It’s always great to get a lot of bang for your buck. The 2021 Mazda CX-9 provides plenty of value at a great price. The CX-9 has a stylish exterior and a luxurious interior. Kelley Blue Book even described the interior of the 2021 Mazda CX-9 as “so upscale that it could easily have come from Audi or Lexus.”

The luxurious interior of the 2021 Mazda CX-9

Especially in its higher trims, the 2021 CX-9 places drivers and passengers in a lavish setting at a reasonable price. All trims of the 2021 CX-9 come standard with a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, three-zone automatic climate control with a panel for the second row, keyless entry and ignition, heated side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, automatic on/off headlights, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The higher trims are even more posh, offering a six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, ventilated front seats, leather seats in the first two rows, power slide and recline second-row seats, a powered moonroof, front and rear parking sensors, and LED fog lights.

The new Carbon Edition special edition introduces red leather seats and metallic black accents in the cabin. The highest Signature trim has the most sumptuous setting, with Nappa leather upholstery, rosewood trim, and LED accent lighting added to the grille.

The SUV can transport six or seven people depending on the configuration of seats. The second row has either a power-operated split-bench or two captain’s chairs. In the Signature trim, a center console is added between the second-row seats. The interior may be luxurious, but the third row is snug and best for kids.

Technology in the 2021 Mazda CX-9

The 2021 Mazda CX-9 provides upgraded technology and safety features. New for 2021 is a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all trim levels.

All trims come standard with voice command in the Mazda Connect infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, internet radio integration, and two USB ports. A 12-speaker Bose audio system, wireless charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and additional USB ports are available.

Also standard are the i-Activsense driver-assist features, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop/go, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. Additional available driver-assist features include automatic emergency reverse braking and a driver fatigue monitor.

The 2021 Mazda CX-9

Kelley Blue Book has mainly positive things to say about the other features of the 2021 Mazda CX-9. It’s a midsize three-row crossover SUV, so it’s easier to drive in tighter spaces. It also handles corners well and has a comfortable ride.

The 2021 CX-9 has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with plenty of power and without turbo lag. It also has great fuel efficiency. The engine generates 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque when 93-octane fuel is used and produces 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with regular 87-octane. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available. The CX-9 doesn’t have top towing capabilities, but it can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The SUV doesn’t have a huge cargo area. Its 14.4 cubic feet is less than what’s found in some competitors. With the third-row seats folded down, the cargo space increases to 38.2 cubic feet. Folding the second-row seats down as well bumps the amount up to 71.2 cubic feet.

At lower trim levels, the 2021 Mazda CX-9 has a higher price than competitors, but at higher trim levels, it provides plenty of upscale features for its price. Kelley Blue Book commented that “a family-friendly SUV with this kind of style and performance starting at around $35,000 is truly remarkable.”