2021 Mazda CX-9 LE review: 6 seat luxury version! The luxxest sub $80k SUV in 2021?

[@aloksharma4866]

I bought this Mazda CX-9 Azami last December. This is my third Mazda. I am really in love with the car, love the interior and the whole driving experience is mind blowing. With our small kid, there is a lot of space for all his accessories. Would recommend it

[@davidrome6066]

If I needed a big family wagon a CX9 would be on the top of the list. Great review and Mazda’s monster still looks great for its age.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks and agreed!

[@ji9starrz]

still does look pretty good for a design from 2016.

[@CarExpertAus]

Agreed!

[@AristotelisMitsiou]

Arguably better than most modern cars let alone SUVs

[@JakeMartin94]

the problem is it looks 2016 which IMO is not what you want when you buy a car in 2021, the Kia Sorento as probably the best exterior on the market ATM.

[@jamesloganarcher]

@@JakeMartin94 I disagree. I think both the Kia and the Hyundai look dated already, and they're both brand new. I would have expected to see those exterior designs a good 3 to 4 years ago. I'll admit the CX-9 doesn't necessarily look brand new or ground-breaking, but for me it definitely looks fresher than most other SUVs in the segment.

[@tbone5654]

@@JakeMartin94 Sorento taillights look dated.

[@tm92489]

Great no-BS review! Thank you for treating viewers as an intelligent species, unlike most other KZbin reviewers.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for watching!

[@superinformative3136]

I'm a massive fan of Mazda - I own a Mazda 2 myself. It's easy to see why they are so popular, because they're affordable premium cars. I appreciate that you can have a low-end Mazda look the same as a top-spec version. It's like the range all looks good and you don't get the short end of the stick on visual quality. That's why it's the 2020 Consumer Car Brand of the Year.

[@jaggi00]

Bought cx9 Azami yesterday Only flaw i saw was touch screen. But I found it good . Over all very satisfied with how it looks and interior ❤

[@ianbrown4242]

I think Mazda's design language is sensational. Still looks distinctive and modern.

[@gixxr88]

Cx9 has definitely stood the test of time, still looks very stylish without trying to hard, driving dynamics are excellent and some of the best standard safety features in class

[@SurenGiri]

Love how he’s got both Woolies and Coles water bottles. 😂 Very diplomatic

[@scotthoward5114]

The CX-9 is still a great-looking and classy looking car, without screaming “look at me”! I don’t think the lack of a grade-defining badge to be a drawback.

[@pratapp]

The speed of those second row electric seats makes me wish it had manual seats!

[@CarExpertAus]

True! They’re damn slow.

[@jettburmester1613]

you wouldn't want it to be pouring down with rain waiting for the screaming kids to hop in the back dripping wet!!!

[@neosoviet502]

Maybe just get the normal Azami model

[@josefmprable]

mazda has always nailed their designs!

[@Nebs1]

Love these reviews. You show us features that most other reviewers don’t.

[@premkumarveneer5772]

Please do a comparison with the new Toyota kluger hybrid that’s coming out in Australia

[@MrSCRIBR]

Great review. Just put money down on one last week (due mid May), so appreciate the detailed review

[@onelejongihlathi9532]

Dude you've been scarce lately thank god you're back🙂

[@karanminhas1]

Love Mazda, I am in Nz and have a CX-8, I just love the car performance. Please do a review on new CX-8.

[@pierceyu4546]

Same here! I love my CX8 and I'm from the Philippines!

[@terenceting26]

Still looks good. For non enthusiasts you can tell them this is the all new design for the 2022 model year and they'll believe it. Can't say the same for the 2016 CRV or Kluger though. Mazda can continue to use this design for another decade if the competition is catching up at their current pace in the design department.

[@pre9jm]

I own the last generation version (AWD GT) Pros: Handling (Eeven with a full load compared to other SUVs), interior (simple and clean), build quality, sound system, ground clearance, reliable, power (v6), air con (living in middle east), boot space, seat comfort Cons: noise insulation, ruff on crap roads, no third row air con vents, old navigation style system. I'd go for the new one in a heart beat if I could.

[@zachsaw78]

Did you get any torque steer coming out of a youi if you punch the accelerator hard? I tested the FWD version and the torque steer was enough to put me off and there are reports from owners of AWD that they also experience the same torque steer and slippage. It doesn't seem that the AWD system engages all that much especially in dry conditions to dial out the torque steer.

[@tellyawhatmate]

Massive torque steer and wheel spin especially on 98 oct The rear diff in ours sht itself, mazda warranty replaced it at 90k

[@yvy2959]

Nontouch screen will keep the screen fingerprint-free. Also, if everyone use the touch screen while they are driving, then it's no different from using the phone while driving, I wonder if it will lead to a change in the law for drive safety in the future. I just bought 2021 CX9 Azami (7 seat version), and in fact, you can use your phone to type in the address for Google Map when your phone is connected with Android Auto, which I think it's way easier to type on the screen. Of course, i can still use voice recognition and Google will help with the rest.

[@dwade3202]

Cant wait to see the inline 6 diesel engines for 2022 from mazda. When everyone is downsizing, mazda goes big balls

[@HughRussell06]

I wish Mazda did touchscreens with their infotainment systems

[@ld9387]

They say they don't do it because it's distracting.

[@andrewmihaleff]

You get used to it pretty quickly though, at least we have. For me, trying to locate a position on a touchscreen on the move is pretty difficult in comparison to using the buttons and dial.

[@HughRussell06]

@@andrewmihaleff yeah I get that but they should have both options like mzd connect but have the touchscreen work all of the time instead of only when the car is at a complete stop

[@marnuscoreyempanadaslooseb6760]

Why? I have only the option of IDrive in my 2011 BMW 323i and it’s a whole lot better and you don’t have to take your eyes of the road. While I would like to have the option of both and the touchscreen I had in my old car (2013 Holden Caprice V 6.0L V8) worked well, I still think it’s better to have the rotary dial.

[@aaronm2742]

Its so looooonngg...great review as always!

[@2ChannelAudio]

Mazda providing only single key because of chip shortage?

[@robharper7485]

Gday Paul, as an owner of a 2018 CX9 this update doesn’t justify upgrading. I did get apple CarPlay added onto mine a while back and that has been enough of an upgrade. Overall I have loved the car and the ownership experience has been great, I would not hesitate to recommend the brand’s product and service.

[@stewartmarler1416]

Fellow CX9 owner here and echo those sentiments. Would be nice if AA and Car play were retrofitted as a goodwill gesture, but it was still cheaper than buying a new car. As I see it, the changes over the years amount to a bigger screen, 360-degree camera, USBs in the third row, slightly different seat folding mechanism, radar cruise on our GT level and a few other minor things. All good things, but definitely not worth taking the 25-30k depreciation hit to replace.

[@louisbosco3536]

am I the only one that prefers command knobs over touch screen? they're easier and more intuitive, more of using muscle memory and less of taking your eyes off the road compared to touchscreens

[@marnuscoreyempanadaslooseb6760]

Agreed, why can’t they just give us both?!

[@simoncouch1523]

Another wicked review, thank you

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks mate!

[@chengchiwo]

Cx-9 inside out doesn’t look like a 5 years old car as good design ages well. It may not be the best in terms of space, drivetrain, technology or features but you won’t have much complaints once you sat down, fe it and drove it on road. The current generation comes out in 2016 and is still held up well against its rivals. Did a test drive two weeks ago and we love it. I didn’t expect such minimum body roll to be found on this big suv when cornering - been sat on a few other Japanese brands suv and last gen BMW X5 basic model, they are terrible in this area. It’s also quiet on road and up to European standards. Engine note is well-suppressed and not being annoying, while gear shifting is smooth, better than those with cvt. In terms of spacing, it’s really good for front and 2nd row, spacious. 3rd row is adequate for my family need. But considering next gen is coming soon, we go with the touring model for about AUD 50k. At this price point it’s a good bargain. Before buying decision I did ask around and few friends of mine own Mazda currently. They highly recommended Mazda and have no issues with their cars. Korean rivals are getting competitive and aggressive, but in terms of styling, to me it’s not as good. I do like the look of Kia Sorento but for interior - by looking at the two vertical air vent and button next to infotainment screen, to me it’s a let down. Hyundai got the best interior though and is similar to Genesis. But I also read somewhere that their air bag doesn’t cover third row and the quality control is not as good. Toyota is famous on its reliability, spacing and its hybrid technology. But firstly hybrid does add up the cost and secondly, the new kluger doesn’t look and drive as good.

[@forandroid3582]

Hey Jeffrey, I am considering a cx9 touring as well. Did you manage to get one for AUD 50K incl. on road costs or was it excl. Thanks

[@dylanmpendaga2255]

hello Paul, I would like you to do a review on the Audi A8L please

[@asankagunarathne6359]

Hi Paul are you planning on doing CX 8 review anytime soon ? Especially the new 2.5 petrol version.

[@indetailcarcaresolutions3770]

You’re off the mark with the infotainment critic Paul. Not touching the screen means no fingerprints (once you get use to it) and it becomes second nature once you’re use it. I wouldn’t go back to a touch screen again if I could help it. Lloyd

[@ld9387]

I wish this car was available in South Africa. CX-5 is as big as it gets here

[@CarExpertAus]

Oh wow - we also have the CX-8 in between!

[@Lesiba2]

The reason would be market feasibility. Manufacturers produce cars which make financial sense for certain countries and what the consumers buy. If you brought the cx9 to South Africa and its direct competition is the Toyota land cruiser or BMW x5 and Audi Q7, that means Mazda would have to offer their product at an extremely low price and extended mileage warranty in order for them to compete with the products I mentioned. And Mazda did have a CX-7 which was discontinued due to poor sales. So in my opinion, other modules will never set foot in the country

[@ji9starrz]

@@Lesiba2 no way they would be direct competitors. The CX-9 is barely a luxury car, it’s premium at best - suited for middle-class families. X5, Q7, Land Cruiser etc are all luxury vehicles belonging in another segment and targeted and different consumers.

[@jerrymyahzcat]

@@ji9starrz different class entirely (although Land Cruiser isn’t luxury - premium at best in top trim).

[@ld9387]

@@Lesiba2 CX-9 would simply compete with Santa Fe and Sorento. Like how the CX-5 competes with Tuscon and Sportage. But not X5/Q7.

[@martinbrock4394]

Reading about how hard and uncomfortable the driver and front passenger seats are and have been for years makes me leery to invest big $ into a car with uncomfortable seats

[@harisytube]

Another superb review, I am on the edge of choosing CX9 over the all new Kluger Hybrid ....would love to hear your thoughts (ppl)

[@winson5551]

Get the cx9. Kluger is for taxis

[@gixxr88]

CX9 all day if you actually enjoy driving, Toyota obviously has the benefits of hybrid fuel efficiency, and that good old Toyota bulletproof and resale values, but the cx9 is just more fun and I personally would choose it over the Kluger

[@JamesZ888]

i notice in the usa the 2021 cx9 has a very subtle led light around the front chrome grill and here in aus its not there is it because the regulation forbidding it or something else

[@SheldonDSilva]

Yes James, the US model has the led light and it looks beautiful. Unfortunately the Australian models miss out on it. Not sure why though!! Even the Carbon Edition in the US gets a front camera but the equivalent GT SP grade here in Australia doesn't. Looks like we miss out on many features

[@JamesZ888]

@@SheldonDSilva such a shame though be really amazing if australia can just be on same par with other countries

[@CarExpertAus]

It’s a shame we miss those! They have it on a number or Mercedes-Benz models too!

[@yvy2959]

This happens to the other car brands too, the Palisade sell in Australia also missed a lot of features at a higher price compare to the US version. The current model of Palisade sell in Australia is in fact the old 2020 US model, and the US market is selling new facelifted 2021 model. So, by comparison, the Palisade in AUS is a bigger rip-off.

[@peace4myheart]

The problem with Mazda being a luxury brand is with the Mazda name itself. No matter how luxurious a Toyota is, everyone will think it is just a Toyota and not a Lexus. If Mazda is serious about jumping into the luxury brand, then have a separate brand just like Nissa/Infinit, Toyota/Lexus, Hyundai/Genesis.

[@shangyu2599]

They did back in the 90's and almost ended the brand

[@andrewedmonds8948]

Hi there I reckon it's just a lovely car to drive I've got a 2020 model GT and it's big enough for my four sets golf clubs and my wife's wheel chair.

[@CarExpertAus]

Love it!

[@sumatralex250]

It's an interesting way to produce various options, assessing the best ratio on development costs. Expanding cabin size to seek potential demands.

[@P.k.c781]

Can't believe it's bigger then a Palisade. I parked mine next to a Palisade and it looked scared.

[@jayanthbalakrishnan7043]

Hi Paul.Can you do a review of the Hyundai palisade?

[@CarExpertAus]

Coming soon!

[@crazydaysful]

Why is he complaining about the style of the Mazda Cx9, that he thinks it looks the same and needs to change - when the 2019 Mercedes up to the 2021 Mercedes looks the same too they just changed a little bit up on the grilling. But the Mazda has modified their grill also - it is a good looking car and I think some people are mad because it looks as good as the lexus and mercedes. I just wish the Cx9 was lifted off the ground a little more higher.

[@mrnicktoyou]

Do cooled seats actually work? I would love them for summer.

[@ld9387]

I've never felt cooled seats before

[@CarExpertAus]

Yes 😁 they’re not super cold but they stop you from sweating and needing to peel yourself off the seat.

[@davidrome6066]

I wish my Astina G25 had ventilated front seats to compliment the heated ones. I bet the fresh up that’s coming this year Mazda will add it. Oh well I’ve really enjoyed the last 18mths with it.

[@mrnicktoyou]

@@CarExpertAus perfect, thanks for the response. I think that's a big issue here in Australia with how hot it gets and leather seats. Back is always sticking.

[@jerrymyahzcat]

Cooled seats aren’t. They are just ventilated.

[@SachithraDeemantha]

Excellent review pal.. can you do a detailed review of mitsubishi triton & suzuki jimny?

[@charlied8456]

Surprised you missed those fog lights! Actually no I'm not... they're so small. Don't blame you.

[@seanxiong2455]

hey Paul, is the suspension of CX9 softer and more comfortable than XC90's?

[@CarExpertAus]

Yes definitely!

[@rel6294]

5:15 did you realize that the water is actually moving?

[@WaqasAsghar]

Great review as always. The CX9 is starting to show its age now as compared to its competitors like the sorento etc. it’s night time they should go for an upgrade

[@tylerhaines2023]

PAUL!!!! 2021 Kia Stinger GT Please! I hope you see this! I really want to see a review on one :D

[@CarExpertAus]

😅 spotted! We will try and get our hands on one.

[@tylerhaines2023]

@@CarExpertAus YES! thank you so much!!!! fingers crossed for a future video!

[@jackcalow2430]

so.... this begs the question what is the biggest glovebox you’ve ever seen?

[@erichyun6065]

I see a Hyundai Palisade in the background... any reviews coming for that car Paul?

[@anthonybrennan1075]

Hi Paul, another excellent review as always, but I have a gripe. As a CarExpert, could you please learn the difference between chrome, shadow chrome, matte, satin and gloss? I don't mean to be pedantic, but it does make you seem less of an expert. Otherwise you do a great job and cover areas of a car review that no one else does, such as the hardness test and pointing out the finer differences that occur due to an update. I'm looking forward to the next review!

[@farooqmuhammad8863]

can you make a comparison b/w fortuner and cx9 ?? or some other 7 seaters

[@timyang8328]

USB port can’t charge the iPhone only can keep the battery equal. I’m driven 2017 Azami cx9

[@rishigannamani7340]

Is that a palisade in the background. Can’t wait

[@kuyamojetd]

is it a isuzu underneath?

[@supporta]

Are you going to review the new Kluger?

[@tarquindinsdale3642]

Hi - what colour is the CX-9 in this review?

[@vettori8185]

This is just my opinion, so fanboys simmer down. The CX range on a whole feels like it’s fallen into that ‘Toyota’ range of cars. Gets the job done while remaining neutral without triggering any real emotion. Against it’s competitors it feels safe, but uninspired.

[@2001babualex]

Will you do the palisade

[@CarExpertAus]

Coming up shortly!

[@marnuscoreyempanadaslooseb6760]

Palisade is worse

[@marnuscoreyempanadaslooseb6760]

Also learn to use a question mark when writing a question

[@asimparvez399]

Hey Paul , which one you prefer , 2018 Toyota Prado GXl or 2018 Mazda Azami ?

[@blackcyborg009]

I think the biggest Right Hand Drive markets for the CX-9 are Australia and New Zealand (can someone confirm?) These two markets will dictate as to whether the replacement (aka Mazda CX-90) will be produced in Right Hand Drive. Also: Based on the new CX-60, would we see the following engines for the CX-90? - 2.5 SKYACTIV G with Plug-in Hybrid & - 3.3 liter six-cylinder Diesel Mild Hybrid :O

[@Zedikai7]

Can you get your hands and do a review on the MG HS PHEV

[@usmanzafar87]

Hey car expert team can you please do Suzuki Vitara - I know it’s not that popular but I took a test drive and looked promising - keen to know your thoughts

[@Luxuryxplayz]

Those cameras are very well hidden because when I went to buy the cx9 I did not even see them.

[@StellarJones]

To put it simply, new grille, new wheel, new infotainment screen, new seat trim. Sad they did bring back the burgundy red trim like the MY2019 Azami LE.

[@jimmy.christian]

Sorento should bring the 6 seater options to Aus

[@Garbo4973]

Third row access is really bad, imagine doing that in the pouring rain.

[@nope6786]

That’s exactly what I was thinking, but without that, you lose electrically operated second row seats. So good or bad, it evens each other out

[@absoluteloyalty9033]

I think the third row for any SUV is for special occasions when you need to give a lift to a stranger. So, convenience and access shouldn't be too important. I'd rather have the regular seats be more roomy than make it more convenient for the occasional person in the third row.

[@nope6786]

@@absoluteloyalty9033 but it's not for that, majority of the people who buy the cx9 are parents or people who often carry kids or more than 5 people at a time

[@larjkok1184]

@@absoluteloyalty9033 I’d only give a lift to people I know.

[@danielsulics711]

The only way to tell it is a top spec is the Madza logo which is made out of glass.

[@eminemme100]

Did they fix the problem of left arm bumping in to console ?

[@Grant0610]

We don’t get this in the UK. Not sure why. It looks good but bit claustrophobic in the back!

[@ABDO-xw9wm]

I have a 2012 cx9 it’s an excellent car only had an issue once with the brake booster , air isolation in it is not very good but other than that it’s a very good car

[@v10mclaren]

The second row captains chairs do fold flat. Not sure why you said they don’t. Otherwise great review

[@CarExpertAus]

How do they fold flat? We couldn't figure it out.

[@v10mclaren]

@@CarExpertAus the top trim (and all trims) in North America comes with a latch behind the shoulder area of the seat. Rewatching this video, the Australian version doesn’t have that. Super odd. I wonder why it would be different in other regions? The 71 cubic feet of storage is very handy.

[@matthewwest1416]

2:02 I think the term you are after Paul is satin

[@jerrymyahzcat]

Ridiculous access to the 3rd row. Imagine it pouring with rain and needing to get 6 people in and you’re parked outside. Hopeless. Love electric but needs a manual quick access option. In the 3rd row is that 2 USBs either side as you said or two in total, one either side? You didn’t mention the fog lights (or are they turn illumination lights?) but they are tiny. Please would you review the Land Rover Discovery Sport 5+2 (7 seat) Petrol version?

[@onlyyougirl]

Hi, Could you review grantouring model for us ?

[@Grvmps]

The design may be getting on in years but it is still a nice looking vehicle. I really don't like they way the centre consoles open up, looks awkward by having to reach over to access.

[@kishorekumar359]

Hi Paul, Can you compare Carnival vs Honda Odyssey pls

[@radissimo1]

Carnival vs Palisade

[@AnarchistBogan]

Also worth mentioning there is no air con vents in the third row... wouldn’t want to be there in summer.

[@gurya]

Why no touch screen. I’m driving 2015 VW Jetta with touchscreen. Apple car play would be annoying without touchscreen

[@letsseeif]

Always wonder why the MAZDA US sales uptake is very small (compared with their population). Just looking at the Mazda Two is offputting for a start. On rear seats, the Palisade is my pick

[@wasdwasdwwasd]

Mazda is a bit player in most markets outside Australia and I suppose the inertia in the US is such that massive sales were never going to be likely. Overall it's unfortunate as the product is often very good.

[@reenachauriya4931]

Mazda two is a rebadged Yaris for poor economies that's not even sold in the US. What are you even saying ? Look at most of their self made cars.

[@letsseeif]

@@reenachauriya4931 this is Australia we're talking. Not Patagonia.

[@reenachauriya4931]

@@letsseeif everything costs more in Australia so there are alot of economy options that are not available in Europe or America. kia Picanto is another example you'd have heard of. and if the competition is from that then the Mazda looks miles better.

[@kamals_eye]

The front has an aggressive look, which i like but the back looks like a generic curved back of a pathfinder or murano.

[@americomoreyra4095]

Buen video. Saludos de lima perú

[@PWCDN]

their cars are super solid for interior feel when compared to Toyota or Honda, although not my style on the exterior, hate the shape of their grill.

[@clarkedgarcarpentero5860]

Another mate yey ❤️

[@samfisher3336]

The build quality test has changed to: shaking the center console.

[@mq46312]

This design is approaching 10 years old now.

[@johnedds2327]

Obviously a top vehicle; I feel that the Mazda corporate grille is becoming overdone, and will in time date their vehicle range.A great alternative to the Euros.

[@MrJuicycreative]

2021 and no air suspension on a 70k car?

[@ColdSplash]

It is a shame that no panoramic sunroof still.

[@danielsulics711]

We have the GT model. I wouldn't upgrade not worth it. Not much has changed.

[@ben7020]

I'd expect a car like that to ride comfortable, I just want to drive around and be comfy. Too many cars such as tigwan r ride far too firm constantly annoying you day to day with its huge tyres hunting around

[@MrModikoe]

it's a very smart car....

[@Cust0mBuilder]

If you need to tell others how much you've spent on your car you should revaluate your priorities in life. Spending money just to convince others that you have a lot of money is a ridiculous concept.

[@jaykazama9132]

Sunroof is so 1990s. Panoramic roof is the era.. Captain chairs is what we needed in the market. However, this CX9 is outdated. Needs a new generation.

[@afrikengunner]

I think u mean pallasade not Santa fe

[@lukes5533]

Do people really want a badge to say mine is better than yours? You buy a car because that's the model you want , not because its better than the Jones

[@ioelubrown4587]

😅😅👍👍 To get to the 3rd row its a long process 😅

[@rean_akitec]

in Cambodia only 59000$ USD new year 2023

[@m14mclaren]

Still good looking