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The mid-cycle refresh is coming. The new 2020 Mazda CX-9 will take on the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander. The company is not unveiling all changes yet, but the largest SUV in the company will offer new technologies inside the cockpit. Outside, a small update will refresh the look. Under the hood, the lineup remains the same. We were hoping for the hybrid or the PHEV system, but it is not going to happen in the upcoming season. Still, improvements to the new CX-9 will make the mid-size model more competitive on the growing market.
Fun fact: the 2020 Mazda CX-9 is not available in Japan, although it is being produced there. The size of the vehicle exceeds some regulations, so owning the SUV is pretty expensive. So, the carmaker downgrades it for domestic sales. In Japan, there is a Mazda CX-8 which is pretty much the same as its sibling. Be sure that CX-9 will soon enter the new generation. Fans were waiting for 9 years before the second series of the SUV arrived. Now, everything moves much faster and changes are more frequent.
2020 Mazda CX-9 Specs
A 2.5-liter SkyActiv engine remains the only choice for the 2020 Mazda CX-9, for now. The SUV is getting 250 hp with the premium fuel and adds 300 pound-feet of torque. This is a good output, but CX-9 is still behind its main rivals. Yes, the SUV will return better gas mileage, but the four-cylinder engine still lacks a lot of power compared to Ford Explorer or Honda Pilot. Well, turbochargers are helping in closing the gap. A six-speed automatic transmission is the power router that distributes power to front wheels by default. An all-wheel drive is optional. The new model will return up to 29 mpg on the highway, while the towing capacity remains 3,500 pounds.
Electrification of the CX-9
The mid-size SUV could get a hybrid engine. Rumors about this are present for a while, but now the entire segment is heading towards electric powertrains. Mazda is still using the SkyActiv technology which is capable to combine petrol unit and the battery to improve power outputs and fuel economy. Still, this technology is available only in combination with a diesel engine, which is not likely to happen in the US. Whatsoever, Mazda will have to electrify the petrol units sooner or later.
2020 Mazda CX-9 Redesign
As every Mazda’s vehicle, the largest SUV in the lineup is stylish and well-composed. The highlights of the design are definitely large grille and unique red color, which is the company’s trademark. Well, there are other special upgrades that will make the 2020 Mazda CX-9 competitive on the market. At the first place, the interior is comfortable and spacious. The Japanese company is not sparing on materials and the SUV’s cabin is one of the most elegant in the segment. Another thing the owners just love about their ride was a great safety gear. For the upcoming vehicle, Mazda will take everything to another level. What’s more, the infotainment system is also well-equipped, with a 7-inch touchscreen and simple button layout. Pandora app is standard again and the company could add more USB ports.
You still can upgrade your ride through optional trim levels and numerous options. Sport is the base version and the mid-range offer comes with Touring and Grand Touring levels. Bose audio, heated seats, larger display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities are just some of the features you are getting through these packages. Still, top of the class SUV is CX-9 Signature. Nappa leather, wooden details, and many other premium features are upgrades for the Signature badge.
Cargo Space and Dimensions
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 is the largest SUV in the company’s lineup. The redesign is not affecting the size of the upcoming vehicle. Overall length is 200 inches, with a 115-inch wheelbase. This is enough for three rows of seats and a total seating capacity of seven. The CX-9 still keeps some space for the cargo behind the rear row. Minimum cargo capacity is 15 cubic feet, and with the rear seats folded, it increases to 38 cubic feet. The maximum volume you can get in the CX-9 is 71 cu.ft.
2020 Mazda CX-9 Release Date and Competition
The new 2020 Mazda CX-9 will arrive by the end of the year. Then, we will find out all the details about its redesign and the pricing list. We believe the changes are not going to affect the starting MSRP, which is currently around $32,000. Well, that is on par with Toyota Highlander and Jeep Grand Cherokee base models. Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer are slightly more expensive. The high-end Signature version will cost above $45,000 and fully-loaded goes over $50k. For the vehicle with a four-cylinder engine and 250 hp, it is too much. For this amount of money, you can purchase Explorer with a plug-in hybrid system, or one of the most reliable unit in the class, Toyota Highlander.
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