The CX-9 is the largest vehicle in the Mazda lineup and for the 2016 model year it has been completely redesigned for the first time in its 10-year history. This three-row SUV can carry seven passengers comfortably and the sleek new look gives it a sexy charm that is sure to turn heads when you are cruising around town. Mazda’s well-tuned suspension makes the CX-9 responsive in the corners and a pleasure to drive, a rare achievement in the large SUV category.
What's New for 2016
The CX-9 has been completely redesigned for 2016. It is outfitted with a new sleeker, more stylish design and the standard V-6 has been replaced with a turbo-charged 4-cylinder.
Choosing Your Mazda CX-9
One of the biggest changes for 2016 is the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which replaces the old V6 as standard on all models. The new engine produces up to 250 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. The CX-9 gets 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
The new CX-9 gets a longer wheelbase, which adds legroom and makes entry into the rear seats easier. Front-wheel drive is standard on all trim levels except the top of the range Signature model where all-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive is a $1,800 option on all other trim levels.
The 2016 model year adds a top of the line Signature model that incorporates Nappa leather, aluminum accents and Rosewood trim.
A towing prep package is optional and allows the CX-9 to haul up to 3,500 pounds so pulling the boat to the lake won’t be a problem.
The CX-9 is available in four trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring, and the all-new Signature.
Sport
The base model Sport starts at $31,520 and is equipped with all of the standard features you would expect at this price point. In addition, standard equipment includes tri-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, a 7-inch full color touch screen display, and Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming.
A $950 optional package includes a heated power driver’s seat and heated side mirrors. Other optional equipment available includes parking sensors, roof rails, auto-dimming rearview mirror and all weather floor mats.
Touring
The Touring model has everything offered on the Sport, including the heated mirrors and seats, but upgrades the upholstery to leather, adds a power rear lift gate, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, an 8-inch color touchscreen and a keyless entry and start system.
The Touring Premium package bumps the price tag up $1,745 and adds automatic headlights, a navigation system, Smart City Brake Support which will stop the car at slow speeds if it detects an accident is about to happen, and a premium audio system that includes satellite radio.
Grand Touring
The Grand Touring starts at $40,170. This trim level sports 20-inch wheels, a cool head-up display that projects vehicle information and navigation system directions on the bottom of the windshield, a power moon roof and a full suite of safety features. Lane-departure, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and automated emergency braking are all standard.
There are no optional packages available for this trim level, but options such as all weather floor mats and Mazda mobile start can be added.
Signature
New for 2016 is the top-of-the-line Signature. This trim is only available in an all-wheel drive version and includes everything the Grand Touring offers. The Signature also adds Nappa leather seating and trim, rosewood accents and an LED-lit grille frame.
There are no optional packages but a variety of optional equipment is available including a towing package.
The CX-9 is a bargain compared to most of its competition with a fully loaded CX-9 running $44,915 compared to Honda’s top trim (the Pilot Elite) which costs $47,470 and Ford’s Explorer Platinum which is a budget busting $54,180.
If you can live without the head-up display, the Touring edition with the Touring Premium package gets you a well-appointed vehicle at a reasonable price.
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