Have you taken the MDX hybrid out for a test drive? You won't even feel the up/down shifts with the 7DCT and the hybrid tech and Adv models come with electronic dampers for comfort or sport modes. Then again, the CX-9 is a beautiful vehicle and would be a top contender if the MDX hybrid wasn't available.

 

Yes! I am a big fan of the CX-9 and Mazda in general, but the MDX was just a better fit for me. My partner and I lease a 2019 CX-5 though and it's been great so far (only has 8k miles).
MDX vs CX-9 were my top choices when buying my car last December but the MDX won out because:

• The SH-AWD is far superior to the Mazda system. The Mazda system is reluctant to send power rearward until the front wheels slip, which has never been an issue for me on road, but I drive off-road very frequently so having good traction without slipping was a priority to me. The AWD CX-9 still exhibits some torque steer, but only under hard acceleration. FWD torque steer is bad, plain and simple.
• The Mazda does not have any active lane centering which was a priority for me.
• Full speed adaptive cruise control wasn't available until 2018, and at the time, only 2017s fit my budget.
• The roofline is lower and didn't offer as much space in the rear as the MDX does, but it's still good.
• I did not want to purchase a turbocharged 4 cylinder engine for a vehicle I plan to keep for 200k miles.

That said, the Mazda is equally as fun to drive as the MDX and even is a bit "tighter" in the steering feel. The steering weight is not adjustable like the MDX though. If you want a less harsh ride, you may want to decrease the wheel size as the 20s on the GT are choppier than the standard 18s, but only you will be able to know if the ride quality is right for you.
The turbocharged 4 cylinder engine in the Mazda is really good. They've been reliable so far (I participate in the Mazda forums too) and the low-end torque makes driving around town effortless. Passing at highway speeds is slower than our MDXs because it has less power overall, but it's not bad. I personally preferred the V6 sound of the MDX and made an assumption that there was less to go wrong with a non-turbocharged engine, but only time will tell how well the V6 treats me.

The 6 speed transmission in the Mazda works flawlessly. Its a simple, no-frills transmission that is tuned right. It knows what gear to be in, has decent response time, and isn't afraid to drop down a few cogs when you step on it. It won't ever draw negative attention to itself. Mazda says the transmission fluid is "lifetime" and does not have a fluid change interval, to each their own on how they want to maintain their cars but I find it hard to believe any fluid will perform well for 200k miles. Do with that information what you will.

Loved the newer-feeling technology in the CX-9. Overall the cabin feels more luxurious and looks better in my opinion. The heads up display on the GT trim is really nice, the adaptive headlights are great, and the automatic high-beam system the Mazda is more active and less likely to flash oncoming traffic (a recurring issue I had with my MDX so I turned it off). The fit and finish is superior to the Acura, and the materials used are excellent. The heated seats work way faster than the MDX but the ventilated seats are just okay. The cabin is about as quiet as the MDX while cruising but engine noise does come through at higher revs.

The adaptive cruise control on the Mazda is noticeably smoother than the MDX, but it in an effort to brake smoothly it sometimes gets too close to forward traffic for my taste and doesn't return to the set following distance quickly enough.

The things that annoy me about the CX-9:

• The memory function only works on the seat position, not the steering wheel or side mirrors
• The keyless access requires you to push the button on the front of the door handle to unlock the doors, unlike our MDX where the back side of the door handle senses your hand and unlocks the door before you pull on the handle.
• GT trims get black headliner, which makes the cabin feel even smaller, but that is my own personal complaint. I prefer light interiors but you may not.
• The backup camera is low-resolution, just like our MDXs

Overall, you will be really happy with the CX-9. It handles great for an SUV, mileage is decent, and build quality is top-tier. The only issue you may have with the Mazda is the thin paint. I highly recommend putting on a clear bra or ceramic coating as the "eco-friendly" paint chips easily.
If you wait for the 2021 model, the infotainment screen goes up to 10 inches and I think they finally get paddle-shifters on the steering wheel.

Cheers!

 

Yes! I am a big fan of the CX-9 and Mazda in general, but the MDX was just a better fit for me. My partner and I lease a 2019 CX-5 though and it's been great so far (only has 8k miles).
MDX vs CX-9 were my top choices when buying my car last December but the MDX won out because:

• The SH-AWD is far superior to the Mazda system. The Mazda system is reluctant to send power rearward until the front wheels slip, which has never been an issue for me on road, but I drive off-road very frequently so having good traction without slipping was a priority to me. The AWD CX-9 still exhibits some torque steer, but only under hard acceleration. FWD torque steer is bad, plain and simple.
• The Mazda does not have any active lane centering which was a priority for me.
• Full speed adaptive cruise control wasn't available until 2018, and at the time, only 2017s fit my budget.
• The roofline is lower and didn't offer as much space in the rear as the MDX does, but it's still good.
• I did not want to purchase a turbocharged 4 cylinder engine for a vehicle I plan to keep for 200k miles.

That said, the Mazda is equally as fun to drive as the MDX and even is a bit "tighter" in the steering feel. The steering weight is not adjustable like the MDX though. If you want a less harsh ride, you may want to decrease the wheel size as the 20s on the GT are choppier than the standard 18s, but only you will be able to know if the ride quality is right for you.
The turbocharged 4 cylinder engine in the Mazda is really good. They've been reliable so far (I participate in the Mazda forums too) and the low-end torque makes driving around town effortless. Passing at highway speeds is slower than our MDXs because it has less power overall, but it's not bad. I personally preferred the V6 sound of the MDX and made an assumption that there was less to go wrong with a non-turbocharged engine, but only time will tell how well the V6 treats me.

The 6 speed transmission in the Mazda works flawlessly. Its a simple, no-frills transmission that is tuned right. It knows what gear to be in, has decent response time, and isn't afraid to drop down a few cogs when you step on it. It won't ever draw negative attention to itself. Mazda says the transmission fluid is "lifetime" and does not have a fluid change interval, to each their own on how they want to maintain their cars but I find it hard to believe any fluid will perform well for 200k miles. Do with that information what you will.

Loved the newer-feeling technology in the CX-9. Overall the cabin feels more luxurious and looks better in my opinion. The heads up display on the GT trim is really nice, the adaptive headlights are great, and the automatic high-beam system the Mazda is more active and less likely to flash oncoming traffic (a recurring issue I had with my MDX so I turned it off). The fit and finish is superior to the Acura, and the materials used are excellent. The heated seats work way faster than the MDX but the ventilated seats are just okay. The cabin is about as quiet as the MDX while cruising but engine noise does come through at higher revs.

The adaptive cruise control on the Mazda is noticeably smoother than the MDX, but it in an effort to brake smoothly it sometimes gets too close to forward traffic for my taste and doesn't return to the set following distance quickly enough.

The things that annoy me about the CX-9:

• The memory function only works on the seat position, not the steering wheel or side mirrors
• The keyless access requires you to push the button on the front of the door handle to unlock the doors, unlike our MDX where the back side of the door handle senses your hand and unlocks the door before you pull on the handle.
• GT trims get black headliner, which makes the cabin feel even smaller, but that is my own personal complaint. I prefer light interiors but you may not.
• The backup camera is low-resolution, just like our MDXs

Overall, you will be really happy with the CX-9. It handles great for an SUV, mileage is decent, and build quality is top-tier. The only issue you may have with the Mazda is the thin paint. I highly recommend putting on a clear bra or ceramic coating as the "eco-friendly" paint chips easily.
If you wait for the 2021 model, the infotainment screen goes up to 10 inches and I think they finally get paddle-shifters on the steering wheel.

Cheers!

Thanks for the detailed review, just wish the MDX had the 6 speed (don't want to deal with Hybrids, planning to keep it long run).

 

Before you jump ship look at resale values. Mazda like a lot of other lesser brands may or may not drop like a rock if you try to sell aafter a few years.

 

I rented a CX-9 last year after my cruise trip in Miami, good linear shifting(Definitely better than My MDX), it takes off faster because it is turbocharge, however, when accelerating beyond 60mph, compare to MDX, it is under power, also the handling, MDX is much better.

 

Yes


I have a friend who owns a CX9 and he said something similar about loss of power when accelerating on the highway, but mentioned it was felt when going past 75mph?

 

I think Acura got the 9-speed right on my 2020 MDX SHAWD. If that’s really the concern.

 

For a DIY person the fluid changes are a hassle, and that’s an understatement! So glad I bought my 2015 (which has been trouble free) prior to the tranny change. Paying a dealer nearly $400 for a tranny fluid change is outrageous. I can change mine frequently during oil and filter changes. Simple drain and fill And it keeps my tranny “happy”.

 

The CX-9 was my second choice as well. They did a beautiful job and it drives well. I thought the MDX handles a little better and had better acceleration. They were close contenders though.