Mazda CX9 Touring 17 nr4o
Mazda CX9 Touring 19 2wxb
Mazda CX 9 LongTerm 001 muqv
Mazda CX 9 LongTerm 003 b4tz
Mark Higgins16 Nov 2017
ADVICE

Mazda CX-9: What you need to know

Our Best SUV under $50K award winner comes with all the kit, but where do you draw the line?

The second generation of Mazda’s CX-9 has been on sale in Australia since mid-2016. As the flagship of Mazda’s SUV range the CX-9 is available in four trim levels offering a comprehensive choice of specification to match your specific needs or budget. Let’s take a closer look.

The latest model range starts with the entry level CX-9 Sport. Stepping up from there is the Touring trim level followed by the GT. The highest specification, and most expensive CX-9 is the range-topping Azami.

The entry level Sport model is priced from $42,490 (excluding on-road costs) and features the following standard equipment:

>> 18-inch alloy wheels
>> LED headlights
>> Three-zone climate control
>> Rear-view mirror with auto dimming function
>> Seven-inch touch-screen display
>> Satellite navigation
>> Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming functionality
>> Keyless push-button engine start
>> Cruise control
>> Reversing camera
>> Rear parking sensors
>> Blind spot monitoring
>> Rear Cross Traffic Alert
>> Smart City Brake Support (AEB)
>> Black cloth seat upholstery

Options are limited to premium paints. Soul Red metallic and Machine Grey metallic are both priced at $300 on all trim levels.

Mazda CX9 Touring 14 0c4l

Safety and driver assistance
Safety basics are pretty well covered by the entry level CX-9 Sport. Standard features on all trim levels include rear parking sensors, reversing camera, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring and autonomous emergency braking, which can function at speeds of up to 30km/h.

A jump up to the $48,890 GT model adds front parking sensors and Mazda’s ‘Active Driving Display’, a head-up display system projecting driver information – speed and navigation instructions, for example – directly on the windscreen.

Even more driver assistance tech such as radar cruise control and adaptive LED headlights can be had by choosing the top-spec CX-9 Azami. The extra $2000 spend over the equivalent GT also gets you lane departure warning, a lane keeping assist function and an AEB system that can operate at freeway speeds.

Comfort and convenience
A seven-inch full-colour touch-screen display is standard on the CX-9 Sport models while all other CX-9 trim levels are upgraded to an 8.0-inch system. Every CX-9 gets satellite-navigation included in the standard equipment.

Choosing the CX-9 Touring will ensure LED front fog lights and automatic headlights and wipers, but for bigger ticket items like the electric glass sunroof, hands-free keyless entry and the convenient powered tailgate the $57,390 GT is the minimum requirement.

Music fans will be drawn to the GT and Azami models, which feature digital radio piped through a 12-speaker, 249-Watt Bose premium sound system, while those wanting a sportier exterior look will appreciate the more purposeful 20-inch alloy wheels.

Mazda CX 9 LongTerm 003 b4tz

There are two levels of interior trim in the CX-9 range starting with black cloth, which is exclusive to the Sport models. All other CX-9 models feature a more luxurious leather upholstery, black only for Touring variants, while those who opt for GT or Azami variants can also choose a ‘natural stone’ (beige) trim too.

Only the Sport models miss out on front-seat heating and power adjustment for both driver (eight-way) and passenger (six-way). The Azami also has the added convenience of a two-position memory function for the driver’s seat.

mazda cx 9 102 6q9y

Engine and transmission choices
All CX-9 models are powered by the same 170kW petrol engine with a choice of either front wheel-drive or all-wheel drive:

>> 2.5-litre Turbo, petrol, front-wheel drive, automatic
>> 2.5-litre Turbo, petrol, all-wheel drive, automatic (+$4000)

Every model has a six-speed automatic transmission as standard.

mazda cx 9 101 ouh4

Prices for the full Mazda CX-9 range are as follows:

Sport:
2.5-litre Turbo, petrol, front-wheel drive – $42,490
2.5-litre Turbo, petrol, all-wheel drive – $46,490

Touring:
2.5-litre Turbo, petrol, front-wheel drive – $48,890
2.5-litre Turbo, petrol, all-wheel drive – $52,890

Mazda CX9 Touring 21 1sj8

GT:
2.5-litre Turbo, petrol, front-wheel drive – $57,390
2.5-litre Turbo, petrol, all-wheel drive – $61,390

Azami:
2.5-litre Turbo, petrol, front-wheel drive – $59,390
2.5-litre Turbo, petrol, all-wheel drive – $63,390

Share this article
Written byMark Higgins
See all articles
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Stay up to dateBecome a carsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Looking for a family car?Get the latest advice and reviews on family car that's right for you.
Explore the Family Hub
Family
Disclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.

If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
Download the carsales app
    AppStoreDownloadGooglePlayDownload
    App Store and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
    © CAR Group Ltd 1999-2024
    In the spirit of reconciliation we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.