Mazda CX-9 2021 review: Azami snapshot

EXPERT RATING
8.0

Likes

New 10.25-inch display
Seven-seater's versatility
Comfortable ride

Dislikes

Expensive AWD option
Six-seater's compromises
Older ANCAP safety rating
Justin Hilliard

Head of Editorial

2 min read

The seven-seat Azami is the flagship grade in the Mazda CX-9 range, with it sitting above the GT and priced from $66,190 plus on-road costs with front-wheel drive, or $70,625 with all-wheel drive.

Standard equipment includes dusk-sensing adaptive LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, Bright 20-inch alloy wheels, a hands-free power-operated tailgate, a sunroof, keyless entry, push-button start, paddle-shifters, a 9.0-inch central display, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, digital radio, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, a head-up display, a 7.0-inch multifunction display, a wireless smartphone charger, three-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats with heating, heated outboard rear seats and 'Pure White' or 'Walnut Brown' quilted Nappa leather upholstery.

New for 2021 is the Azami-based Azami LE AWD six-seater, which replaces the middle bench with two power-adjustable captain’s chairs with heating and cooling plus a dedicated centre console for $3250 more.

ANCAP awarded the CX-9 its maximum five-star safety rating in 2016. Advanced driver-assist systems in the Azami extend to front and rear autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, traffic sign recognition, high-beam assist, driver attention alert, surround-view cameras and front and rear parking sensors.

All grades are powered by a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, which produces 170kW of power and 420Nm of torque. With a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission as standard, Mazda claims the CX-9 consumes 91 RON petrol at 8.4L/100km (FWD) or 9.0L/100km (AWD) during a combination of urban and highway driving.

Read the full 2021 Mazda CX-9 review

Mazda CX-9 2021: Azami (AWD)

Engine Type Turbo 4, 2.5L
Fuel Type Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency 8.8L/100km (combined)
Seating 7
Price From $36,630 - $43,560
Safety Rating

Pricing Guides

$35,127
Based on 75 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.
LOWEST PRICE
$24,990
HIGHEST PRICE
$49,475
Justin Hilliard

Head of Editorial

Justin Hilliard’s dad chose to miss his birth because he wanted to watch Peter Brock hopefully win Bathurst, so it figures Justin grew up to have a car obsession, too – and don’t worry, his dad did turn up in time after some stern words from his mum. That said, despite loving cars and writing, Justin chose to pursue career paths that didn’t lend themselves to automotive journalism, including a Bachelor of Arts with majors in International Studies and Criminology from Monash University. He eventually ending up working as a computer technician for Apple for four years. But that car itch just could not be scratched by his chipped Volkswagen Golf R (Mk7), so he finally decided to give into the inevitable and study a Master of Journalism at Monash University at the same time. And even with the long odds, Justin was lucky enough to land a full-time job as a motoring journalist with GoAuto and GoAuto Premium soon after graduating and the rest, as they say, is history. These days, Justin happily finds himself working at CarsGuide during the biggest period of change yet for the automotive industry, which is perhaps the most exciting part of all. In case you’re wondering, Justin begrudgingly sold the Golf R (sans chip) and still has plans to buy his dream car, an E46 BMW M3 coupe (manual, of course), but he is in desperate need of a second car space – or maybe a third. You can find Justin on LinkedIn. Education Bachelor of Arts | Monash University | 2010-2013 Master of Journalism | Monash University | 2015-2017 Featured Publications GoAuto | 2017-2019 GoAuto Premium | 2017-2019 CarsGuide | 2017-present
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$24,990
Lowest price, based on CarsGuide listings over the last 6 months.
For more information on
2021 Mazda CX‑9
See Pricing & Specs

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