Review: 2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature

The tale of the tape

The CX-9 Signature is Mazda\’s top-tier version of its biggest crossover, made to deliver excitement to road trips and errands alike. Base MSRP is $46,115, $46,515 as tested during its week with me. Machine Gray Metallic is one of five colors available, a $300 option over the base Jet Black Mica and Sonic Silver Metallic. All corners wear 20-inch alloy wheels shod in Falken Ziex all-seasons.

Under the hood is the only engine available for the CX-9 line overall, the 2.5-liter, all-aluminum SKYACTV-G turbo-four. The little motor packs a good punch, delivering 227 horses and 310 lb-ft of torque (250 and 320 respectively if you use the good fuel) to all corners by default through a six-speed automatic.

Speaking of the corners, the all-wheel drive system in question is Mazda\’s i-ACTIV AWD with off-road traction assist, good for tackling rougher roads than what most owners will experience behind the wheel. I never made use of those capabilities, though, as such travel wasn\’t in the cards.

Inside, Mazda Connect connects you to all of the info and entertainment you need, either by itself, or through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

My first experience with Mazda Connect wasn\’t with the CX-9 Signature, but with a CX-5 Signature loaned to me by Mazda to take to and from the Washington Auto Show back in late January 2020. Let\’s just say I didn\’t have much time to get a feel for it then.

While washing my clothes at the laundromat, though, I took some time to get familiar with the infotainment system. Unlike most other systems, Mazda Connect is operated via a dial behind the shifter boot, plus five buttons to take you to the most common features.

After a few minutes, I felt ready to use BMW\’s iDrive, also controlled via a rotary dial and a set of buttons.

Outside, the CX-9 Signature wears just the right amount of chrome upon its Machine Gray Metallic body, including the fully chromed grille. There\’s also seating for six with the second-row captain\’s chairs and the fold-down third row. That said, the third row is best suited for little ones, especially when the captain\’s chairs are pushed all the way back.

All seating, though, is graced by nappa leather in Deep Chestnut. The driver receives eight-adjustable seating, the front passenger gets just six ways to be comfy. The first and second rows include a center console with a pair of USB ports, Santos Rosewood inlays add extra luxury all over, and the power tailgate makes loading and unloading a breeze.