2020 Mazda CX-9: All You Need To Know

In a time when new cars roll out every month, sustainability has reduced. To deal with the current scenario, car manufacturers come up with quick updates of models to keep abreast. The mid-cycle updates, facelifts and generation leaps come to the rescue to older models grappling to maintain demand amid stiff competition. Meanwhile, Mazda Malaysia recently rolled out a refreshed CX-9 in tandem with the same strategy. It gets mild updates for the model year 2020.

One must note the seven-seater SUV was last updated in October 2018, and the recent update comes in less than two years after the last one. During the previous revamp, it received Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 360-degree camera and a ventilated front seats. As for the current update, it continues to be available in two variants as a completely built unit. Nothing changes on the mechanical front in comparison to the outgoing version save for some minor tweaks. It does get some styling revisions on the outside that further enhance the already dapper looker three-row model. Some changes have been made on the inside as well for an enhanced look. Here is the complete detail of what’s new on the 2020 Mazda CX-9 and things that have been carried over, read through to know more.

What is the 2020 Mazda CX-9 price in Malaysia?

Variant	Price
Mazda CX-9 2020 2WD	RM 319,610
Mazda CX-9 2020 AWD	RM 336,610

As mentioned earlier, the updated CX-9 is available in two choices with prices starting from RM 319,610 and the fully-loaded to-spec grade is priced RM 17,000 over the base trim. In comparison, the 2018 version, when launched in October 2018 was priced at RM 288,610 for the 2WD and RM 305,610 for the range-topping 4WD.

2020 Mazda CX-9 specifications and engine details

Engine	2.5-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder
Power	231 PS at 5,000 rpm
Torque	420 Nm at 2,000 rpm
Transmission	Six-speed SkyActiv torque converter automatic gearbox
Drivetrain	2WD/AWD i-Activ system

The 2020 Mazda CX-9 specs have been carried over from the pre-update version. It houses the same high displacing 2.5-litre turbocharged unit which makes 231 PS and 420 Nm torque. A six-speed SKyActiv gearbox with 2WD and AWD drivetrains. New to the list of the mechanicals are i-stop idling technology and Mazda’s new G-Vectoring Control Plus which replaces the older unit.

What is the mileage of the new Mazda CX-9?

Since there is no change in the mechanicals, the CX-9 continues to deliver the same mileage. That said, the updated CX-9 is rated to deliver 9.1 litre per 100 km.

What has changed on the outside?

Length	5,075 mm
Width	1,969 mm
Height	1,747 mm
Wheelbase	2,930 mm
Ground Clearance	220 mm
Curb weight	1,916 kg

While the new Mazda looks the same as before, there are a handful of changes that have been made to the three-row model such as the new badge. It also features new elements on the face in line with other latest Mazda cars. Also new are the grey metallic finished aluminium alloy wheels. This sums up the tweaks on the outside. Prominent bits such as the large 20-inch alloy wheels, Mazda grille, LED projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, bulb-type rear fog lamps and LED tail-lamps. The tailgate and sunroof are powered just like before.

What’s new on the inside?

The only major change inside is the larger 9-inch touchscreen unit which replaces the 8-inch system found in the previous version. However, the Mazda Connect infotainment system has been carried over from the outgoing model. It misses out on Mazda’s latest Connect system that comes with the Mazda 3 and CX-30. Just like before, the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come with Commander Control feature. Another change is the new silver stitching on the black leather seats and the automatic brake hold feature placed near the electronic parking brake.

Also, the third row gets two USB points, while the first and second row continues to feature two USB ports. Other features, such as the 4.6-inch instrument cluster, 12-speaker Bose sound system, windshield-projected Active Driving Display and navigation feature. As for comfort, while the first two rows are spacious, the third row is a bit cramped and is good enough to fit teenagers. Similarly, the cargo space sees no improvement and remains be to a bit tight just like before.

What does the standard safety kit offer?

There is no change on the safety front and it continues offering the same features as before. The standard kit includes the below-mentioned safety features -

• Six airbags (front, side and curtain)
• Anti-lock-braking system
• Electronic braking system
• Emergency brake assist
• Hill launch assist
• ISOFIX child seat anchors in the second row
• Emergency stop signal

In addition to the above-mentioned amenities, it also benefits from i-Active Safety suite comprising of driver assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive LED headlamps, lane departure warning, rear-cross traffic alert, lane keep assist , smart city brake support with pedestrian detection at both ends and driver attention alert.

2020 Mazda CX-9 Competition

In the premium seven-seater SUV space, it competes with Volvo XC90, Toyota Harrier, Mercedes-Benz GLC Class, and Ford Everest.

Which model is better, Mazda CX-9 or Volvo XC90?

Even though the Volvo XC90 is priced lower than the Mazda CX-9, it features a comprehensive equipment list including comfort, convenience, connectivity and safety features. On the outside, it looks upmarket and elegant, and so does the Mazda CX-9. The interior is comfortable and spacious, which makes it a perfect ride for long journeys. Overall, if we have to pick one model, it would be the Volvo XC90 with a more powerful engine and some additional equipment, and that too at a relatively less price point even for the top-spec variant.

Also Read: 2020 Mazda CX-9: First impression