2022 Mazda CX-9 First Impressions (With Video)

Earlier this year, the 2022 Mazda CX-9 made its Philippine debut. The main highlights for this model year are the updated exterior and interior aesthetics, along with feature upgrades across the entire range. If you want a comprehensive look at the complete specs, you can click the link here.

All variants now come with a redesigned grille, and the range kicks off with the base Touring which replaces the 2WD Sport for P2,490,000. What we’re looking at here is the Black Edition, which is valued at P2,790,000, and the AWD Exclusive, which is valued at P2,990,000. These two variants offer two different takes on the CX-9 formula.

As the Black Edition name implies, this model comes with various black elements on the grille and mirrors, along with adaptive LED headlights with LED daytime running lights. This model also comes with 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels, which completes this sporty variant’s aggressive looks. If you want your CX-9 to be sporty, then this is the perfect variant to choose.

If you like your interior to be red, then you’d be happy to know that the CX-9 Black Edition comes with burgundy leather upholstery with red stitching details on the steering wheel. This variant also benefits from a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, rear sunshades, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and 6-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, along with butt coolers for both front seats. Additionally, there are two USB ports under the rear center armrest, along with a 12-speaker Bose sound system.

This CX-9 Black Edition also comes with a few i-Activsense driver-assist features, namely lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system.

But if you want your CX-9 to feature the pinnacle of luxury, then you should definitely opt for the AWD Exclusive variant. Whereas the Black Edition model focuses on being sporty, this model sets itself apart with its 20-inch bright silver wheels, gray metallic grille, and larger tailpipes.

Likewise, the interior is also luxuriously appointed with Caturra Brown Nappa Leather, genuine wood and aluminum trims, frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, along with the entire suite of i-Activsense driver-assist features. On top of what’s already available on the CX-9 Black Edition, the AWD Exclusive variant adds Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Smart City Brake Support for both the front and rear of the vehicle.

Regardless of which variant is chosen, the 2022 Mazda CX-9 now comes with a larger 9.2-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, paddle shifters, and auto brake hold for the electronic parking brake.

Unchanged for this year, however, is its 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder Skyactiv-G gasoline engine that produces 231 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. As with every Mazda, this comes with the brand’s G-Vectoring Control Plus system that applies subtle braking force to the inner wheels for better cornering.

The 2022 Mazda CX-9’s upgrades continue to make it one of the best in the midsize premium SUV segment. This is a segment that’s also dominated by the Ford Explorer, which was completely redesigned for the 2022 model year.