2021 Mazda CX-9 price and specs

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.

Pricing

2021 Mazda CX-9 Sport FWD: $45,990 (+$70)
2021 Mazda CX-9 Sport AWD: $49,990 (+$70)
2021 Mazda CX-9 Touring FWD: $53,490 (+$180)
2021 Mazda CX-9 Touring AWD: $57,490 (+$180)
2021 Mazda CX-9 GT FWD: $62,990 (+$1270)
2021 Mazda CX-9 GT SP FWD: $63,490
2021 Mazda CX-9 Azami FWD: $66,190 (+$1297)
2021 Mazda CX-9 GT AWD: $66,990 (+$1270)
2021 Mazda CX-9 GT SP AWD: $67,490
2021 Mazda CX-9 Azami AWD: $70,625 (+$1986)
2021 Mazda CX-9 100th Anniversary Special Edition: $72,575
2021 Mazda CX-9 Azami LE AWD: $73,875

All prices exclude on-road costs.

Engines

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.

Fuel Economy

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.

Dimensions

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.

Servicing

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.

Safety

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:

Front and rear autonomous emergency braking with night time pedestrian detection
Blind spot monitoring
Rear cross-traffic alert
Driver attention monitoring
Traffic sign recognition
Lane departure warning
Lane-keeping assist
Front, front-side and curtain airbags

Standard Features

The Mazda CX-9 Sport comes with the following standard features:

7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
18-inch alloy wheels with 255/60 tyres
Automatic LED headlights
Rain-sensing wipers
Power-folding exterior mirrors
Head-up display
Three-zone climate control with controls in the rear
Six-speaker sound system
DAB+ digital radio
Push-button start
Automatic high-beam
Adaptive cruise control with stop and go
Reversing camera with rear parking sensors
Tilt-and-telescoping steering column
Off-road traction assist (AWD models only)

Moving up to the CX-9 Touring adds:

9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Paddle shifters
LED fog lights
Leather upholstery (black)
Keyless entry
Front parking sensors
Heated front seats
Eight-way power driver’s seat
Six-way power passenger’s seat
Rear centre armrest with storage and USB ports
One-touch tip and slide switch for second row

The CX-9 GT adds:

10.25-inch infotainment system with satellite navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Qi wireless smart phone charging
20-inch alloy wheels with 255/55 tyres
Hands-free power tailgate
Power tilt-and-slide sunroof
Leather seats (black, natural stone or beige)
12-speaker 294W Bose sound system
10-way power driver’s seat with memory
Heated second row seats (outboard only)
Third-row USB ports

The CX-9 GT SP adds: