MAZDA

Supertest: Mazda CX-9 AWD Carbon

Buyers have shown a clear preference for features and versatility built into crossover vehicles, which have steadily increased their share of the new vehicles sold in the United States during the past decade.

The 2022 Mazda CX-9 AWD Carbon certainly checks all the boxes people seem to prefer in a vehicle today. It has neatly executed interior that is not lavish. It also comes with an array of some of the very latest technology to keep the driver informed about their vehicle as well as entertained during longer drives. It also has ample interior room for the driver and passengers.

It also comes with a turbocharged engine that delivers ample power for everyday use or a road trip where it can come in handy, and the overall fuel economy is adequate for a car with a gasoline engine.

Exterior...Like all crossover vehicles, the 2022 Mazda CX-9’s silhouette follows the widely used two-box pattern popular with American buyers for years. Mazda’s exterior stylists have given the CX-9 an impressive grille. 

The CX-9 I drove featured bright work in strategic places, such as around the light fixtures and in a continuous line around the opening for the windows in the side of the vehicle. The rear liftgate slants into the roof line and comes with a spoiler, giving the vehicle a sportier look which disguises the vehicle’s intended function as a suburban carry all. It also was dressed up with 20-inch wheels and roof rails.

Interior...Mazda’s stylists also used bright work to good effect throughout the cabin of the CX-9, which is comfortable but not lavish. The steering wheel has controls for the entertainment system and for the vehicle’s cruise control. The other controls for features such as the HVAC include a mix of buttons and knobs. 

The 2022 Mazda CX-9 also comes with inside storage and nicely trimmed seats, which are one of the key features. The second row of seats in the CX-9 is spacious. Our test vehicle came with a third row of seats, and they are cramped though smaller children could use them. The visibility from the driver’s seat is very good and the CX-9 also comes with a suite of driver assistance features neatly integrated into the vehicle’s operation.

Powertrain...The 2022 Mazda CX-9 is equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission and an active all-wheel-drive system. The powertrain is capable of 227 horsepower and 310-foot pounds of torque.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said the CX-9 has a combined fuel economy rating of 23 mpg, in 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. In keeping with Mazda’s intentions to make all of vehicles for drivers, the CX-9 also is equipped with multiple drive modes and paddle shifters to override the automatic transmission.

Safety and Technology...The safety features include multiple airbags for protection in front- and side-impact crashes. The 2022 Mazda CX-9 also is equipped with driver assistance features such as blind-spot detection, lane-departure warning and rear cross-traffic alert. It also has a 360-degree camera, wireless charging pad and Bluetooth. 

There is a driver alert warning. It also is equipped with Sirius XM radio connection, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a Bose AM/FM HD radio. There also is four-wheel-disc brakes, automatic high-beam controls, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. 

Driving Impressions...The 2022 Mazda CX-9 is equipped with a sophisticated chassis, including an independent front and rear suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, G-Vectoring control and four-wheel disc brakes, which combine to bolster the vehicle’s ride and overall stability over all kinds of road surfaces. 

The 227-hp and impressive torque give the CX-9 more than enough power when it is needed out on the streets, the open road or the highway. The combination of power, performance and well-honed ride and handling made the CX-9 pleasant to drive.

Wrap Up...The price of family-oriented vehicles is climbing. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price or MRSP for the 2022 Mazda CX-9 came out to $45,225 for a version with advanced technology. I thought the cabin was noisy during a longer drive but it does have a lot of the features that can help keep a driver alert and his passengers protected, which is one of the key factors settling on a utility vehicle. 

On the plus side, the CX-9 had enough attributes, such as the turbocharged engine and nicely tuned suspension, to make it a bit more fun to drive than many of its competitors.

2022 Mazda CX-9 AWD Carbon – FAQ

-Is the 2022 Mazda CX-9 Touring Plus all-wheel drive?

For 2022, the Mazda CX-9 adds all-wheel drive as standard equipment across the range, and front-wheel drive models have been dropped. There's also a new Touring Plus finish, which, as you can imagine, sits just above the Touring model.

-Is the Mazda CX-9 getting a redesign?

The Mazda CX-9 is an excellent car with excellent driving dynamics, beautiful interiors and a low cost of ownership. Rumors about the Mazda CX-9 redesign are circulating, but at the time of writing, there is no official support for it.

-Does the 2022 Mazda CX-9 have an inductive smartphone charger?

The 2022 model can provide a wireless charging cradle as a standard configuration on all trim levels. Mazda CX-9 technology has been successfully applied to more vehicles. For example, the Mazda3 and CX-30 provide the same 2.5T turbo engine as the CX-9, with up to 250 horsepower.

Joseph Szczesny, Detroit-USA