2021 Mazda CX-9: First Impression

Mazda CX-9 is one of the popular three-row SUVs available in Malaysia which entices auto enthusiasts with its distinctive luxury, comfort, and dynamics. It has just received a makeover with a raft of technological and styling updates in the form of the “Ignite Edition” pack, giving the SUV a fresh and more striking appearance. In this article, we bring our first impression of the new Mazda CX-9 covering all its aspects, starting with the price.

2021 Mazda CX-9 Price

The 2021 Mazda CX-9 is on sale in two variants, 2.5 SkyActiv-G Turbo 2WD and 2.5 SkyActiv-G Turbo AWD with the only difference being the drive system. The former is priced at RM 319,847 (on-the-road with SST exemption, without insurance), while for the latter one needs to shell out RM 336,215. Included in the price are a five-year/100,000 km manufacturer’s warranty and 5 years/100,000 km of free maintenance inclusive of labour parts, and lubricants.

2021 Mazda CX-9 Exterior

Based on Mazda’s KODO Soul of Motion design language, the 2021  CX-9 appeals to enthusiasts with its more powerful presence on the road, thanks to the Ignite Edition appearance package. It adds a number of new styling tweaks to the SUV that tastefully scaled up its massive proportions. These include: 

• Gloss black door outer mirrors
• Gloss black finishing on the restyled front grille
• 20-inch black metallic aluminium alloy wheels

Besides these enhancements, the three-row model continues to feature LED projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED fog lights, LED tail lights, bulb-type rear fog lamps, a powered tailgate, automatic wipers, and a powered sunroof.

The Mazda CX-9 dimensions also remain the same with 5075 mm length, 1969 mm width, 1747 mm height, and 2930 mm wheelbase. 

Speaking about the CX-9 colour choices, the palette has a total of 6 options available for both variants, including Soul Red Crystal, Deep Crystal Blue, Jet Black, Snowflake White Pearl, Machine Grey, and Sonic Silver.

2021 Mazda CX-9 Interior

The Mazda CX-9 Ignite Edition also brings changes on the inside for an enhanced look. These comprise:

• New burgundy-coloured leather seats
• Black interior trim on the dashboard, door panels, and handle bezels
• Wireless Apple CarPlay support for the ongoing nine-inch Mazda Connect touchscreen infotainment system 
• Wireless charger
• Paddle shifters for the SkyActiv-Drive 6-speed AT

The rest of the interior kit remains the same with wired Android Auto, electronic parking brake, 4.6-inch instrument cluster, 12-speaker Bose sound system, head-up display, 10-way adjustable driver seat, 6-way adjustable front passenger seat, triple-zone climate control with second-row vents, seat ventilation, and heating function, keyless entry and start, leather-wrapped steering wheel with multiple controls, and, lots of storage points.

2021 Mazda CX-9 Engine specification

No changes are there on the mechanical front in comparison to the outgoing model. That means the revamped SUV is powered by the same 2.5-litre turbocharged engine that churns out a maximum power output of 231 PS at 5,000 rpm and a peak torque of 420 Nm torque at 2,000 rpm. It is mated to a SkyActiv-Drive 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission with two different driving configurations - 2WD and AWD. G-Vectoring Control Plus is also a part of the kit.

As there is no mechanical update, the CX-9 fuel consumption rate continues to be the same with 9.1 litres per 100 km (approx 11 kmpl).

2021 Mazda CX-9 Safety

Just like the mechanical setup, the Mazda CX-9 safety kit also remains unchanged with standard safety features like six airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic braking system, emergency brake assist, hill launch assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and emergency stop signal.

In addition, the SUV also has an i-Active Safety suite of advanced driver assistance systems. It comprises blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, rear-cross traffic alert, driver attention alert, and smart city brake support with pedestrian detection

Summing up

With the cosmetic tweaks inside and out and new tech updates, we believe Mazda has stepped up the CX-9 game in the competitive three-row midsize crossover segment. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

Also read: Mazda CX-9 vs Mazda CX-8: Which 7-seater SUV should you choose?