“It's the most fun-to-drive vehicle you will find in its class. It also rides really well, is quiet, and feels really well built!”
2020 Mazda CX-9: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2020 Mazda CX-9 is that the full driver-assist safety suite becomes standard on every trim. This is a meaningful equipment update rather than a redesign, with added handling technology, more peak torque on premium fuel, and revised upper-trim seating.
About the 2020 Mazda CX-9
2nd generation CX-9 (2016-2023), fifth model year; no redesign, but a meaningful equipment and safety update year.
Mazda positions the CX-9 as a three-row family SUV for buyers who want something more stylish and more engaging to drive than the usual mainstream midsize crossover. The appeal is a mix of family usefulness and a more premium feel: a strong turbo engine, tidy road manners, a carefully finished cabin, and a quieter, more intimate atmosphere than many boxier rivals. It is less about maximum cargo space and more about making everyday family driving feel special.
The 2020 CX-9 ranges from the polished, seven-seat Sport to the near-luxury Grand Touring, which adds navigation, ventilated front seats, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera. The six-seat Signature focuses on cabin comfort with heated second-row captain’s chairs, Nappa leather, real wood trim, and standard AWD.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine gains 10 lb-ft of peak torque when using premium fuel, reaching 320 lb-ft. G-Vectoring Control Plus becomes standard across the lineup, and AWD models gain Off-road Traction Assist for better control on loose surfaces.
Safety
Mazda’s full driver-assist suite becomes standard on every trim. On the Sport, this makes features such as lane-departure warning and automatic high beams standard rather than optional.
Tech
The Touring gains a larger 9-inch touchscreen, keyless entry, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat. The Grand Touring adds a hands-free power liftgate and two USB charging ports for the third row.
Structural
The Signature changes from seven seats to six, using standard heated second-row captain’s chairs and a fixed center console.
2020 Mazda CX-9 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, Turbo, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual Mode |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 20 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 | 6 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2020 Mazda CX-9 redesigned?
No. The 2020 Mazda CX-9 remains part of the second generation introduced for 2016. It receives a meaningful safety, handling, and equipment update rather than a full redesign.
What safety features became standard on the 2020 Mazda CX-9?
The full driver-assist suite became standard on every 2020 CX-9. It includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward automatic braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams.
Did the 2020 Mazda CX-9 get a new engine?
No. It keeps the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and six-speed automatic, but peak torque rises by 10 lb-ft to 320 lb-ft when the engine uses premium fuel.
How many seats does the 2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature have?
The 2020 CX-9 Signature has six seats. Its second row uses two heated captain’s chairs separated by a fixed center console, replacing the previous seven-seat layout.
What are the main reasons to consider a 2020 CX-9 over a 2019?
The 2020 is the stronger choice if standard driver aids, improved loose-surface control on AWD models, or updated upper-trim seating matter to you. It also has slightly more peak torque on premium fuel, while remaining the same basic second-generation CX-9.
2020 Mazda CX-9 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Mazda CX-9.
4.2
2020 Mazda CX-9
(195 reviews)
“PracticalNot a luxury vehicle on any trim levelNoisy rideRough rideGreat turning radiusExcellent visibility”
“Overall, a safe vehicle. The seats require refinement for any distance driving. The bottom of the front seats can also be extended.”
Sources
- news.mazdausa.com — 2019 10 29 Far From Ordinary 2020 Mazda Cx 9 Receives Inspiring Elegant Enhancements
- mazdausa.com — 2020 / Cx 9 / 2020 Cx 9 Brochure
- news.mazdausa.com — 2018 08 06 2019 Mazda Cx 9 Introduces New Features And Refinements
- news.mazdausa.com — 2020 08 18 2021 Mazda CX 9 Exhilarating Elegance