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The second-generation Mazda CX-9 may have been on sale in Australia for nearly five years now, but it remains the second best-selling large SUV using unibody construction (as opposed to old-school, off-road-focused body-on-frame).
That said, it is getting on a bit, so Mazda’s given it an update with a twist for 2021, hoping to inject a little bit more life into its flagship model.
And when we say twist, we mean it. After all, who would’ve thought there’d ever be a six-seat CX-9? Well, we’ve checked it out to see if it’s the version we needed all along. Read on.
If you love the Isuzu D-Max ute but need some extra boot space and seating for the family, then the MU-X is your ride. It's roughly the same price, so you don't feel like you're getting stung for needing those extra features, either.
It's got some competition with the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and new Ford Everest, as well as the Toyota Fortuner, but the four-wheel-drive capabilities and family friendly interior means the MU-X more than holds its own.
I'm beginning to understand why Isuzu doesn't bother having any more than two horses in its stable...
The CX-9 is still a great option for families looking for a large SUV, even if it is starting to show its age as new rivals continue to launch with newer technologies.
That said, the availability of a luxury-focused six-seat configuration (Azami LE AWD) for the first time might be enough to convince some buyers to give it further consideration.
But for others who need the versatility of seven seats, this is still the CX-9 we’ve all come to know and love – but just a little bit better – particularly in its best-selling Azami AWD form.
Isuzu has proven that you don't need a lot of horses in the stable to get things right and the MU-X 4x4 LS-T is a horse I can back. It offers kid-friendly growing space, a roomy interior for parents and a powerful engine. It also has just enough creature comforts to make it competitive against its rivals but I would have liked to have seen a few more scattered throughout for the price tag, especially in that third row. While the driving is pretty solid, the ride isn't as refined as it could be, but my family really enjoyed the MU-X this week and it earns a solid 8.0/10 from us.
Given its latest update is relatively minor, the CX-9’s exterior largely looks the same as before, which, depending on your point of view, is a very good thing. As far as we’re concerned, it certainly is.
That said, train-spotters will notice some differences, with the GT SP (new), Azami and Azami LE (new) grades getting a refreshed grille that’s slotted and available in two grade-specific finishes unlike the insert their carryover Sport, Touring and GT siblings still have.
And aside from the GT SP, Azami and Azami LE’s new sets of 20-inch alloy wheels (again in grade-specific finishes), the only other exterior change is the Azami and Azami LE’s larger-diameter chrome exhaust tailpipe extensions. Sporty!
Inside, the CX-9 has more changes in store, headlined by the new ‘floating’ 10.25-inch central display all but the Sport and Touring get (they stick with 7.0- and 9.0-inch units respectively).
The new set-up is powered by Mazda’s latest multimedia system, which is certainly an improvement over its predecessor, and a much needed one at that.
Worth noting, touch is not an input method, with the rotary controller on the centre console the only option, which is actually great for safety, so we’re all for it.
The Azami and Azami LE also get new quilted Nappa leather upholstery, which looks and feels great, and adds to the overall high-quality theme.
Otherwise, it’s pretty much business as usual, which is great because the CX-9 has always had a well-designed interior. Yep, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
At 1825mm tall, the MU-X has clear SUV proportions, but urban drivers need not stress because, at 4850mm long and 1870mm wide, it's still accommodating in a tight car park.
The nose is nicely tapered and accentuated by a large chrome grille with black highlights and sharp LED lights. It's very similar to its stablemate, the D-Max, but the addition of the ‘boot' doesn't compromise it's kerb-side appeal. There are no sharp blocky-looking edges on this and while handsome, it doesn't prance to announce its presence. There's a subtlety to it's styling that should see it age well.
The interior has soft touch points throughout that are mixed with a nice combo of trims to make it feel refined but it is let down by flimsy/plasticky sun visors and door panelling.
Being an SUV that’s 5075mm long, 1969mm wide and 1747mm tall, practicality is arguably the most important thing for the CX-9, and with the option of six seats for the first time with the new Azami LE, it’s even more versatile.
All seven-seat grades have a 60/40 split-fold second row that manually slides and reclines the same as before, with only the Sport missing out on one-touch tumble operation, which makes accessing the 50/50 split-fold third row even easier, even if it’s still not graceful.
But the six-seat Azami LE is configured differently, given its second row has two captain’s chairs instead of a bench. That said, it operates in a very similar manner, just with power adjustment.
I still had around eight centimetres of legroom and four of legroom behind my 184cm (6'0") driving position, while the large transmission tunnel that’s a foot-space issue in seven-seat versions... isn’t.
One key difference with the very roomy and comfortable Azami LE is it only has four top-tether child-seat anchorage points, while all other grades have five thanks to their extra seat. Either way, four ISOFIX child-set anchorage points are split across the second and third rows.
Alternatively, the third row can be used by adults on shorter journeys, although they won’t have a lot of space to enjoy. Again, I'm 184cm tall and it’s tight back there, with no headroom or legroom on offer, but children will, of course, fare much better.
The CX-9’s boot is still pretty usable with all three rows in action, with 230L of cargo capacity available, but you can stow the two rear seats to get 810L in total.
And if you want maximum cargo capacity, the middle seats can also be folded, but not in the Azami LE, annoyingly.
Either way, the CX-9 doesn’t have a load lip but does have a flat floor, so loading bulkier items is a cinch, while two bag hooks and four tie-down points are on hand for securing loose items if they can’t fit in the double map pockets on the front seat backrests.
There are two cupholders in the third row, another two in the second row’s fold-down armrest (seven-seater versions) or large centre console (Azami LE), and another two in the first row’s larger centre console, while the front and rear door bins can also take bottles – and other knick-knacks.
All grades get USB ports in the first row, while the Touring and above also have them in the second row, and the GT and above also feature them in the third row. It’d be nice if there was no differentiation, though.
The interior is roomy with decent leg and headroom available to front and middle-row passengers. The side steps made it easy for my six-year old to get in and out without my help (always a plus) and the high ride ensured a good view for him this week.
Storage throughout is adequate for an SUV of this size but the middle console and drink bottle holders could be a little deeper and wider. The double glovebox and hidden retractable cupholders in the dashboard are a highlight, though.
There are enough creature comforts in the front and middle rows to satisfy individual family members, however, I was disappointed that there is only one USB-A port up front and no wireless charging pad. But the second row gets two USB-A ports, which should help with staying charged up on a road trip.
As far as third-row amenities go, it's a bit lean and tall adults will complain about the space, but it was fine for my 168cm height (5ft6). It's easy to climb back there because of the tumble-fold function of the middle row and the multiple grab handles.
I always like to have a powered tailgate and the level load space of the boot made it very easy to slide gear in and out this week. The boot is very practical with 311L of space available when all rows are in use but you can bump that up to a massive 1119L when the third row is flat. You can also knock it up again to a whopping 2138L with all back seats are folded down, if you need it.
Impressively, you also get a full-size spare tyre too.
The 9.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system is easy to use once you get used to it and the built-in satellite navigation was a plus. It has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and it was simple to get the connection going but it did take a few minutes for the CarPlay to kick in once you started the car up. I prefer to see a 360-degree view camera on large SUVs like this but the reversing camera in the MU-X is adequate and clear.
The CX-9 has become more expensive, with some grades up a little, while others are up a lot. The range now starts from $45,990, plus on-road costs, and reaches $73,875 (see pricing table below), but there is more standard equipment now.
Either way, two new grades have joined the now-comprehensive CX-9 line-up, bringing the total to six, with the new GT SP slotting in above the mid-range GT but below the previously flagship Azami, which is now bettered by the new Azami LE.
The entry-level Sport and Touring round out the line-up, with each grade coming with front-wheel drive as standard, although all-wheel drive is an expensive $4000 option for all but the Azami that instead asks for a $4435 premium, and the Azami LE which gets it as standard.
Features-wise, the Sport gets dusk-sensing LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 18-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, a 7.0-inch central display, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, digital radio, a six-speaker sound system, a head-up display, three-zone climate control and black cloth upholstery.
While the Touring has the same 18-inch alloy wheels, it steps up with keyless entry, a 9.0-inch central display, paddle-shifters (new), power-adjustable front seats with heating, and black leather upholstery.
The GT goes even further with 20-inch alloy wheels, a hands-free power-operated tailgate, a sunroof, the aforementioned 10.25-inch central display (new), a 12-speaker Bose sound system, a wireless smartphone charger (new) and heated outboard middle seats.
As its name suggests, the new GT SP is the sportier version of the GT, adding a unique black finish to its 20-inch alloy wheels and side-mirror caps as well as burgundy leather upholstery and red stitching for just $500 more.
Meanwhile, the Azami has 20-inch alloy wheels with a bright finish (new) as well as adaptive LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, a 7.0-inch multifunction display, a heated steering wheel and 'Pure White' or 'Walnut Brown' quilted Nappa leather upholstery (new).
And finally, the new Azami LE mimics the Azami but replaces its middle bench with two power-adjustable captain’s chairs with heating and cooling plus a dedicated centre console, so six seats in total instead of the usual seven.
Also of note, the CX-9 has a new metallic paintwork option: 'Polymetal Grey', which helps it stand out from the crowd.
For reference, the CX-9’s rivals include the soon-to-be-replaced Toyota Kluger ($44,850 to $68,574) and the recently launched facelifted Hyundai Santa Fe ($43,990 to $61,660) and new-generation Kia Sorento ($45,850 to $63,070).
2021 Mazda CX-9 pricing before on-road costs
I've been driving the top-spec MU-X LS-T grade and it's priced at $67,400 before on-road costs. Isuzu currently has a national drive-away offer of $65,990 on this grade. It sits right in the middle being almost $5K more expensive than the Pajero Sport but $10K cheaper than the Everest.
The price tag for the LS-T doesn't seem outrageous given the solid features list. A few highlights include the very comfortable leather seats, heated front seats and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are some steel plate guards that provide extra underbody protection for those wanting to go off-road – I didn't go off the paved stuff but check out Crafty's comparison review that will be published on the Easter long weekend for the 4WD specs.
The vehicle I tested is also fitted with an optional tow bar kit and electronic brake controller, which adds $2079 to the price tag, but they're a handy addition for any true adventuring family.
All CX-9 grades are powered by a carryover 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, which produces 170kW of power at 5000rpm and 420Nm of torque at 2000rpm.
A six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission is standard, and again, you get the option of front- or all-wheel drive for all grades but one, the AWD-only Azami LE.
If you’re after a diesel-powered seven-seater, Mazda also has the similarly sized CX-8 in its line-up, but it still doesn’t offer a hybrid option in any of its SUVs, even though many rivals are moving in that direction, including the aforementioned Kluger, Santa Fe and Sorento.
All MU-X models share the same 3.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine but it perfectly complements the 4WD system. With a maximum output of 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque, most weekend adventures can be pursued. It also doesn't feel like you're digging deep for that power, which is great.
The six-speed auto transmission is surprisingly smooth but occasionally the pick-up isn't super quick when you're going from a standstill. It can feel heavy in that situation but I was still confident when I had to cut across city traffic, so it wasn't a major bother.
According to the official combined fuel consumption figures (ADR 81/02), FWD variants of the CX-9 sip 8.4 litres per 100km, which isn’t too bad for a petrol-powered large SUV that weighs just shy of 1900kg. Claimed carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are 197 grams per km.
And given they weigh a whisker more than two tonnes, AWD versions of the CX-9s drink a slightly higher 9.0L/100km and emit 211g/km.
We covered 188km in the Azami AWD and Azami LE AWD at the CX-9’s launch and recorded 11.5L/100km after primarily driving on country roads and highways.
While that figure is nearly 30 per cent higher than Mazda's claim, it’s not outlandish considering the type of vehicle the CX-9 is. Either way, results will vary.
For reference, AWD variants have a slightly large fuel tank (74L) than their FWD counterparts (72L), but they all take more affordable 91RON petrol at minimum.
The official combined fuel cycle is 8.3L/100km. Real-world testing saw my figure at 7.7L. I've been doing a good mix of open-road and urban driving this week, so I think that's very respectable for the size of this car.
The MU-X has an 80L fuel tank with an approximate driving range of 900km.
As far as large SUVs go, the CX-9 is one of the better ones to drive. It’s certainly not confused; it knows what it needs to do and does it well.
The engine is properly punchy down low, serving up plenty of initial torque, so much so that you rarely need to chase its top-end power. In that way, it’s very diesel-like, despite being petrol. Needless to say, acceleration is surprisingly brisk. Not bad, then!
And the transmission it’s matched to also does its job well. Gear changes are pleasingly smooth, if not quick, while it's receptive to heavy applications of the accelerator, kicking down a ratio or two with little hesitation. Yep, don’t bother with its Sport mode.
The CX-9 also rides pretty well thanks to its independent suspension set-up, which consists of MacPherson-strut front and multi-link rear axles with passive dampers. Indeed, the kids aren’t going to be upset when they’re onboard.
Again, we mainly drove on country roads and highways, but it proved to be comfortable, particularly at high speed. And even during those rare, in-town, low-speed moments, it still impressed, on lower-quality roads or not.
And while the CX-9’s electric power steering is well-weighted, some buyers might be left wishing it was a tad lighter, especially when parking, but that’s more about personal preference than anything else.
What is more universal, though, is the system’s lack of feel. Obviously, we’re not dealing with a sports car here, but a little communication through the wheel wouldn’t go astray, particularly on a twisty road.
Speaking of which, the CX-9 handles its mass pretty confidently around a corner. That said, while it is relatively tied down, it still regularly exhibits a fair degree of body roll to remind you that you’re dealing with a large SUV.
Overall, I've enjoyed driving this. The engine has enough grunt to make you feel you can handle most situations and despite being a turbo-diesel, it's not super loud in the cabin. You do notice a fair bit of wind noise, though.
The only real drawback to the driving experience has been the ride comfort. I'm a fan of the D-Max and feel it outruns its stablemate in this area. I'm not sure if it's the suspension or tyres but you feel a lot of the bumps in the road.
The high driving position and the visibility out of the windows has been fantastic and helps make up for the ride quality. The steering is firm and direct, making this feel like a smaller car than it is and that's a nice feeling to have in a large SUV.
It's not a beast to park either and you'll be comfortable navigating your local shopping centre car park.
ANCAP awarded the CX-9 its maximum five-star safety rating in 2016, and despite the test occurring nearly five years ago, its results still stand.
Needless to say, the game has moved on, with the Santa Fe and Sorento recently resetting the standard, while the Kluger is soon to follow suit.
The CX-9 does, however, get front and side airbags as well as curtain airbags that cover all three rows, whereas the Santa Fe and Sorento only cover the first and second rows.
All grades of the CX-9 also get 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 and driver attention alert.
A reversing camera and rear parking sensors are also standard in all grades, but the Touring and above add front parking sensors, while the Azami and Azami LE also get surround-view cameras.
The safety list is extensive with standard features including LED daytime running lights, automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection (operational from 8-160km/h), forward collision warning, lane departure alert, lane keeping aid, emergency lane keeping aid, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert (always good to have), reversing camera, and front and rear parking sensors.
I like that it has traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control, too. It just takes some of the mundane thinking out of a long trip.
The MU-X was recently awarded a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2022 and it has eight airbags, which include a drivers' knee airbag, curtain airbags covering the third row and the newer front centre airbag.
There are ISOFIX child seat mounts on the outboard seats in the middle row and three top tether anchor points. The middle row is wide enough that, with the right child seats, you should be able to fit three side by side. There is enough room for front occupants when a 0-4 rearward facing child seat is installed.
As with all Mazda models, the CX-9 comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with five years of roadside assistance, both of which are average when compared to Kia’s market-leading seven-year terms with ‘no strings attached’.
Service intervals are 12 months or 10,000km, with the distance on the shorter side, although capped-price servicing is available for the first five visits, costing $2022 in total at the time of the writing, which is very reasonable.
This comes with a six-year/150,000km warranty, but it is usual to see an unlimited kilometre term in this class.
The MU-X comes with a seven-year capped-priced servicing plan and services are competitively priced at an average of $527. Servicing intervals are reasonable at every 12 months or every 15,000km, whichever occurs first.