Mazda Announces 2020 CX-9

Think the CX-9 midsize crossover can do with a little more luxury? Don’t worry, Mazda has you covered. With the release of the model’s 2020 version, the sporty SUV receives some key updates that elevate its premium feel, including a high-tech off-road traction assist button, i-Activsense safety suite, a hands-free power liftgate, and lo and behold--second row captain's chairs.

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The powertrain also receives a few noteworthy updates, including a bit of tweak on the turbocharged Skyactive-G 2.5T engine that now delivers a small increase in torque. Specifically, the new engine is capable of a 13.6 Nm torque improvement over the outgoing model when 93 octane gasoline is used.

The rest of the powertrain is made up of a six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission and Mazda's predictive i-Active all-wheel drive, available as standard on the top-of-the-line Signature trim and as option on all other trim levels.

A richer look permeates in the 2020 Mazda CX-9's better-appointed cabin, starting with the captain's chairs and on to the rest of the rows. Standard features have also been updated on all trims, with all CX-9s now sporting heated front seats, a power driver's seat (with lumbar support), rain-sensing windshield wipers, auto on/off/high-beam headlights and heated outside mirrors.

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The new off-road traction assist button serves as a replacement to the traction control button. Describing the new button's function, Mazda says, "When the diagonal wheels lose traction, off-road traction assist will stop reducing the engine torque and increases the brake force on the wheels without traction. This transfers power to the wheels still on the ground to help allow the vehicle to regain traction and continue the drive."

The 2020 Mazda CX-9 enters the North American car market sometime during the fall season. Pricing starts at USD 34,835 (approx. PHP 1.8 million)