If you’ve ever thought you’d like to have a three-row SUV but were hesitant at the thought of a crossover, we’ve got good news. Details about the 2021 Mazda CX-9 are out now, and not only does it have the Mazda magic many appreciate, it now looks even cooler. There were minimal updates to the 2021 CX-9 models, but one of them is the new Carbon Edition package.

What is the Carbon Edition? What other features will the 2021 Mazda CX-9 feature?

The Mazda CX-9 Carbon Edition

The snazzy new Carbon Edition is actually coming to several vehicles in Mazda’s lineup. The 2021 models of Mazda6, CX-5, and CX-9 are all getting special edition models. Mazda, according to MotorTrend, explaining that the models “feature a bold color scheme that helps represent individuality.” 

Yet, all of them will be painted Polymetal Gray and have a red leather interior. How is that individuality?

OK, the gray over red color scheme isn’t the only thing the special edition models get. There are also black honeycomb-pattern interior accents, black-painted 20-inch wheels, a blacked-out grille, black side-mirror caps, and red accent stitching.

Outside of appearance, the Carbon Edition models get heated front seats and a nice Bose audio system. There’s also the i-Activesense suite of active safety features that includes adaptive cruise control, auto emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more.

What does it cost?

The 2021 Mazda CX-9 starts at $35,060 which is a $70 increase over the 2020 Mazda CX-9 Sport models. Most won’t be surprised the base price is set higher than some of its biggest rivals like the 2021 Honda Pilot and the 2021 Kia Telluride. 

The base CX-9 comes with an impressive list of standard features, but if you need more, the good news is that the price of the upper trim levels didn’t go up too much. The Touring models in 2021 are only $40 more than the 2020 model year. 

The biggest price hikes went to the Grand Touring and Signature trims. Each of those in 2021 will set you back $390 more than last year’s models. The Carbon Edition package with front-wheel drive will cost $42,180, and for all-wheel drive, it’ll cost $44,080.

What’s new in the Mazda CX-9 in 2021?

The 2021 Mazda CX-9 comes standard with adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, triple-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, and push-button start. It still comes equipped with the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine gets a respectable 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with regular gas. You can boost that to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with 93-octane fuel.

The infotainment system got an update for 2021. The CX-9 will now feature the same 10.3-inch display and upgraded user interface used in the Mazda3 hatchback and sedan. The Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature models now get a wireless smartphone charging pad standard in 2021. The Grand Touring and Signature models get new paddle shifters and an upgraded exterior camera system. 

The top-shelf Signature models in 2021 get several new standard features including a driver-attention monitoring system, quilted Nappa leather seats, Santos Rosewood interior trim, rear-automated emergency braking, and update grille and wheel designs.

Did we mention that Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now standard throughout the Mazda CX-9 lineup?

The 2021 Mazda CX-9 has enough zip to make running errands fun but with the ride-quality to make for a comfortable, long road trip. Now with the new Carbon Edition package, you can give it a cool, aggressive vibe to go along with its impressive cornering abilities and power balance.