No one has walked on to a car lot and said, “I want to buy a lemon. I love dishing out money for bizarre repairs every week, finding myself stranded on the way to work, and having my car towed to a mechanic.” That’s why car salesmen don’t always tell the truth about a model year that makes the whole lot sour. Thankfully, Consumer Reports is more than willing to tell the truth about a vehicle’s problems.

Take the 2020 Mazda CX-9 for example. Consumer Reports has extensively tested the CX-9, and has released its findings so that drivers know what they’re getting into when they sign on the dotted line. So did the CX-9 pass with flying colors or should buyers beware?

Mazda CX-9 features

Before diving into what Consumer Reports thinks, let’s check out a few facts about the 2020 CX-9. The SUV is outfitted with i-Activesense, which is essentially a safety package. The high-tech offering includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. The Touring Premium package now has captain’s chairs that make accessing the third row less of a hassle. 

Mazda stepped away from the now common V-6 engine by going with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The CX-9 managed to go from 0 to 60 in 7.1 seconds and gets 26 mpg, which is a considerable rating for its class. 

The sports model has a 7.0-inch infotainment screen, although some trim levels come with an 8.0-inch screen. Car and Driver liked the Infotainment system, stating that “The software is easy to navigate and the graphics are crisp, especially on the larger screen.” Consumer Reports did not have such glowing praise.

Consumer Reports’ Mazda CX-9 review

Consumer Reports gave the 2020 Mazda CX-9 mostly favorable reviews. It scored an 86 out of 100, and ranked 4th out of 26 Midsized Sport-Utility Vehicles. That’s not too shabby for the three-row SUV.

The CX-9 scored a 5 out of 5 in reliability. There were a few areas that scored a 3 out of 5, such as braking, emergency handling, and the trunk and cargo area, but it scored high in most other categories.

There were a few areas that Consumer Reports didn’t like, such as the Infotainment system. According to the review, it is slightly difficult to learn how to navigate it, which played a part in the CX-9’s score of 86. Some other features that helped drag down the score was a cramped third row, and a towing capacity that is poorer than some competitors.

What drivers have to say about the CX-9 

Critics can publish all the reports, facts, and opinions they want, but drivers are still going to buy that dream vehicle regardless. The CX-9 has taken its fair share of blows from critics, but its loyal drivers continue to purchase and drive it regardless. CX-9 owners also continue to give the SUV a high owner satisfaction rating, despite owner satisfaction issues that cropped up with older models after redesigns. That being said, it looks like critics and drivers are finally on the same page with the 2020 model.