The Mazda CX-9 is a fantastic midsize SUV, offering a high-end cabin and excellent driving dynamics. If the CX-9 has a weak point, it’s the SUV’s dated infotainment screen. For 2021, Mazda’s fixing that issue by bringing a massive 10.3-inch screen as standard. There’s also a new Carbon Edition trim for consumers that want a midsize SUV that’s more unique than the rest of the lineup. The good news is that the upgrades don’t result in a massive increase in pricing.
For 2021, every CX-9 comes with a 10.3-inch screen that has the latest version of Mazda Connect’s interface. Last year’s CX-9 came with a 7-inch screen as standard, while a 9-inch unit was optional. The infotainment system itself was dated, so Mazda bringing its latest system to the CX-9 is a good thing. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wi-Fi hot spot are included with the new infotainment screen.
While Mazda’s suite of advanced safety features, which is called i-Activesense, continues to be standard throughout the lineup, the Grand Touring adds reverse automatic emergency braking and driver attention alert as standard. The 360-degree monitor has been updated, as well, to now have high-definition clarity.
A new Carbon Edition rounds out the changes for the 2021 model year. The trim is Mazda’s take on a blacked-out package, bringing black exterior trim pieces, 20-inch black alloy wheels, red leather upholstery, black metallic interior trim, and the striking Polymetal Gray paint job. The CX-9, CX-5, and Mazda6 are all available with a Carbon Edition for the 2021 model year.
With just a few changes, the CX-9 doesn’t increase all that much for 2021. The 2021 CX-9 Sport will start at $35,060, a modest increase of just $70 from last year. If you’re shopping for a CX-9, we recommend waiting for a 2021 model to arrive at your local dealer, because the new 10.3-inch screen and infotainment system are well worth the extra money. The Touring will start at $36,850, which is $40 more than last year.
The new Carbon Edition builds off the Touring with the available Touring Premium Package, which itself is an extra $2,060 on the Touring trim, costs $42,180. That’s a hefty $3,270 difference from the Touring trim with the Touring Premium Package, so you’ll really have to love the paint job, black trim pieces, and red interior to justify spending the extra money.
The Grand Touring sees the largest increase for the 2021 model year, as it now costs $390 more than before with a price tag of $43,040. Lastly, the range-topping Signature, which is only available with all-wheel drive, starts at $47,705, an increase of $390 from last year. All-wheel drive is available throughout the lineup for $1,900.
The changes don’t revolutionize the CX-9, which now faces tons of competition from all corners of the segment. But they do help fix the SUV’s worst aspects, so we think the reasonable increases in prices are worth paying for. The 2021 CX-9 will arrive in showrooms later this Fall.