Not sure if you need a 3-row SUV or not? Let’s get through this together, Mazda is making luxury affordable and winning awards for their design and new model releases in 2020.
One of the things I notice most when I drive any Mazda model is how much is included for the price. So let’s compare the CX-5 crossover and the 3-row CX-9 crossover.
To me, total vehicle price, gas mileage, cargo space, and options like Apple CarPlay and safety features are determining factors whether or not a car will fit my life and be worth the monthly payments.
In this photo, you can see at a glance, the size difference between the two – as well as the nearly $12,000 price difference between the two.
What’s to Love
Both the CX-5 and CX-9 have Sport drive mode, Automatic transmission with manual setting option and paddle shifters, so the sporty feel is definitely there. The handling and ease of maneuverability through parking lots is easier with the CX-5 simply because it’s smaller.
Touchscreen infotainment systems with AppleCarPlay or Android Auto capability are a must, and the 8” touch screen feels a tad on the small size, but it’s all here. My only beef with this system is that the touchscreen is no longer by touch after you’re driving about 10 km/hr. It is then that you have to use the dial and buttons on the console (or steering wheel buttons) to control music, CarPlay and infotainment.
Cargo and Fuel Efficiency
The CX-5 gets approximately 7.8L/100KM and is 187 Horsepower. The CX-9 gets approximately 9.1 L/100KM at 227 Horsepower.
Let’s Talk Pricing and Trims
The CX-5 SUV (5-seater)
Starting at $27,950 for the base model, it comes standard with LED headlights, 17″ alloy wheels (dark grey high-luster metallic finish), Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Heated front seats,7″ touchscreen display with Mazda Connect and Android Auto + Apple CarPlay.
Up to the GS trim for $30,950 and get a power liftgate with programmable adjustable height, i-Activsense safety features, Leatherette-trimmed upholstery with Grand Lux Suede® inserts, 6-way power driver’s seat with manual lumbar support, front wiper de-icer, heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather-wrapped shift knob.
The GT trim is well-equipped at $37,650 and includes a manual option with paddle shifters, Off-road traction assist, 8″ colour touchscreen display with Mazda Connect, 19″ alloy wheels (silver metallic), leather-trimmed upholstery, ventilated front seats, Bose® premium sound system with 10 speakers, Driver’s seat memory position (2 memory settings), 6-way power passenger’s seat, adjustable heated rear seats with three settings (outboard only), power-folding exterior mirrors (automatic operation).
The top-of-the-line Signature trim is $41,900 and includes, EW 360° View Monitor, Front and rear parking sensors, 19″ alloy wheels (gunmetal finish), Cocoa Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery, Abachi wood-trimmed front and rear door panels, Abachi wood-trimmed decorative dash panel, satin chrome-plated glove box and power seat switches, frameless rearview mirror, and black interior roof lining
CX-9 AWD
The well-equipped base trim GS starts at $41,975 and includes 18″ alloy wheels (dark grey high-luster metallic), LED headlights and rear combination lights, smart City Brake Support, Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Rearview camera (wide angle), 7″ colour touchscreen display with Mazda Connect with Apple CarPlay + Android Auto integration. Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with auto-hold function, adjustable heated front seats, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat (includes power lumbar support), premium cloth upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; and 3-zone automatic climate control
Step up to the GS-L for $45,375 and upgrade to 20″ alloy wheels (silver metallic), power glass moonroof, height-adjustable power rear liftgate, leather-trimmed upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat (includes power lumbar support), heated second-row seat (outboard seats only / three-position adjustable), one-touch switch for second-row seats (bench seats only), second-row Captain’s chairs with sliding and reclining function (optional – 6-seat capacity), heated steering wheel, front wiper de-icer, 4-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, 9″ colour touchscreen display with Mazda Connect, LED fog lights, rear-seat center armrest equipped with 2 USB ports, advanced keyless entry (proximity entry and ignition)
The GT trim is $50,575 and includes LED front and rear signature lighting, adaptive Front-lighting System, 360° View Monitor, front and rear parking sensors, power-folding door mirrors, ventilated front seats (three-position adjustable), 8-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat (includes power lumbar support), one-touch switch for second-row seats (bench seats only), second-row Captain’s chairs with sliding and reclining function (optional – 6-seat capacity), power rear liftgate (programmable height adjustable) with hands-free access, additional third-row USB port, and premium Bose® sound system with 12 speakers.
The top-of-the-line Signature trim is $53,575 (Seats 6 due to captains chairs second row) and steps up to 20″ alloy wheels (gunmetal finish), Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery, Santos Rosewood-trimmed centre console panel and door switch panel, premium cross-stitching detail on steering wheel, Second-row Captain’s chairs with premium centre console armrest and storage compartment, Signature grille illumination, LED illumination for A/T shifter area accent lighting, frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Flexible family hauler – 5 or 7 seating capacity, Which One is for you?
Even if you don’t need six or seven seats full-time, a three-row SUV can help you out in a pinch when the grandparents are in town, you have carpool days or extra playdates in tow. You’ll be so glad when you don’t have to take a second vehicle on the family outing or make the second trip to pick up more kids.
Whether you need a five-seating SUV with cargo space, or you need the third row, the Mazda SUVs have you covered. The value for money is here with Mazda, and you get a lot of bang for your buck in either of these two choices.
This article was contributed by Connie Peters from A Girls Guide To Cars