2016 CX-9 is an all-new three-row, 7-passenger SUV crossover from Mazda. Its dimensions are similar to the previous model but it’s lighter and has a brand-new turbocharged four-cylinder engine with up to 250 horsepower! Follow Roman as he gives us a sneak peek at the second generation Mazda CX-9.
With the 2016 CX-9, we have lofty expectations, raising the bar with a quieter, smoother ride; a quicker, more-responsive powertrain; and numerous other improvements,” said Robert Davis, senior vice president of Mazda North American Operations. “CX-9 is our flagship, and portends a future of innovative technologies and amenities that we believe will further elevate our vehicles in their respective classes,” he said.
All 2016 Mazda CX-9 crossovers are powered by a new 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G turbocharged four cylinder, which generates 250 horsepower on 93-octane gasoline (227 horsepower on 87-octane) and 310 lb-ft of torque from 2,000 rpm, on either 87- or 93-octane gasoline. The EPA estimated fuel economy ratings stand at 22/28/25 mpg in city/highway/combined in FWD configuration. The one and only transmission choice is a six-speed automatic.
The handsome cabin features the same minimalist design theme as the CX-5 and CX-3, with some upscale touches like available Nappa leather, and Japanese rosewood and aluminum trim. The CX-9 also gets the Mazda Connect infotainment system with either 7.0- or 8.0-inch screens, plus a handy rotary control knob. A 4.6-inch TFT display and head-up display for the driver are also available, along with a 12-speaker Bose audio system.
The redesigned family-hauler features an updated i-ACTIVSENSE suite of safety technologies, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and automatic braking system that can slow the vehicle at low speeds to lessen the severity of collisions, even if the driver takes no action.
New to the roster of available trims is the CX-9 Signature, which features Mazda’s predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive that uses 27 sensors to measure conditions more than 200 times per second to determine how to allocate power to each wheel to minimize wheel slip. Also included with the Signature model are the Auburn-colored Nappa leather seats, rosewood trim from Japanese guitar-maker Fujigen, LED signature accent grille lighting, and LED accent lighting around the automatic shifter.
| 2016 MAZDA CX-9 SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $31,520 |
| Price as tested | N/A |
| Engine | 2.5L turbocharged SKYACTIV-g 4-cylinder |
| Power (hp) | 250 @ 5,000 rpm (93 octane) | 227 @ 5,000 rpm (87 octane) |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 310 @ 2,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain layout | front engine / FWD or AWD |
| Curb weight | 4,054 lbs (FWD) | 4,301 lbs (AWD) |
| EPA-estimated fuel economy | 22/28/25 (FWD) | 21/27/24 (AWD) city/hwy/combined mpg |
| MSRP | |
| CX-9 Sport | $31,520 |
|
$950 |
| CX-9 Touring | $35,970 |
|
$1,745 |
| CX-9 Grand Touring | $40,170 |
| CX-9 Signature (AWD standard) | $44,015 |
The 2016 Mazda CX-9 is expected to go on sale in the U.S. in late-spring 2016. Final packaging and specifications to be released closer to on-sale date.
