2022 Mazda CX-9: Is the New CX-90 Coming Yet?

The original Mazda CX-9 debuted exactly 15 years ago. While a V6 engine used to sit under the hood, a turbocharged four-cylinder mill has powered the second generation of the three-row midsize crossover since 2016.

Time has now taken its toll and a serious revamp is in order if Mazda is to keep challenging the best-sellers in the segment. Here’s a recap of our recent test drive with a 2022 Mazda CX-9 Signature.

• Also: Mazda Announces 5 New SUVs, 3 Headed to Canada
• Also: Mazda CX-5, CX-9 Get Pleasant Updates for 2021.5 Model Year

Not Really Better Than a V6

As mentioned above, the current-generation CX-9 boasts a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine called Skyactiv-G. It delivers 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque when fed with premium gasoline (93 octane). If you settle for regular gas (87 octane), output and torque will be down to 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet, respectively.  

While a good fit in other Mazda products, this engine is not ideally suited for the larger CX-9. Sure, fuel consumption is a bit lower than V6-powered competitors, but the price difference between regular and premium gasoline means you’ll actually pay more at the pump. After more than 500 kilometres in winter conditions, our tester was averaging 12 L/100 km. The official rating from Natural Resources Canada is 10.5 L/100 km.

Mazda’s four-cylinder crossover is also handicapped when it comes to towing. Models like the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride and Ford Explorer will easily tow up to 5,000 pounds, but the CX-9 can do no better than 3,500 pounds. It’s not designed for construction workers, of course, but many families with a boat or camping trailer need to stay away from the CX-9.

Let’s go back to fuel economy, shall we? The Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander stand out from the competition with an available hybrid powertrain, but Mazda has no such thing to offer at the moment. The company does plan to replace the CX-9 with the all-new CX-90 for 2023, and that one will have a choice of two turbocharged straight-six engines including one that will be part of a plug-in hybrid system. Intrigued? We definitely are.

As for driving dynamics, the Mazda CX-9 is quite pleasant overall. The six-speed automatic transmission is nothing special, but it does a commendable job. And while the brand’s “Zoom-Zoom” philosophy is harder to appreciate behind the wheel of the CX-9, steering is fairly precise and the drive is more car-like than with conventional SUVs.

A New HMI Sure Would Be Nice

The current design dates back to 2016, and despite a few updates for the 2021.5 model year (that’s right), the CX-9 could use a fresh start.

Make no mistake: the interior is refined and full of classy materials, but it’s also showing its age. The human-machine interface and infotainment system desperately need to be overhauled, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is included. Mazda believes that touchscreens lead to more driving distractions than a rotary controller on the console, but we beg to differ.  

Hopefully the aforementioned CX-90 will fix that. It will join the equally new 2023 Mazda CX-50 (which carries over the CX-5’s interface) and be followed by a smaller, two-row crossover called CX-70.

Six or Seven Passengers

Most CX-9 trim levels feature seating for seven, but the top-line Kuro and Signature have second-row captain’s chairs separated by a centre console and can only accommodate six passengers. For a family of five, that means someone must sit in the third row, thereby greatly affecting cargo capacity.

If that’s your case, then you must turn to a GS, GS-L or GT model equipped with the more convenient albeit less comfortable second-row bench. Your call.