2021 Mazda CX-9: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2021 Mazda CX-9 is a standard 10.25-inch center display with Mazda’s newer infotainment system on every trim. This is a tech-and-style refresh rather than a full redesign, and it also brings a new Carbon Edition.

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About the 2021 Mazda CX-9

2nd generation (2016-2023), late-cycle tech and styling update with the new Carbon Edition added for 2021.

Mazda presents the CX-9 as a three-row family SUV for people who want everyday usefulness without giving up style or a rewarding drive. Compared with roomier rivals, its appeal is a more upscale cabin, sharper handling, and a more polished feel, while still delivering turbo power, three rows, and the driver-assist features families expect.

The 2021 CX-9 ranges from the well-equipped, seven-passenger Sport to the more upscale Signature, which has standard AWD, quilted Nappa leather, and second-row captain’s chairs. The new six-passenger Carbon Edition adds distinctive styling along with a Bose audio system, ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats, while Grand Touring emphasizes useful technology such as a surround-view camera, navigation, and a head-up display.

What changed, by category

Tech

Every trim gets a 10.25-inch center display with Mazda’s newer infotainment interface, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Grand Touring also gets a clearer surround-view camera image.

Styling

The CX-9 receives subtle interior and exterior revisions, including new seat patterns. The new Carbon Edition adds a bolder-looking six-passenger model between Touring and Grand Touring, while Signature gets LED grille accent lighting and upgraded quilting, piping, and patterned aluminum cabin trim.

Safety

Grand Touring adds rear automatic braking and a driver attention alert.

2021 Mazda CX-9 specs and features by trim

Feature	2021 Mazda CX-9Sport1 in stock	2021 Mazda CX-9Touring11 in stock	2021 Mazda CX-9Signature4 in stock	2021 Mazda CX-9Grand Touring11 in stock	2021 Mazda CX-9Carbon Edition4 in stock
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	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	Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual Mode
Drivetrain	FWD	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	22 mpg	22 mpg	20 mpg	22 mpg	22 mpg
MPG Highway	28 mpg	28 mpg	26 mpg	28 mpg	28 mpg
Horsepower	227 hp	227 hp	227 hp	227 hp	227 hp
Torque	310 lb-ft	310 lb-ft	310 lb-ft	310 lb-ft	310 lb-ft
Max Towing	3500 lb	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	71.2 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	29.7 in	29.7 in	29.7 in	29.7 in	29.7 in
Seats	7	7	6	7	6
Doors	4	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Adaptive Headlights
Automatic High Beams
Blindspot Sensors
Front & Rear Parking Sensors
Lane Departure Warning
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear View Camera
360 Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
LED Headlights
Power Moonroof
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Power Liftgate/Trunk Release
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Entertainment & Electronics
Head-Up Display
Navigation System
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Comfort & Convenience
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
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Memory Driver's Seat
Power Driver Seat
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Third Row Seat
Ventilated Front Seats
Wood Interior Trim

How the 2022 Mazda CX-9 compares

For 2022, the Mazda CX-9’s most important change is standard all-wheel drive on every trim. Mazda also adds the Touring Plus trim, while the engine, safety suite, infotainment system, and basic structure carry over.

See the full 2022 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2021 Mazda CX-9?

The biggest change is the standard 10.25-inch center display and newer Mazda infotainment interface across the lineup. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included with the updated system.

Is the 2021 Mazda CX-9 a full redesign?

No. The 2021 CX-9 is a mid-cycle tech-and-style update within the existing second generation, not a full redesign. Its turbo engine and basic model structure remain familiar.

Is the Carbon Edition new for the 2021 Mazda CX-9?

Yes. The Carbon Edition joins the CX-9 lineup for 2021 between Touring and Grand Touring. It has a six-passenger layout with second-row captain’s chairs, plus features such as Bose audio, ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats.

Did the 2021 Mazda CX-9 get a new engine?

No. The 2021 CX-9 keeps its familiar 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission, so the main updates are technology, styling, and trim-related.

What safety features changed on the 2021 Mazda CX-9?

Grand Touring adds rear automatic braking and a driver attention alert for 2021. Its surround-view camera also receives improved image quality.

2021 Mazda CX-9 Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2021 Mazda CX-9.

4.4

2021 Mazda CX-9

(224 reviews)

5 stars (108)

4 stars (93)

3 stars (19)

2 stars (4)

1 star (0)

“It is a very quiet comfortable car. Great for highway trips. Surprisingly roomy.”

RMRussell M.
2021 Mazda CX-9 AWD

“Very good looking, inside and out. Plenty of room for gramma and grampa and the occasional grandkids. Just the right torque for an old man,”

FTFloyd T.
2021 Mazda CX-9 AWD

“There is a feel behind the wheel that is far superior to anything in its class. The car is responsive in the turns and accelerates well with the turbo. There are interior appointments that are not found in other vehicles in this price range.”

SRSteven R.
2021 Mazda CX-9 AWD