Mazda CX-9 2020 Review

In Malaysia's current mid-to-large 7-seater SUV market, there are not many options that balance family practicality and driving experience. Most products either lean towards rugged off-roading or compromise on features. The 2020 Mazda CX-9 2.5 SkyActiv-G Turbo 4WD aims to break through in this niche market with its core selling points of "luxurious family use + precise handling." In this test drive, we focus on the practicality of its 4WD system, the performance of its 7-seat layout, as well as the balance between power and fuel efficiency to see if it can truly meet multi-scenario demands.

From the exterior, the CX-9 4WD retains Mazda's signature Kodo design language, with smooth and muscular lines overall. The front shield-shaped grille, paired with chrome trim and connected to the LED headlights on both sides, is highly recognizable; the waistline along the vehicle extends from the front to the rear, paired with 20-inch multi-spoke wheels, making it look elongated and stable. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a smoked finish, while the dual-exhaust tailpipes on each side add a touch of sportiness. Notably, its minimum ground clearance reaches 220mm, which is higher than some of its class competitors, giving it a certain advantage in off-road capability.

Sitting inside, the first impression is the quality of the interior materials—extensive use of soft leather wraps on the dashboard and door panels, complemented by metal trims, creates an overall luxurious atmosphere. The central control area features a minimalist layout, with a 9-inch touchscreen positioned at the top of the dashboard. The operational smoothness is decent, though driving relies more on the physical buttons on the steering wheel to avoid distractions. In terms of features, the 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and 6-way power-adjustable passenger seat offer excellent support, making long trips comfortable. The tri-zone automatic climate control allows for independent adjustments for front and rear rows, and the rear rows are equipped with air vents and USB ports. The HUD head-up display shows information such as speed and navigation, enhancing driving convenience. The 12-speaker audio system delivers clear sound quality, meeting daily music needs.

Space performance is key for a 7-seater SUV, and the CX-9 4WD, with a wheelbase of 2930mm, meets expectations. The front row is spacious, with a 180cm passenger able to sit with a fist's worth of headroom left. The second-row seats can slide forward and backward and adjust the backrest angle, with legroom up to two fists. The central tunnel is almost completely flat, so even three people can sit comfortably. The third row is relatively compact, more suitable for passengers under 165cm or children, fine for short trips but may feel cramped on long journeys. In terms of storage, the trunk offers a volume of 230L in standard configuration, sufficient for two carry-on suitcases. Folding down the third row significantly expands the volume, making it easy to carry larger items. Additionally, interior storage spaces, such as door pockets and the center armrest box, add practicality.

In terms of performance, the 2.5T turbocharged engine delivers a maximum power of 230PS, with peak torque available at 2000rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. For daily driving, the start is smooth, the throttle responsive, and it handles city traffic or overtaking with ease. Switching to Sport mode, the transmission holds gears longer, and power delivery becomes more direct, instilling confidence during highway acceleration or overtaking. The performance of the 4WD system is worth mentioning; on wet or slightly rough roads, the system quickly distributes power between the front and rear wheels, significantly improving vehicle stability. However, for intense off-road conditions, its urban-focused design makes attempting complex recovery scenarios less suitable.

The handling and chassis performance are the highlights of the CX-9. The steering is precise with minimal play, and you can clearly feel the dynamic feedback of the body when cornering. The front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension are tuned for comfort while maintaining a certain level of support—when driving over speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension filters out most of the vibrations, making the ride comfortable for passengers. The body roll is well-controlled during cornering, keeping the vehicle stable. As for fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 9.2L/100km. During the actual test drive, it was around 11L in congested urban conditions and dropped to 8L on highways. For a 7-seater SUV weighing 2 tons, this performance is slightly above average.

The driving comfort details are well-handled; the vehicle effectively reduces tire noise and wind noise, ensuring a quiet cabin even at high speeds. The seat padding is soft yet supportive, and the comfort level of the second-row seats is close to that of the front row. The integration of the engine start-stop technology is smooth, without noticeable vibrations. However, it should be noted that the reclining angle of the third-row seats is not adjustable, which may cause some discomfort during long journeys.

In conclusion, the core advantages of the 2020 Mazda CX-9 2.5 SkyActive-G Turbo 4WD are clear: more precise handling than the Toyota Highlander in the same class, more luxurious interior materials, and a practical all-wheel-drive system. In terms of configurations, features such as a 360-degree panoramic camera, automatic parking, and HUD head-up display are all standard, offering better value for money compared to some imported competitors. However, it does have its weaknesses, such as the compact third-row space and slightly higher fuel consumption compared to the 2WD version.

This vehicle is more suited for family users who value driving quality—it offers 7-seat space to accommodate the whole family without sacrificing driving pleasure. For occasional use on unpaved roads or rainy-day commutes, the all-wheel-drive system provides extra assurance. If you prioritize extreme third-row space, you may need to consider larger models; however, for daily urban commuting and weekend family trips, the CX-9 4WD is a well-balanced option.

Overall, the 2020 Mazda CX-9 2.5 SkyActive-G Turbo 4WD is a "well-rounded" 7-seater family SUV. It strikes a good balance between space, features, handling, and comfort, making it a suitable choice for most Malaysian families who value quality of life.