2023 – 2024 Best SUV Find out which SUV is the best for 2022, 2023, and 2024. Here you can find professional reviews and rankings of all upcoming crossover and SUV cars.
According to the latest reports, Mazda won’t launch new models until 2023. So, it’s easy to conclude that the current generation of the company’s flagship SUV will remain in production for a while. This also indicates that the 2022 Mazda CX-9 won’t feature bigger changes. We are about to see a familiar layout, which makes it one of the best crossovers in the class, despite the age. Of course, there is always enough room for smaller yearly updates, such as new color options, new standard features etc.
Therefore, you may count on a mid-size crossover that offers amazing performances, both in terms of handling and dynamics. At this same time, it is a very comfortable and quiet vehicle, which features arguably one of the nicest cabins in the segment. Furthermore, there is a long list of standard and available features. Still, there are few drawbacks too, and they mostly refer to the tight third row and below-average cargo area.
We expect to see the 2022 Mazda CX-9 sometime in the last quarter of 2021.
2022 Mazda CX-9 Design
The current generation of this mid-size crossover has been around for about five years. Despite the age, it is still one of the best-looking models in the class. It is characterized by Mazda’s well-known KODO design language, which utilizes sleek and clean lines that tend to age pretty well too. Therefore, we presume that the biggest updates we could see are new colors and wheels, though even this doesn’t sound particularly likely.
The thing we like even more than styling is the chassis. Although a pretty large SUV, this model is actually pretty fun to drive. Mazda has managed to bring its recognizable driving characteristics even to the mid-size segment and the CX-9 offers by far the best handling in the class. At the same time, the ride is comfortable and quiet.
Interior
Mazda’s interior quality has constantly been improving over the last decade. So, it’s no wonder that many see the current generation pretty much on par with premium brands like BMW or Audi. The CX-9 is no exception and offers a really amazing cabin design. We particularly like the simplicity of the dashboard design, which is clear and utilizes some pretty impressive materials. Higher trims even offer real wood and aluminum. Also, the build quality and final touches are excellent.
Despite that the cabin looks amazing, it isn’t without flaws. It may be super-stylish but it isn’t as practical as cabins of most rivals. This particularly refers to the third row, which is pretty tight, even by standards of mid-size crossovers. The cargo area also offers some subpar numbers. You may count on about 14.4 cubic feet of space with all the seats up, 38.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and a total of 71.2 cubic feet. That is significantly less compared to models like Highlander, Palisade etc.
Features
Although this aspect of the 2022 Mazda CX-9 might bring some novelties, we are pretty sure that most of the things are about to remain the same. The current model is already equipped pretty well. It comes standard with goodies like tri-zone climate control, push-button start, a 10.3-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker stereo, two USB ports, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Additionally, you can get things like a navigation system, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless device charging, four more USB ports, satellite radio, 12-speaker Bose stereo, keyless entry, moonroof etc.
When it comes to safety features, the current model comes standard with a rearview camera, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control etc. Additionally, there are options like front and rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, a driver attention monitor, a surround-view parking camera system, and reverse automatic emergency braking.
2022 Mazda CX-9 Engine
Under the hood, things will remain pretty familiar. The 2022 Mazda CX-9 will carry on with a well-known 2.5-liter turbo-four engine. It comes in pair with a 6-speed automatic transmission. On regular fuel, this engine puts out around 227 horsepower, while the premium gasoline provides a 23-hp boost, so the total output goes up to 250 horsepower. Also, there is a massive 330-pound-feet max torque, which ensures excellent dynamics across the whole RPM range.
At the same time, fuel economy is also very good. You may count on up to 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, which are some of the highest ratings for the class.
2022 Mazda CX-9 Release Date and Price
We expect to see the 2022 Mazda CX-9 sometime in the last quarter of the year. The starting price should go around 35.000 dollars. Some of the key rivals are models like Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot etc.
