2020 Mazda CX-9 Facelift and Release Date

Mazda is preparing the new model for the 2021 season. By then, its existing lineup will be refreshed. The brand-new CX-7 crossover SUV will take a position between compact CX-5 and mid-size three-row CX-9. The largest SUV model will get the new edition by then. The 2020 Mazda CX-9 is heading towards the mid-cycle refresh. Current model dates from 2016 and now it will suffer more significant changes, that will make it more impressive and eye-catching.

The Japanese company recently added a CX-8 to its lineup. However, this model is available only in Japan. Well, the new 2020 Mazda CX-9 will follow the design language we can find on its stablemate. New features are on the way for all trim levels. The SUV will keep the existing lineup. One more trim could join Sport, Signature, Touring, and Grand Touring levels. The redesign is also about to bring the diesel engine to the USA. With it, the company would raise up the towing capacity and mpg rating of its largest SUV.

2020 Mazda CX-9 Specs

The new 2020 Mazda CX-9 will keep using the old drivetrain. It is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. By using the regular gasoline, it can produce 223 hp. If you pour 93-octane fuel, then the engine is capable to burst 250 hp. Torque is the same (310 lb-ft), no matter which fuel is in the tank. A six-speed auto gearbox is sending power to front wheels. This setup returns 22/28 mpg for city/highway drive. Buyers can also opt for an AWD. In this case, the fuel economy drops to 20/26 mpg. No matter which drives mode you choose, your Mazda CX-9 will be able to tow 3,500 pounds.

Diesel

Numbers for towing capacity and mileage will jump when the Mazda brings a diesel engine to the US. Its smaller sibling, CX-8 is using a 2.2-liter turbodiesel unit. This one is capable to deliver 190 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. Emissions are the main concern. However, if the engine is good for the Japanese market, then small updates could make it possible to appear in the US. A six-speed transmission is a power router here, and the fuel economy of the diesel SUV jumps to 41 mpg combined with FWD. The all-wheel drive drops these outputs to 39 mpg. Towing capacity improves to 4,400 pounds (2,000 kg).

2020 Mazda CX-9 Changes and Features

Mazda is not revealing what kind of mid-cycle changes the upcoming redesign is going to bring. But, we can compare the new CX-9 with its smaller sibling launched last season. The CX-8 could give us an idea of direction what the mid-size three-row is going to present.

First of all, the 2020 Mazda CX-9 will keep the seating capacity for seven persons. Foldable seats can expand the cargo area if needed. So, it makes the SUV pretty versatile, especially for larger families. Whatsoever, designers will revisit the dashboard. More features and equipment will be added. Also, existing trim levels will get a reconfiguration.

Outside, this SUV is going to present the front fascia, which will be very similar to CX-8. The more angular grille and narrower headlights are noteworthy changes. The tail will also suffer modifications. The 2020 Mazda CX-9 will also stand higher, with an extra inch of ground clearance.

Configurations – Trim Levels

The 2020 Mazda CX-9 will keep the Sport model as the entry-level configuration. This is the least expensive version which will cost around $34,000. No leather is available here, but safety is already bringing some advanced equipment, such as smart city braking. Blind spot monitor is standard. Even more of these features are there if you choose the Touring model. With it, the three-row crossover SUV adds lane departure warning. Leather seats with heating and power adjustment are differences compared to the lower trim. Also, the CX-9 Touring model is more expensive. Buyers will have to splash $3,000 more.

Grand Touring SUV is upgrading everything and it costs $41,000. Heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and heating for the second row is now available. Traffic sign recognition will improve safety. More aggressive appearance is gained by 20-inch alloy wheels and sliding moonroof.

Top of the class configuration is 2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature. Nappa leather will raise the comfort to another level. LED lights are replacing other lighting systems. Mazda connects infotainment system will have more features, and one of these is a premium Bose audio. What is more important, this version will add even more driver aid equipment. All these features will make it almost a premium SUV with the price close to $50,000.

2020 Mazda CX-9 Release Date

The Japanese company is still quiet about the new 2020 Mazda CX-9. However, we are sure they will redesign it before they start producing the new CX-7. The SUV will arrive in the second half of this year and the sales will start in 2020. Main rivals in the mid-size segment will be Dodge Durango, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Pilot.