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2.12.2020

Signature Achievement: The 2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD

Front 3/4 view of 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.


Rear 3/4 view of 2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD

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

Engine in 2020 Mazda CX-9

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.

Rear hatch open on 2020 Mazda CX-9

Interior view of 2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD

Rear seat in 2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD

Front seats in 2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD

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.
Instrument panel in 2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD

Gauge cluster in 2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD

Infotainment and HVAC in 2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD

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.

Front view of 2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD

Rear view of 2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD

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.