2019 Mazda CX-9 vs 2020

What's the difference?

The CX-9 is Mazda's big, SUV flagship and it has been updated with more cool tech, better safety features, better handling and real wood. Yup, you read that right: real wood. There's also been a price rise on this seven-seater.

You did know it was a seven-seater, right?  And not all seven-seat SUVs are the same. There are off-road capable ones which can be as uncomfortable as a tank on city streets. Then there are those that feel like giant, cushy lounge rooms that handle like a ship really and are just big cars so you better not take them off road. There are others which say they're seven-seaters but in reality those extra two seats in the third row are just for kids – and even then you'd only put your least favourite ones back there. So, what's the Mazda CX-9 then?

That's what this review is all about and by the end of it you'll know if this new Mazda CX-9 the right seven-seater for you.

Tell you what, there's rarely a dull moment in this gig. Well, you might think this is terribly dull, but jumping from the newest Mazda, the CX-30, to the big fella CX-9 was an interesting experience. 

Probably not for the obvious reasons - the CX-9 is Mazda's largest SUV, with seven-seats and the company's powerful 2.5-litre turbo. It's interesting because the CX-9 signalled the start of Mazda's current generation design, with it's slim headlights, simpler surfacing and truly excellent interior.

The CX-9 is probably more than halfway through its lifecycle now, so moving back to the start of the design shift made for some interesting observations.

And due to its age, Mazda's insights over the last few years meant a little re-jig of the range, with the Azami LE disappearing and the plain-old Azami taking over at the top of the of the offerings.