Introduced for the 2016 model year, improved for 2017, and improved once more for 2018, the Mazda CX-9 is highly rated in the mid-size segment for plenty of reasons. The newest CX-9, for example, adds more safety features, G-Vectoring Control as standard, and various improvements in terms of NVH.
Not including the $940 for destination and handling, the CX-9 is $610 more expensive than the 2017 model year thanks to the updates operated by the Japanese automaker. Starting at $32,130 and rated Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2018 Mazda CX-9 benefits from Smart City Brake Support. Shortened to SCBS, the system can automatically apply the brakes in emergency situations below 19 mph. Coming as standard, SCBS is also offered on the Mazda3 hatchback and sedan, CX-3, and CX-5.
The i-ActiveSense suite of safety features further includes Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, both offered as standard. Although technically developed with safety in mind, G-Vectoring Control happens to benefit the driving experience thanks to how the system works during turn-in. By reducing engine torque to put more weight on the front wheels before attacking the corner, the steering feels more linear, which in turn gives the driver more confidence in the middle of the corner and at corner exit.
As ever, there are four trim levels to choose from and two optional packages. The range starts with the CX-9 Sport ($32,130), which can be bettered by the Sport Package ($1,290). Want some i-Activ all-wheel-drive with your SkyActiv-G 2.5-liter turbo inline-4? That would be $1,800, thank you! The Touring ($34,960), Touring Premium Package ($1,890), Grand Touring ($40,470), and Signature ($44,315) round off the 2018 Mazda CX-9’s lineup.
All models benefit from Mazda’s six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission, and all are available with three premium paint options. Soul Red Crystal is the most expensive at $595, whereas Machine Gray Metallic is $300 and Snowflake White Pearl Mica comes in at $200. Based on the automaker’s figures, more than 55 percent of U.S. customers have purchased nicely-equipped CX-9s in the past eight months, with the Grand Touring and Signature trim levels being the most sought after.
The i-ActiveSense suite of safety features further includes Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, both offered as standard. Although technically developed with safety in mind, G-Vectoring Control happens to benefit the driving experience thanks to how the system works during turn-in. By reducing engine torque to put more weight on the front wheels before attacking the corner, the steering feels more linear, which in turn gives the driver more confidence in the middle of the corner and at corner exit.
As ever, there are four trim levels to choose from and two optional packages. The range starts with the CX-9 Sport ($32,130), which can be bettered by the Sport Package ($1,290). Want some i-Activ all-wheel-drive with your SkyActiv-G 2.5-liter turbo inline-4? That would be $1,800, thank you! The Touring ($34,960), Touring Premium Package ($1,890), Grand Touring ($40,470), and Signature ($44,315) round off the 2018 Mazda CX-9’s lineup.
All models benefit from Mazda’s six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission, and all are available with three premium paint options. Soul Red Crystal is the most expensive at $595, whereas Machine Gray Metallic is $300 and Snowflake White Pearl Mica comes in at $200. Based on the automaker’s figures, more than 55 percent of U.S. customers have purchased nicely-equipped CX-9s in the past eight months, with the Grand Touring and Signature trim levels being the most sought after.