Signature Achievement: The 2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD

The 2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD.

Every time I get in a Mazda CX-9 (and fortunately for me, that has been at least once a year for several years now), I marvel at just how much of an achievement it is.  Here is a crossover SUV with gorgeous styling, a phenomenal interior, solid performance and only-in-a-Mazda handling---all at a reasonable if not downright inexpensive price for the size class and feature content.

First among the marvels---the performance possible from a small engine in a large vehicle:

That's a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, making what on paper may seem a so-so 227 horsepower, but the 310 pounds per foot of torque give it brisk acceleration off the line.  There's a six-speed automatic transmission that's silky-smooth, as is the CX-9's ride and handling, but it's a six-speed in an eight-speed world. 

Moving up to eight, nine or ten gears, like much of the competition, would improve fuel economy, which is still solid for its size class---an EPA-estimated 20 city/26 highway.

Even in top-of-the-line Signature trim, the starting price of the 2020 Mazda CX-9 is just $46,115, and here's what you get standard:

• All-wheel drive.
• 20-inch alloy wheels.
• 255/50R20 all-season tires.
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers.
• Fixed intermittent rear windshield wiper.
• Windshield wiper de-icer.
• Heated power mirrors with turn lamps.
• Auto-fold door mirrors.
• Rear privacy glass.
• Hands-free power liftgate.
• Power moonroof.
• Six passenger seating (the third row is folded down in the photo above).
• Nappa leather-trimmed seats (first and second row).
• Eight-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support.
• Driver seat memory with two positions.
• Six-way power front passenger seat.
• Heated and ventilated front seats.
• Heated second-row captain's chairs with center console.
• Tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls.
• Power automatic door locks.
• Push-button engine start.
• Mazda advanced keyless entry.
• Anti-theft engine immobilizer.
• Tire pressure monitoring.
• Blind spot monitoring.
• Lane departure warning system.
• Lane keep assist.
• Rear cross-traffic alert.
• Front and rear parking sensors.
• Four-wheel disc brakes.
• Electric power-assisted steering.
• Independent front and rear suspension.
• Front and rear stabilizer bars.
• G-Vectoring control plus.
• LED headlights with auto on/off.
• LED fog and daytime running lights.
• LED combination taillights.
• High beam control.
• Adaptive front lighting system.
• Body-colored rear roof spoiler.
• Roof-mounted shark fin antenna.
• Aluminum roof rails.
• LED lighting signature grille.
• Bright finish exhaust outlets.
• Nine-inch color touchscreen display.
• Active driving display with traffic sign recognition.
• Mazda Navigation System.
• Three-zone automatic climate control.
• 12-speaker Bose AM/FM/HDRadio audio system.
• Bluetooth.
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
• Auxilary jack.
• Six USB inputs.
• Auto-dim frameless rearview mirror with HomeLink.
• Rearview camera.
• Second-row window sunshades.
• Electronic parking brake.
• Carpeted floor mats.
• ABS with EBD and brake assist.
• Dynamic stability control.
• Traction control system.
• Trailer stability control.
• Smart brake support.
• Advanced smart city brake support.
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop&Go.
• 360-degree monitor.

Again, that's all standard for $46,115 and that's very nearly all there is.  Our tester had extra-cost Machine Gray paint ($300) and a cargo mat ($100) and that's it.

So, with $1,045 delivery processing and handling fee, the bottom line on the window sticker reads $47,560.

That is a staggering bargain.  We've loved the CX-9 a long time---and the 2020 model keeps the flame alive.