

Angus MacKenzie
6 Days Ago
News Editor
Mazda’s flagship, the CX-9, has a new flagship model itself, while also gaining an additional couple of variants and a larger infotainment screen.
The updated model goes on sale early next year.
UPDATE, 17/12/20 2:30pm:An earlier version of this article said the new 10.25-inch screen would be standard across the range. The Sport and Touring, however, will retain their old touchscreens.
First previewed by Mazda USA earlier this year, the CX-9 gains a larger, 10.25-inch centre screen running the newer Mazda Connect infotainment system.
It replaces the 9.0-inch touchscreens in the GT and up and is controlled via a rotary dial.
Sport and Touring models will retain their 7.0- and 9.0-inch screens with touch functionality, running the older MZD Connect system.
Slotting in above the Azami is the new Azami LE, the only CX-9 variant to offer second-row captain’s chairs. Separated by a centre console, these are individually power-adjustable, heated and ventilated.
Both it and the Azami feature quilted Nappa leather upholstery for the first two rows, as well as redesigned aluminium interior trim.
They’re also distinguished from the 2020 Azami through the use of a new 20-inch alloy wheel design and a brighter titanium grey finish for the grille and exhaust outlets.
Another new trim level is the GT SP, which takes the mid-range GT and gives it a sportier appearance.
There’s a dark gunmetal grille, black mirror caps, and black 20-inch alloy wheels, while inside there’s black interior trim, red stitching on the steering wheel, door trims, centre console and armrests, and burgundy leather upholstery.
As with the rest of the range, Mazda will also offer the CX-9 as a 100th Anniversary Special Edition based on the all-wheel drive Azami.
Just 110 examples will be offered, each finished in pearl white paint with a burgundy Nappa leather interior that’s colour-matched to the floor mats and carpets.
The colourway harks back to Mazda’s first passenger car, the R360, though the CX-9 is a considerably larger beast.
All 2021 CX-9 variants are more expensive than 2020 models, though the price increases range from tiny – for example, $70 in the Sport – to larger, like the $1986 price-increase for the all-wheel drive Azami. That model has picked up the most new features of any returning model, however.
All prices exclude on-road costs.
The 2021 Mazda CX-9 is powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with 170kW of power and 420Nm of torque.
It’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, with the CX-9 available with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive on all trim levels except the AWD-only Azami LE.
The front-wheel drive 2021 Mazda CX-9 uses 8.4L/100km on the ADR combined city and highway cycle, while all-wheel drive models are rated at 9.0L/100km.
It requires only 91RON regular unleaded fuel.
The 2021 Mazda CX-9 measures 5075mm long, 1747mm tall, 1969mm wide, and has a 2930mm wheelbase.
The base front-wheel drive CX-9 weighs 1878kg. Adding all-wheel drive adds another 72kg, bringing the total to 1950kg.
The Mazda CX-9’s boot has a luggage capacity of 230L with all three rows up, and 810L when the third row is folded down.
The 2021 Mazda CX-9 has a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and requires servicing every 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first.
Currently, servicing prices for the CX-9 range between $363 and $408.
The CX-9 has an ANCAP safety rating of five stars, based on testing conducted in 2016. It received an overall score of 35.87 out of 37 plus Good grades for whiplash and pedestrian protection.
All 2021 CX-9 models come with the following safety equipment:
The Mazda CX-9 Sport comes with the following standard features:
Moving up to the CX-9 Touring adds:
The CX-9 GT adds:
The CX-9 GT SP adds:
Over the GT, the Azami adds:
The CX-9 Azami LE has the same leather interior options as the Azami and adds:
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William Stopford is an automotive journalist based in Brisbane, Australia. William is a Business/Journalism graduate from the Queensland University of Technology who loves to travel, briefly lived in the US, and has a particular interest in the American car industry.
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