We can hear a lot of things about the next generation of Mazda’s flagship SUV. Of course, it’s mainly about the new engine and RWD platform but the same reports also suggest that the next generation won’t come that soon. Most likely, it will be ready for the 2023 model year, which clearly indicates that the 2022 Mazda CX-9 should carry on in the same. In other words, this will probably be the final production year of the current generation, which has been around since 2015.
As there are no bigger changes to come, we count on familiar characteristics. Despite the age, this crossover still has a lot of good things to offer. We like its styling, as well as the ride, which is pretty engaging for such a large SUV. Also, the engine offers a great balance between power and efficiency. Typically for Mazda, the interior quality is excellent, while the only major drawbacks are small cargo area and small cargo hold.
2022 Mazda CX-9 Redesign
The current generation of this crossover has been around since 2015. Since, we haven’t seen too many significant updates, at least not in terms of the styling. However, the current model still looks pretty impressive, thanks to Mazda’s gorgeous KODO design language. As we are talking about the final production year, most likely, we could see a few tweaks, particularly in terms of a new visual package or something similar. On the other hand, the overall styling will certainly remain untouched.
We don’t expect changes in terms of mechanics either. Simply, the current model still has a lot of things to offer, especially in terms of handling and ride quality in general. The initial model was great in this aspect, while things became even better with the 2019 model year, when Mazda updated the suspension. The CX-9 is still a class leader in this aspect, despite the age.
Interior
Another aspect where this crossover is still strong is the interior design. Typically for Mazda, the dashboard offers excellent build quality in a combination with simplistic but stylish design. The 2022 Mazda CX-9 should carry on in the same way, though minor tweaks are always possible.
The front seats are massive and supportive. Furthermore, we like the driving position, which isn’t too high but still provides excellent visibility. The second row is as spacious and accommodates adults pretty easily.
As we already mentioned, the two biggest drawbacks of this crossover are the third row and cargo area. We all know that most mid-size crossovers don’t feature too spacious third rows, but this model is really tight, even by the class standards. The same thing is with the cargo area. You may count on about 14.4 cubic feet of space with all the seats up, 38.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and a total of 71.2 cubic feet. Rivals are usually more generous with cargo space.
Features
Once again, it’s hard to expect bigger changes for the final production year. We presume that the list of standard equipment will remain pretty much the same. For reference, the current model comes standard with goodies like tri-zone climate control, a 10.3-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker stereo, two USB ports, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Additionally, you can get goodies like a moonroof, keyless entry, a navigation system, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless device charging, four more USB ports, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose stereo.
The same thing is with safety. We presume that all models will come standard with things like a rearview camera, you’ll get Mazda’s suite of safety features. Called iActivsense, this package bundles forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, there are upgrades like front and rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, a driver attention monitor, a surround-view parking camera system, and reverse automatic emergency braking.
2022 Mazda CX-9 Engine
Things under the hood will definitely remain the same. The 2022 Mazda CX-9 will use a familiar 2.5-liter turbo-four engine. It puts out 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque with regular gasoline. On the other hand, the power goes up to 250 horses and 320 pound-feet of torque if you use premium gasoline. In both cases, driving dynamics are pretty impressive, even if we consider that most rivals use V6 engines. Simply, the massive torque makes the difference.
The engine is powerful but also very efficient. You may count on about 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Those are some of the best ratings in the class.
2022 Mazda CX-9 Release Date and Price
We don’t believe that the 2022 Mazda CX-9 will arrive before the last quarter of the year. Also, we presume that the price will remain pretty much the same as for the current model, which starts at around 34.500 dollars. When it comes to competition, this segment is full of excellent models. Some of the class leaders are SUVs like Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot etc.
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