Mazda CX-9 Azami AWD SUV 2022 Review

Mazda CX-9 Azami – in the world of family SUVs the Mazda CX-9 sits in an unusual spot. With levels of interior luxury and comfort that rivals many European SUVs the CX-9 Azami is an AWD SUV that is designed for urban environment and family transport.

The Azami comes in a seven seat configuration and the LE comes with mid captain’s chairs with six seats.

Little things like the external mirrors dipping in reverse, wireless charging tray for smartphones, sumptuous Nappa leather seats, both heated and ventilated, with additional electronic lumbar support for the driver all make the interior comfortable

The large 10.25 inch central infotainment screen is controlled by a dial arrangement that is both convenient and inconvenient at the same time.

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Powered by a Skyactiv-G 2.5T turbocharged four- cylinder petrol engine that produces 170kW and 420 Nm from a relatively low 2000rpm. This is mated to an AWD system driven through a six speed AT. It’s a little thirsty though and we used around 10.4l/100k on our test. It all works well but is a little behind the competition now.

Driving the CX-9 around town is smooth and quiet, perfect for the school run. On the freeway it provides relaxed cruising with the slightest bit of wind noise from the mirrors.

All up the CX-9 Azami is well worth the drive. Priced from a bit under $71,000 plus the usual costs it’s a touch pricey though

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Also look at

• Hyundai Palisade
• Skoda Kodiaq
• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Peugeot 5008 GT
• Mazda CX-8
• Kia Sorento
• Toyota Kluger

Some other Mazda CX-9 Articles

• 1 – Mazda CX-9 Azami LE AWD SUV 2021 Review
• 2 – Mazda CX-9 Azami SUV 2019 Review
• 3 – 2019 Mazda CX-9 Update Launch Review
• 4 – 2019 Launch of new Mazda CX-9 Update

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

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More Mazda CX-9 Thoughts

What does the CX-9 look like?

Initial impressions are of a stylish up market SUV and that is exactly what it is.

The CX-9 is larger than you expect, the designers do a good job of slimming it down, but at over 5m long and 1749mm wide its a bit of a hefty SUV.

However Mazda gets the proportions right, from the familial bold grill through a sleek profile to the bulbous rear end that somehow seems to enhance an almost coupe like profile.

Running on 20 inch alloy wheels with 255/50 R20 tyres the wheel arches are full

CX-9 certainly has an imposing look that blends with the urban environment.

Is the CX-9 Azami comfortable inside?

Short answer is YES.

Front seats allow the occupants to sink into them. With multiple electronic adjustment, including lumbar, as well as heating and ventilation they will support for long trips.

There is just enough side thigh and waist bolster to cocoon those sitting.

In front of the driver is a heated thick leather steering wheel, height and reach adjustable, that circles the instrument binnacle. That is a three ring style that is somewhat unusual today, but works a treat. The steering wheel spokes have a touch of angularity about them

Driving position is comfortable even for those larger than the average bear like me and elbow resting makes for relaxed steering.

Even though there is a tray in front of the transmission controls, there isn’t a lot of little places to put things. Cupholders get filled quickly

I’m not a fan of the dial control for the infotainment system

It requires you wandering through the options rather than the simple touch screen system.

Windscreen washers work well,. Lights likewise and the auto highbeam has good calibration.

Rear seats have ample room for two and a third squeezed in between. There are rear seat heaters for the outer seats and controls with USB ports etc.

They slide forward for access to the third row. These are definitely in the realm of tots or very occasional and for short trips.

The seats third row seats have an electronic fold function and both back rows fold flat to allow practical configurations.

CX-9 Azami additional features

Additional features include

• HUD Active Driving Display,
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS),
• Apple® CarPlay™ and Android Auto™,
• front seat ventilation,
• 360° View Monitor,
• instrument panel-mounted seven-inch LCD TFT multi-information display,
• heated steering wheel,
• windscreen de-icer and
• a sleek, frameless internal rear-vision mirror.
• Mazda Connect infotainment system with 10.25-inch colour screen,
• as well as ‘Qi’ wireless smartphone charging functionality

CX-9 Engine and drivetrain

The CX-9 comes with the Skyactiv-G 2.5T turbocharged four- cylinder petrol engine. If you want a diesel you need to look at the CX-8.

This engine develops some 170kW of power at 5,000rpm with 420Nm torque peak available from only 2,000rpm. Mazda’s i-stop system intelligently stops the engine at rest, restarting it again once brake pedal pressure is relaxed, to maximise efficiency.

A six-speed torque converter automatic transmission is the perfect accompaniment to the Skyactiv-G 2.5T engine’s power delivery, while a choice of front-wheel drive or i-Active all- wheel drive options are available. The six speed works ok but there are so many better transmissions on the market now that this feels a little like old technology.

Combined fuel consumption sits at 8.4L/100km for front-wheel drive variants and 9.0L/100km for the all-wheel drive models. We used 10.4l/100k on our test.

What is the CX-9 like to drive?

It drives like what it is, a big luxury family SUV. You wont win any races nor will you become fully engaged in a twisty windy road. However it does offer a modicum of sporty feel.

Ride is smooth and compliant, soaking up the road irregularities and cruises beautifully on the freeway. Handling doesn’t wallow like some large SUVs.

Think of the AWD system as nothing more that an additional safety feature in the wet or an advantage when heading to the snow for a holiday.

CX-9 Safety features