I bought this Mazda CX-9 Azami last December. This is my third Mazda. I am really in love with the car, love the interior and the whole driving experience is mind blowing. With our small kid, there is a lot of space for all his accessories. Would recommend it
the problem is it looks 2016 which IMO is not what you want when you buy a car in 2021, the Kia Sorento as probably the best exterior on the market ATM.
@@JakeMartin94 I disagree. I think both the Kia and the Hyundai look dated already, and they're both brand new. I would have expected to see those exterior designs a good 3 to 4 years ago. I'll admit the CX-9 doesn't necessarily look brand new or ground-breaking, but for me it definitely looks fresher than most other SUVs in the segment.
I'm a massive fan of Mazda - I own a Mazda 2 myself. It's easy to see why they are so popular, because they're affordable premium cars. I appreciate that you can have a low-end Mazda look the same as a top-spec version. It's like the range all looks good and you don't get the short end of the stick on visual quality. That's why it's the 2020 Consumer Car Brand of the Year.
The CX-9 is still a great-looking and classy looking car, without screaming “look at me”! I don’t think the lack of a grade-defining badge to be a drawback.
Cx9 has definitely stood the test of time, still looks very stylish without trying to hard, driving dynamics are excellent and some of the best standard safety features in class
I own the last generation version (AWD GT) Pros: Handling (Eeven with a full load compared to other SUVs), interior (simple and clean), build quality, sound system, ground clearance, reliable, power (v6), air con (living in middle east), boot space, seat comfort Cons: noise insulation, ruff on crap roads, no third row air con vents, old navigation style system. I'd go for the new one in a heart beat if I could.
Still looks good. For non enthusiasts you can tell them this is the all new design for the 2022 model year and they'll believe it. Can't say the same for the 2016 CRV or Kluger though. Mazda can continue to use this design for another decade if the competition is catching up at their current pace in the design department.
The problem with Mazda being a luxury brand is with the Mazda name itself. No matter how luxurious a Toyota is, everyone will think it is just a Toyota and not a Lexus. If Mazda is serious about jumping into the luxury brand, then have a separate brand just like Nissa/Infinit, Toyota/Lexus, Hyundai/Genesis.
am I the only one that prefers command knobs over touch screen? they're easier and more intuitive, more of using muscle memory and less of taking your eyes off the road compared to touchscreens
Gday Paul, as an owner of a 2018 CX9 this update doesn’t justify upgrading. I did get apple CarPlay added onto mine a while back and that has been enough of an upgrade. Overall I have loved the car and the ownership experience has been great, I would not hesitate to recommend the brand’s product and service.
Fellow CX9 owner here and echo those sentiments. Would be nice if AA and Car play were retrofitted as a goodwill gesture, but it was still cheaper than buying a new car. As I see it, the changes over the years amount to a bigger screen, 360-degree camera, USBs in the third row, slightly different seat folding mechanism, radar cruise on our GT level and a few other minor things. All good things, but definitely not worth taking the 25-30k depreciation hit to replace.
Cx-9 inside out doesn’t look like a 5 years old car as good design ages well. It may not be the best in terms of space, drivetrain, technology or features but you won’t have much complaints once you sat down, fe it and drove it on road. The current generation comes out in 2016 and is still held up well against its rivals. Did a test drive two weeks ago and we love it. I didn’t expect such minimum body roll to be found on this big suv when cornering - been sat on a few other Japanese brands suv and last gen BMW X5 basic model, they are terrible in this area. It’s also quiet on road and up to European standards. Engine note is well-suppressed and not being annoying, while gear shifting is smooth, better than those with cvt. In terms of spacing, it’s really good for front and 2nd row, spacious. 3rd row is adequate for my family need. But considering next gen is coming soon, we go with the touring model for about AUD 50k. At this price point it’s a good bargain. Before buying decision I did ask around and few friends of mine own Mazda currently. They highly recommended Mazda and have no issues with their cars. Korean rivals are getting competitive and aggressive, but in terms of styling, to me it’s not as good. I do like the look of Kia Sorento but for interior - by looking at the two vertical air vent and button next to infotainment screen, to me it’s a let down. Hyundai got the best interior though and is similar to Genesis. But I also read somewhere that their air bag doesn’t cover third row and the quality control is not as good. Toyota is famous on its reliability, spacing and its hybrid technology. But firstly hybrid does add up the cost and secondly, the new kluger doesn’t look and drive as good.
Nontouch screen will keep the screen fingerprint-free. Also, if everyone use the touch screen while they are driving, then it's no different from using the phone while driving, I wonder if it will lead to a change in the law for drive safety in the future. I just bought 2021 CX9 Azami (7 seat version), and in fact, you can use your phone to type in the address for Google Map when your phone is connected with Android Auto, which I think it's way easier to type on the screen. Of course, i can still use voice recognition and Google will help with the rest.
You get used to it pretty quickly though, at least we have. For me, trying to locate a position on a touchscreen on the move is pretty difficult in comparison to using the buttons and dial.
@@andrewmihaleff yeah I get that but they should have both options like mzd connect but have the touchscreen work all of the time instead of only when the car is at a complete stop
Why? I have only the option of IDrive in my 2011 BMW 323i and it’s a whole lot better and you don’t have to take your eyes of the road. While I would like to have the option of both and the touchscreen I had in my old car (2013 Holden Caprice V 6.0L V8) worked well, I still think it’s better to have the rotary dial.
You’re off the mark with the infotainment critic Paul. Not touching the screen means no fingerprints (once you get use to it) and it becomes second nature once you’re use it. I wouldn’t go back to a touch screen again if I could help it. Lloyd
Why is he complaining about the style of the Mazda Cx9, that he thinks it looks the same and needs to change - when the 2019 Mercedes up to the 2021 Mercedes looks the same too they just changed a little bit up on the grilling. But the Mazda has modified their grill also - it is a good looking car and I think some people are mad because it looks as good as the lexus and mercedes. I just wish the Cx9 was lifted off the ground a little more higher.
The reason would be market feasibility. Manufacturers produce cars which make financial sense for certain countries and what the consumers buy. If you brought the cx9 to South Africa and its direct competition is the Toyota land cruiser or BMW x5 and Audi Q7, that means Mazda would have to offer their product at an extremely low price and extended mileage warranty in order for them to compete with the products I mentioned. And Mazda did have a CX-7 which was discontinued due to poor sales. So in my opinion, other modules will never set foot in the country
@@Lesiba2 no way they would be direct competitors. The CX-9 is barely a luxury car, it’s premium at best - suited for middle-class families. X5, Q7, Land Cruiser etc are all luxury vehicles belonging in another segment and targeted and different consumers.
Did you get any torque steer coming out of a youi if you punch the accelerator hard? I tested the FWD version and the torque steer was enough to put me off and there are reports from owners of AWD that they also experience the same torque steer and slippage. It doesn't seem that the AWD system engages all that much especially in dry conditions to dial out the torque steer.
CX9 all day if you actually enjoy driving, Toyota obviously has the benefits of hybrid fuel efficiency, and that good old Toyota bulletproof and resale values, but the cx9 is just more fun and I personally would choose it over the Kluger
Great review as always. The CX9 is starting to show its age now as compared to its competitors like the sorento etc. it’s night time they should go for an upgrade
Hi Paul, another excellent review as always, but I have a gripe. As a CarExpert, could you please learn the difference between chrome, shadow chrome, matte, satin and gloss? I don't mean to be pedantic, but it does make you seem less of an expert. Otherwise you do a great job and cover areas of a car review that no one else does, such as the hardness test and pointing out the finer differences that occur due to an update. I'm looking forward to the next review!
This is just my opinion, so fanboys simmer down. The CX range on a whole feels like it’s fallen into that ‘Toyota’ range of cars. Gets the job done while remaining neutral without triggering any real emotion. Against it’s competitors it feels safe, but uninspired.
Reading about how hard and uncomfortable the driver and front passenger seats are and have been for years makes me leery to invest big $ into a car with uncomfortable seats
I am stuck between a kluger and a cx9 , i just want reliability and no engine or transmission problems , as i went thru it with a jeep , the kia sorento is outdated looking up to 2021 , anyway thanks for the run down on the cx9 , the only thing i was not liking was the time the mid seats took to go forward and back , 😊
I think the third row for any SUV is for special occasions when you need to give a lift to a stranger. So, convenience and access shouldn't be too important. I'd rather have the regular seats be more roomy than make it more convenient for the occasional person in the third row.
@@absoluteloyalty9033 but it's not for that, majority of the people who buy the cx9 are parents or people who often carry kids or more than 5 people at a time
i notice in the usa the 2021 cx9 has a very subtle led light around the front chrome grill and here in aus its not there is it because the regulation forbidding it or something else
Yes James, the US model has the led light and it looks beautiful. Unfortunately the Australian models miss out on it. Not sure why though!! Even the Carbon Edition in the US gets a front camera but the equivalent GT SP grade here in Australia doesn't. Looks like we miss out on many features
This happens to the other car brands too, the Palisade sell in Australia also missed a lot of features at a higher price compare to the US version. The current model of Palisade sell in Australia is in fact the old 2020 US model, and the US market is selling new facelifted 2021 model. So, by comparison, the Palisade in AUS is a bigger rip-off.
If you need to tell others how much you've spent on your car you should revaluate your priorities in life. Spending money just to convince others that you have a lot of money is a ridiculous concept.
I think the biggest Right Hand Drive markets for the CX-9 are Australia and New Zealand (can someone confirm?) These two markets will dictate as to whether the replacement (aka Mazda CX-90) will be produced in Right Hand Drive. Also: Based on the new CX-60, would we see the following engines for the CX-90? - 2.5 SKYACTIV G with Plug-in Hybrid & - 3.3 liter six-cylinder Diesel Mild Hybrid :O
To put it simply, new grille, new wheel, new infotainment screen, new seat trim. Sad they did bring back the burgundy red trim like the MY2019 Azami LE.
I have a 2012 cx9 it’s an excellent car only had an issue once with the brake booster , air isolation in it is not very good but other than that it’s a very good car
Hey car expert team can you please do Suzuki Vitara - I know it’s not that popular but I took a test drive and looked promising - keen to know your thoughts
Ridiculous access to the 3rd row. Imagine it pouring with rain and needing to get 6 people in and you’re parked outside. Hopeless. Love electric but needs a manual quick access option. In the 3rd row is that 2 USBs either side as you said or two in total, one either side? You didn’t mention the fog lights (or are they turn illumination lights?) but they are tiny. Please would you review the Land Rover Discovery Sport 5+2 (7 seat) Petrol version?
I wish my Astina G25 had ventilated front seats to compliment the heated ones. I bet the fresh up that’s coming this year Mazda will add it. Oh well I’ve really enjoyed the last 18mths with it.
@@CarExpertAus perfect, thanks for the response. I think that's a big issue here in Australia with how hot it gets and leather seats. Back is always sticking.
The design may be getting on in years but it is still a nice looking vehicle. I really don't like they way the centre consoles open up, looks awkward by having to reach over to access.
I'd expect a car like that to ride comfortable, I just want to drive around and be comfy. Too many cars such as tigwan r ride far too firm constantly annoying you day to day with its huge tyres hunting around
I sold my CX-9 because the technology is dated compared to Korean and European cars. With this review I didn’t see air vent at 3rd row, auto tailgate, no front radar, and sunroof doesn’t extend to the 2nd row. On top of these, the price is so expensive.
Obviously a top vehicle; I feel that the Mazda corporate grille is becoming overdone, and will in time date their vehicle range.A great alternative to the Euros.
@@CarExpertAus the top trim (and all trims) in North America comes with a latch behind the shoulder area of the seat. Rewatching this video, the Australian version doesn’t have that. Super odd. I wonder why it would be different in other regions? The 71 cubic feet of storage is very handy.
Sunroof is so 1990s. Panoramic roof is the era.. Captain chairs is what we needed in the market. However, this CX9 is outdated. Needs a new generation.
Do people really want a badge to say mine is better than yours? You buy a car because that's the model you want , not because its better than the Jones
Always wonder why the MAZDA US sales uptake is very small (compared with their population). Just looking at the Mazda Two is offputting for a start. On rear seats, the Palisade is my pick
Mazda is a bit player in most markets outside Australia and I suppose the inertia in the US is such that massive sales were never going to be likely. Overall it's unfortunate as the product is often very good.
@@letsseeif everything costs more in Australia so there are alot of economy options that are not available in Europe or America. kia Picanto is another example you'd have heard of. and if the competition is from that then the Mazda looks miles better.
Mazda are well over due an update in their range - the Mazda 3 is like the most updated, the rest of the range is old as now... shot themselves in the foot with their delay of the new platform upgrade til 2023, as consumers will go ok to buy all their competitors cars who are releasing upgrades now and early next year.
