“The CX-9 is a great vehicle. It is super reliable and we rarely have any problems with it other than standard maintenance. It gets great mileage and is very comfortable. I has all the new innovations that you would expect in today's cars.”
2016 Mazda CX-9: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The 2016 Mazda CX-9 is a full redesign and the first year of its second generation. The biggest change is a new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine replacing the previous V6.
About the 2016 Mazda CX-9
2nd generation CX-9, first year of the redesign.
Mazda positions the CX-9 as the “driver’s SUV” — a three-row family crossover that tries to feel stylish, upscale, and enjoyable to drive instead of purely utilitarian. Official materials stress its low-rpm turbo power, quieter cabin, premium materials, seven-passenger practicality, and available safety tech. Compared with rivals, the CX-9’s main draw is that it wraps family duty in a sleeker design and a more premium, driver-focused feel.
The redesigned CX-9 is a seven-seat SUV with Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and new Signature trims. Touring adds everyday comforts such as leather seating, heated front seats, and a power liftgate, while Grand Touring brings a head-up display, Bose audio, navigation, and more advanced safety equipment. Signature sits at the top with standard AWD, Nappa leather, real rosewood trim, and interior accent lighting.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Every trim replaces the old 3.7-liter V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and six-speed automatic. Fuel economy rises from 17 to 22 mpg city and from 24 to 28 mpg highway on the continuing trims, while the Sport's maximum towing rating increases from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds.
Styling
The CX-9 receives a completely new exterior and interior design. LED headlights and taillights become standard across the lineup.
Safety
The redesigned lineup gains updated safety equipment by trim. Sport has a standard rearview camera, Touring adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and Grand Touring adds adaptive cruise control, forward-collision braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.
Tech
Mazda Connect replaces the previous infotainment setup. Sport has a 7-inch touchscreen, Touring gets a standard 8-inch touchscreen, and Grand Touring makes navigation, Bose audio, and a windshield-projected head-up display standard.
Structural
The body, cabin, and packaging are fully redesigned. The new CX-9 is more than 250 pounds lighter and has a quieter cabin with more space-efficient packaging.
2016 Mazda CX-9 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5T | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5T | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5T | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5T |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Spt Manual | Auto, 6-Spd Spt Manual | Auto, 6-Spd Spt Manual | Auto, 6-Spd Spt Manual |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 21 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 26 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 227 hp | 227 hp | 227 hp | 227 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 71.2 cu-ft | 71.2 cu-ft | 71.2 cu-ft | 71.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 29.7 in | 29.7 in | 29.7 in | 29.7 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2016 Mazda CX-9 fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2016 Mazda CX-9 begins the second generation with a new body, cabin, engine, infotainment system, and trim structure. It is a major change from the 2015 model rather than a light update.
Does the 2016 Mazda CX-9 have a V6?
No. Mazda replaced the previous 3.7-liter V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in every 2016 CX-9. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Is the 2016 Mazda CX-9 more fuel-efficient than the 2015 model?
Yes. On the continuing Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trims, the ratings rise from 17 to 22 mpg city and from 24 to 28 mpg highway. The new turbocharged four-cylinder engine and lighter body are central parts of that improvement.
Which trim joined the Mazda CX-9 lineup for 2016?
The Signature trim joined the lineup for 2016. It is the top version and has standard AWD, Auburn Nappa leather, genuine rosewood interior trim, a head-up display, and advanced driver-assistance features.
What safety equipment changed on the 2016 Mazda CX-9?
The redesigned 2016 CX-9 adds newer safety equipment across its trim range. Sport has a rearview camera, Touring adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and Grand Touring adds adaptive cruise control, forward-collision braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.
2016 Mazda CX-9 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Mazda CX-9.
4.3
2016 Mazda CX-9
(246 reviews)
“Fun to drive! Looks great especially the front end/grill. Good mileage. Comfortable interior for tall people- good legroom.”
“Stated gas mileage is not possible to achieve. Third row is for kids only. But it probably has the most bang for your buck when it comes to features, and exterior is undeniably sexy.”
Sources
- news.mazdausa.com — 2015 11 18 All New Mazda CX 9 Three Row Crossover Debuts at 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show
- news.mazdausa.com — 2016 03 17 2016 Mazda Cx 9 Pricing Elevates Midsize Three Row Crossover Experience
- portal.mazdausa.com — Brochures / 2016 / 2016 MazdaCX9 Brochure
- news.mazdausa.com — 2015 Mazda CX 9 Specifications
- news.mazdausa.com — 2017 Mazda CX 9 Press Kit FINAL
- news.mazdausa.com — 2017 02 06 2017 Madza Cx 9 Goes On Sale