the ride quality to the luxury segment and gives it a "B". He feels the engine is "punchy and the transmission even with 6 gears is more engaging to drive". Fuel economy will be closer to the EPA rating of 23 combined as these guys hammer these cars much harder than your average person so that's more than competitive. Again only knocks are interior space and no pano roof. He even comments that the Infotainment is much better now. So it looks great, drives great, rides great, handles great, is quiet, has plenty of power and is nice enough to get compared to some of the luxury options out there. And lastly it's proving to be very reliable thus far. There are some 2016's out there with 70-80k miles reporting a clean bill of health. What's not to love?

Great review as always. Can you compare the new 2019 cayenne base with the previous generation 2018 cayenne base. Thx. Looking for value, safety, and ride quality. I tend to prefer a stiffer ride for better handling.

You assessment of the 2019 CX-9 is, as per the norm, spot on Alex. I completely agree with your assessment of the CX-9 however, I find the driver's ergonomics, the driver's seating area is rather narrow and a bit small overall. All things being equal. I would love to own a CX-9 with the seats from the Highlander with its thigh extension and overall size. That's my only issue with the CX-9.

Well, I'm currently shopping for a SUV. I like the Kia Telluride EX quite a bit but they're very popular, right now and I've got the Sorento and Mazda CX-9 as my backups. The Sorento and CX-9 are very close and I'll have to drive both to really decide.

For me in design, luxury and dynamics Mazda CX_9 is the Best. Sorento option is nice but inside is more car rental except for the info-entertain system that is the best in the market.

Well done sir!!

Just bought mine!!! I love this car!

alex, I have been watching your videos for years, and based on your video I bought a CX-9 2 years ago. So far it is great, quality is even better than my Infiniti Q50 red sport. Only downsides are missing some features I want because my model is 2016 signature which lacks 360 camera and heated steering wheel and heated second raw and remote start. Other than that everything has been prefect!

I drove it over the weekend I wish the steering wheel would stiffen up a lil in sport mode but handle good in down hill an curvy road at high speeds

Thanks Alex

Owner of 2016 CX9 GT, i love it and so does my family/friends. I think they should work on a lot of things. I would love a “CX-10” FULL! SUV something with a V6 or V8. PANO roof would be nice.

When you say kia sorento is more reliable, you're talking it's more reliable than this version of cx9? What are the problems that make cx 9 less reliable? Thanks for the informative review.

You're one of the best reviewers on the net. Exhaustive detail, but lots of captions outlining what you're covering, so viewers can skip what they don't care about, straight to what they do. Really, no other reviewers need to be seen, you cover everything, everytime. Kudos for how much work you put into these reviews.

The base Sport trim also doesn't have carplay/android auto, so when compared to other makers' base trim, need to keep that in mind

i would pick the highlander hybrid - although it would be approximately $4 to $6K more expensive depending on the trim. But if i was looking at non-hybrid 3 row SUV's - i would pick either the Subaru Ascent or the Mazda CX9

My wife drives a 2016 CX-9 Signature, one of the first ones, now with almost 50000 miles. To me it still seems to be the best handling 3-row SUV in this price segment. It surprises me each time I drive it on a twisty road. However imo I'd prefer a naturally aspirated V6. My experience is there isn't much difference in real world fuel economy and V6's seem to deliver smoother power. Also wish the CX-9 had 5000 lbs of towing capacity instead of 3500.

They are super super nice, but after looking at the Telluride, and building a sx on their website, you get a lot for your money there and they're absolutely gorgeous I think I'd go with the Kia!!

I do think Sorento and Cx-9 are the best too, though I love the new Explorer

I would choose the Toyota Highlander because of the reliability and resale value.

Alex, I honestly think you are the best car reviewer. You are so thorough with all your reviews and make excellent comparison between vehicles. Giving actual useful space rather than exterior dimension. I know most people don't care but I'm one of those people who careful gimmicks. Such as ambient lighting!! Cx9 had ambient lighting and grill that lights up at night. I hope I'm your future videos you could point those parts out and show the viewers. Thanks!

Captain's chairs are available on some 2020 CX9s. I'd like to know if the captain's chairs can slide forward (for access to third row) with a child seat installed.

just a slight info change - 3:44 the GT and Signature trims come with 20" wheels but as you mentioned, still in the 255 mm width.

CX9 looks nice and my be best of the lot currently but looking forward to Telluride review! Thanks

This car is dam awesome...Looks sick.. The rear and front end are just perfect..It not an busy back end as you state where cleaning is an issue.. not at all.. . I push it hard and it responds like a beast. Anymore would cost $20 000 more and be entering the german car market. This is not your Kia or Hyundai.

Looking forward to the full Telluride review! Also, please compare it to the Ascent when the time comes!

I love it

Where is the comparison with the Subaru Ascent? Odd to miss it as the Ascent got top marks in Consumer Reports and is a direct competitor.

Alex, you are right - a lot of content for base FWD 32K model. BUT... you not going to find one. Even if you do find FWD, it will have MSRP of ~36K because they automatically add on some packages

I dunno, I’m biased since I own a 2018 CX-9 GT, but I can’t get on board with the “C” ride rating. The ride is certainly not pillow soft, but there is no way it’s C-rating bumpy. I think one of the reasons this CUV rates so highly in general is that it handles like a Mazda6 without a punishing ride. Having cross shopped all of its competitors, I’d say give the ride a “B.”

that engine in a MX-5 would be killer!

As usual a great, comprehensive, detailed review, Alex. By a significant margin the best review of the CX-9 I've seen on the web. Since I've plastered my negative comments about the CX-9 in review after review (despite the fact that I've owned four Mazdas and I like the brand), I'll skip repeating most of those remarks and limit my comment to a couple of points. As crossovers have come to dominate the entire automotive landscape the traditional categories that emerged for mainstream offerings have been "sub-compact," "compact," "midsize," and "behemoths." More recently, though, a category of "tweeners" has emerged for "Goldilock" vehicles of about 185" to 190" in length slotted above compacts (circa 180") and larger "midsize" offerings (196" to 204"). (Luxury crossovers are another kettle of fish that can also be fitted into these classes but they're distinct in a number of other ways. I'll stick to mainstream vehicles.) The "tweener" class includes some older designs such as the Outback, the Edge, the Murano, the Grand Cherokee and and the Sorento as well as some more recent designs like the Hyundai Santa Fe (188"), the Honda Passport (190"), the refreshed Nissan Rogue (185"), and the VW Tiguan (185"). The Rogue and Tiguan are often considered "compacts" but they're actually closer in size to the Ford Edge and Sorento than to most compact crossovers. And the Murano and the Grand Cherokee are slightly longer than others in the category by an inch or two and along with the Outback are more like traditional wagons than obvious SUV's. In addition, the Grand Cherokee comes in at least 31 flavors so it's difficult to pigeonhole. Otherwise, most or all share a number of important attributes. (The new Chevy Blazer is also arguably in this category but I'm not familiar enough with it to comment.) Each tweener is meant to appeal to customers who feel they need/want something larger than a compact vehicle (CR-V, Rav4, CX-5, Forester, etc.) but smaller and more maneuverable than the large midsize offerings. In almost all cases other than the KIA Sorento they're two row five passenger vehicles. The Sorento is uniquely a 3 row vehicle with about the same room in the back row as some larger midsize crossovers . (The Tiguan offers an optional third row suitable for stowing a small, bound and gagged hostage but it's difficult to consider it a three row vehicle.) In most cases, unlike vehicles in the compact segment, vehicles in the tweener group offer either a standard or optional V6 engine, most naturally aspirated. On that score the Hyundai Santa Fe is an exception with a turbo4 mill (that was an option in the KIA Sorento until 2018) as its only option, the Tiguan with a turbo4, and the Rogue with a NA 4 banger. Most tweeners have traditional geared transmissions with at least eight gears. The Subaru Outback and Nissans (Rogue and Murano) are the exceptions with CVT's. Another difference between tweeners and compacts where CVT's are the norm. OK. So back to the CX-9. In terms of overall size it's obviously in the larger midsize category. In fact, it's among the largest. It's not a "tweener" but in terms of interior room it offers no more than the Sorento. And except for the Subaru Ascent it's the only member of the larger group that offers only a 4 cylinder engine, arguably less durable than a V6 and less smooth and linear in its power delivery. Lots of other features and factors to consider but in the large midsize category it's stylish or as Alex puts it, "pretty" but has many shortcomings. And with the availability of the forthcoming new Explorer, the Telluride, and the Palisade the competition will be even tougher in the large 3 row midsize category.

Alex - I know this is comparing apples and oranges and its a bias question, but Im currently in the market and have to choose between an XC-90 and a CX-9. I know they're different price points, but in your opinion is the XC-90 worth the extra $?

I didn't hear any mention of GDI engines and how the issue of preventing carbon build-up on intake valves is done &/or how this compares with the other vehicles in the segment. In my book these reviews are incomplete without this information. Without that information, I don't know what I would pick. Also is there a towing package and what does in include? (Larger radiator, transmission cooler, ATF fluid temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, etc.)

This vehicle has been reviewed my others and Alex is the only one I've seen use examples ( real child seat ) Keep up good work man👍🏾

Hi Alex, enjoy your reviews and I’m in the market for one of these but can’t even look at the Mazda as the towing capacity is 3500 lbs, worst in class. What gives as plenty of torque and the Ascent, small turbo as well, is 5000 lbs.

I saw CX-5 and CX-8 in Japan in the deal. Both parked next to another. I think CX-8 is amazing alternative between CX-5 and CX-9. The front is the size of the 5, the rear is much bigger. The interior is more luxuries but nothing over the board. It is as wide as CX-5 so easier to park etc. I think Mazda should research if the rest of the world would like CX-8 on their market.

Mazda still does not offer a V6 option or a 8 speed transmission. The 4 cylinder engine in the cx9 is horribly complicated because of its head design and the direct injection still has the fuel and oil deposit problem on the valves. Mazda should be ashamed to only offer a 4 cylinder in this 4000+ lb vehicle. That’s why it’s only rated to tow 3500 lbs. As a mechanic I can tell you that working on Mazda’s 2.5 turbo is a nightmare. An expensive one if it’s out of warranty.

Another stellar review on the CX-9. Now the nit picks are down to drivers seat comfort, ( Not a problem for me) no pano roof ( don't want one) and transmission not having enough gears. (and yet the honda 9 speed is all their products is garbage according to Alex here) The biggest beef is the lack of interior room relative to exterior dimensions. I would think that most people who buy this car know that going in and they have eliminated it as a negative factor. They might not have 3 kids and don't/won't use the 3rd row ( which is as usable as most of the others realistically). Bottom line if you want a premium feeling/driving SUV that has some style and flair and don't need 85 cubic feet of total cargo area this is what you want. The Kia Sorento is a more practical choice for sure but not everyone needs to go that route.

Very nice interior, especially the dashboard (more traditional design - which is great!!).. The dashboard looks fantastic. I like a quiet ride, smooth comfortable ride. And I like tall vehicle that sits up high (for good safe visibility).... But, unfortunately, the firm ride is a deal deal breaker for me..

Old transmission but beautiful design! Thumbs up for the combined room chart comparison. Serious base-MDX alternative honestly.

The Signature rolls on 20" wheels/tires and they are an option on the GT model.

Hey Alex. How’s the reliability of this vehicle compared to a Subaru, Toyota or Honda?

Mazda is the complete brand for me. If I had the money and space to keep all cars, my drive way would be filled with all Mazda cars- Comoact hatch 3, mid size Mazda6, compact SUV cx5, a cx9 and a Miata.

I know the CX -9 gets good reviews, but I'm just not a fan of the design and the infotainment system is really dated. Thanks for the always thorough reviews.

Love Mazda

In your 2016 cx9 review you have given ride as A in initial test and B in detailed test for 2019 you have given it C where as in 2019 suspension was retuned to make it softer. Why is there so much variance in ride. BtW detailed review overall. Have shortlisted the cx9 signature 2020 model.

Please review the mazda 3

With all that space under the hood, Mazda could put a V8 in there!

I wish your scales had some deminsions. For instance at 1:40 when showing the size. Based on that linear scale it would appear the Traverse is 50% bigger vehicle than an Acadia. I find it hard to believe the vehicle is actually 50% larger overall. Or the CX-9 looks to be about 30% larger than the Highlander. I would love if you put the Smaller dimensions, maybe a midpoint and then the largest so we can see if the scale is going from 100-125 or 100-400 in scale.

I think you know why the durango has such a massive hood, it has to fit a 5.7 hemi or even the 6.4. This thing is purely style points. Look at the size of the tahoe vs the traverse. The bof nature and the 5.3/6.2 under the hood needs a massive hood to sit under vs the traverse and its "wimpy" v6

Alex, you been hanging around Sofyan too much...that intro! Did you borrow his notes? Great, informative review as always otherwise, though.

Copyright Strike! (Klaxon horn sounds) "That's what we're here to find out." :)

What I hate about the Mazda is that there is no 1 touch window roll up or down for the back windows. Also, if you lock the windows, the driver can only move the driver window.

Already made our choice and leased a CX-9 Signature. Love the premium features and handling for a mainstream price. Averaging 24mpg by staying within the speed limit. Also want to point out that the Highlander’s combined legroom numbers did not compare to the Mazda’s actual space, particularly in the third row, when we test drove it. I can’t explain it but the Toyota’s 3rd row is not fit for anyone with legs while the CX-9 is fine for short rides. We also test drove the Subaru Ascent but, in spite of better practicality, a higher price, less premium features and a truly awful steering feel drove us back to the Mazda dealership.

I watched this but as we head into 2020, new models like the Highlander are making some comparisons invalid. I like the CX9 but the cons stop me from buying.

I own a 2016 CX9 Signature. I hate the driver's seat. It's ok for city driving, but I drove from Texas to Destin last year and was miserable. My hips killed me! So much that I refuse to go on another long road trip. However, I loooove how it responds to the road. Now, it's no MCS or BMW but I don't expect it to be. I do, however, expect a better-designed seat with a thigh extension. The HUD display has spoiled me and I can't imagine driving a car without it. Their navigation is ridiculous but I use Waze anyway. I paid to retrofit it with apple play which is glitchy at best. I love the exterior appearance of this car, but he is right. It's a pain to wash, let alone clay bar and wax. I've been looking at trading it in (even though it only has 29,000 miles on it) because I really want a more comfy seat.

As good a review as I have seen for a car. Confirmed what I knew about Mazda from past experiences, spared me a trip to the Mazda dealer.

aren't the wheels on 20inch rims standard?...u said 18 inch in the video

He missed something.. With Apple/Android auto play you can use the commander switch to operate all aspects and functions while other manufactures you have to touch the screen period making driving a lil more work..also the CX9 comes in AWD and they have G Vectoring.. sooooo seems to me he did not show the true version of a CX9..

Alex - cx9 or ascent?

It looks good but the purchase price from my local dealer would pauperize Mr

Drove one a year ago , was very impressed from a driving perspective and beautiful interior , but there could be some improvements for the next gen. It would be nice to see Mazda implement a v6 to their family , considering that's the go to choice for many of the competitors. The 3 Rd row for me is about as useful as a Sorento (Not very). Besides a few gripes , beautiful car.

I just traded my 2016 sorento SX for a 2019 VW atlas SEL and I love it! I loved my sorento but needed more rooms. The VW is big, confortable and look awesome.

On cabin noise, you state the decibels were 70.5 and give it a "B", but the Atlas had 71 decibels and received an "A". Why the discrepancy? BTW, really respect your reviews as they are one of my main sources while researching a new vehicle.

Wow, the Palisade's and Telluride's combined legroom are quite impressive! And seriously, why does Mazda still refuse to more than 6 gears in its cars?

Paddle shifters on an SUV/CUV is like wireless charging on a smartphone. It’s a nice feature to have but it’ll be hardly used and isn’t worth the extra cost.

Hi, I'm curious as some press cars are plated in two plate state(California,Texas,new Jersey ) with regular plates(not manufacturer plate), but only the rear one is attached. Did you ever get pulled over by police and do manufacturers reimburse the ticket if you are ticketed for no front plate?

The Doctor where I go every now and then and his wife have two of these CUV's They are really Nice looking

I vote for the Kia Sorrento. Yes the Mazda looks better but the packaging and overall length does it for me. Kia also has a better infotainment system.

Love the CX9 Signature with the 😍gorgeous😍 interior. I’d easily take it over the MDX, Pilot, and Traverse, but I’d say it’s a draw between the CX9 Signature or the top end trims of the Telluride or Sorrento

As for the new king of the hill - Telluride/Palisade : I want to know which exact body part was used in Mazda's thinking pattern to come up with a modest refresh only against completely new competitior? Was it the ass, huh? If CX- 9 doesn't start at, say, 25999 base trim then Mazda going to sell only a couple of thousands of those who buy new wheels not with the logical thinking but with the heart instead.

I love it! This is one of my favorite Mazda car

Stonks

Just wish Subaru made an effort towards style and fun-to-driveness in one of their otherwise supremely practical and capable crossovers. Even just a token gesture in that direction. Still, I'll go with a Crosstrek or maybe a Forester. Boring, but more functional, better resale value, and probably more reliable. And you can still get a manual transmission in the Crosstrek.

CX-9 is the king

No contest

I like it but are those fog lights functional??? So tiny

Definitely, the best looking SUV on the market. But I've read many complains about CX-5 and 9 about their far from perfect factory paintjob and rust problems. Can anyone clarify?

Honestly 7.3 secs for a car this big is pretty good, besides this is no race car, it's a family car