Mazda CX-9 2020

CX-9 2020 Overview

Mazda has updated the CX-9 for the 2020 model year, and we have the revised seven-seater SUV here in Malaysia. The car is available in two nearly identical variants, with the only difference being whether the customer requires an all-wheel-drive option. The 2WD CX-9 retails for RM 319,610, and the 4WD option will set one back by RM 336,610. The 2020 CX-9 is powered by a SkyActiv 2.5-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol engine that is paired to a SkyActiv-Drive six-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The CX-9 is not some usual model from the House of the Japanese automaker, mainly because it comes with a whopping price tag of RM 300k. The car also gets tough competition from similar models of this segment like Kia Sorento, Hyundai Tucson, Audi Q5, and BMW X3. 

Mazda CX-9 2020 Interior & Features

The interior aesthetics of Mazda CX-9 have been very intricately and thoughtfully designed with the best quality and premium materials. Coming from the House of the Japanese automaker, the Mazda CX-9 is crafted and designed to mesmerize you with every inch and corner. As you get inside the car, you see premium-ness everywhere, mainly due to the much use of leather upholstery on the seats, doors, and trims. The dashboard looks subtle and has all elements neatly placed. The driver gets a memory function also with its powered seats. Behind the steering wheel lies a head-up display and coloured meter dials. Coming to the instrument cluster, we see a wide touchscreen infotainment system with all ubiquitous features for audio and Bluetooth connectivity. As an inclusive package of modern features, the Mazda has automatic functions for the headlights and wipers. Other mesmerizing elements include tilting glass power sunroof, one-touch power windows, power-folding mirrors, three-zone climate control with rear AC vents, and a powered tailgate. The cabin is also very spacious with around 600 litres of boot space.

CX-9 2020 Exterior

The exterior aesthetics of the car are also pretty scintillating with the wide grille at the front dominating the front fascia. Dimensions wise, the Mazda CX-9 is pretty masculine and bulky and measures 5,075 mm x 1,969 mm x 1,747 mm for the length, width, and height respectively. The Mazda CX-9 is available in a variety of colour options which include jet black, deep crystal blue, snowflake white pearl, machine grey, and sonic silver. Just like the front, the side profile of the car is also a nice blend of curves and lines that contours to enhance the beauty of the silhouette. The car rides on 20-inch alloy wheels, with wheel arches in a dark glossy finish. 

Mazda CX-9 2020 Ride & Handling

SUV’s are always known to provide for a good ride experience. The new Mazda CX-9 has a ride height of 223 mm and with a turning radius of 5.8 metre, the parking was quite a tedious task for Mazda CX-9, which is why they are equipped with front and rear parking sensors with a directional rear-view camera. 

The suspension set-up is handled by MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link at the back. Together they work well to offer the best ride quality and car handling to the driver. The car is meant for all kinds of terrains, be it the city traffic roads or the highway thrills. The suspension though is stiff due to monocoque rather than a ladder frame chassis. But overall, the ride quality is pretty well and offer good coverage from jolts and bumps.

The other prominent feature is the steering wheel which is an electric unit and is easy to handle for the driver without much force. Additional grip is offered by Mazda G-Vectoring control. Bringing the vehicle to a halt safely are discs on all the four wheels. 

CX-9 2020 Engine & Fuel Consumption

The Mazda CX-9 has a long engine at its heart, which is a 2.5-litre 228 PS/420 Nm direct injection unit. It gives 10 kmpl fuel efficiency while the range should be around 750 km given that the tank capacity is 73 litres. The said unit provides 228 hp of max power and 420 Nm of peak torque. The standard equipment list includes self-leveling headlamps, automatic wipers, power sunroof, keyless entry and start, and front and rear parking sensors. An 8 second 0-100 kmph time is also guaranteed.  Mazda offers this powertrain with a 2WD or AWD configurations. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard fare here. Paddle shifters too are provided. 

Mazda CX-9 2020 Braking & Safety

Mazda CX-9 is equipped with all basic and standard safety features which include six airbags, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, emergency brake assist, speed-sensing door lock, dynamic stability control, traction control, walk away lock, hill launch assist, ISOFIX child seat tethers, adaptive LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention alert, and engine immobilizer are additional driving aids.

CX-9 2020 Verdict

Mazda CX-9 is an SUV that has sleek looks and not the bulky and difficult to manoeuvre boxy old school SUVs which are neither technologically advanced nor rich in features, which make them a dated proposition. Mazda CX-9 has super-sleek looks matching large dimensions, which give the SUV a modern aura. And while it has a small 2.5-litre petrol engine, it delivers the performance of a big V8 petrol engine, which does aid in better refinement and fuel efficiency. Pricing wise, it comes for RM 316,788 for the 2WD while the price of the AWD is RM 323,849.