Review and Test Drive: 2019 Mazda CX-9 Signature

The Mazda CX-9 is a rare bird, a good looking three-row crossover with a level of refinement, elegance, and excitement that gives it a decidedly upscale look. It’s clear Mazda’s designers had their eyes on the luxury-car segment – Infiniti QX60 and Accura MDX come to mind – and the CX-9 makes those appear downright boring.

Our aptly named Snowflake White Pearl Mica CX-9, which was the sum total of snowflakes we saw in the month of December, arrived at our offices on a sunny winter day and the CX-9, with its striking Autumn Nappa leather seats, was the subject of much attention.

INSIDE THE 2019 MAZDA CX-9

Little has changed inside the CX-9. Why tinker with success? The glove soft Nappa leather seats, high-quality materials on the dash, a useful cockpit controller all push the CX-9 towards luxury buyers.

For 2019, Mazda is including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard on the Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature editions. The automaker is ncluding several other useful new options as well including ventilated front seats, a 360°-view exterior camera, SiriusXM travel Link for traffic and weather information, a stylish framelss mirror, power-foldable side-view mirrors, and a digital gauge display.

The posh Signature edition has new wood trim and new exterior badging and the CX-9 Sport includes a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, heated door mirrors, automatic headlights, automatic high beam, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and stop-and-go radar cruise control.

DRIVING THE 2019 MAZDA CX-9

Press the start button and the 2.5-liter turbocharged SkyActiv-G engine springs to life, delivering 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, which makes it feel very quick when the need to accelerate or overtake arises.

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