We first saw the all-new Mazda CX-9 at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show. Now the full-size crossover SUV gets a long, lean, and sexy look inspired by the company’s Kodo styling language. Completely overhauled from stem to stern, the CX-9 gets an all-new SKYACTIV-G engine in place of the old 3.7-liter V6, a revamped cabin with higher quality materials, and a full swath of convenience and safety features.
Mazda engineers know drivers like low-end torque. Thus, they designed the new SKYACTIVE-G engine with a relatively small turbocharger for quick spool-up. With 17.4 psi of max boost blown into the high compression engine, maximum torque of 310 lb-ft is available at 2,000 rpm. Peak horsepower, on regular 87-octane, is 227 at 5,000 rpm. Those fortunate to have access to 93-octane can squeeze 250 horsepower from the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine.
By its design, turbocharged engines suffer from poor dynamic performance at low rpms, including turbo lag and fuel economy. Mazda’s SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine overcomes these problems with Dynamic Pressure Turbo, a design that varies the degree of exhaust pulsation depending upon engine speed. Worked into this innovative design is a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system that allows the engine to maintain the optimum air-to-fuel mixture over a wider output range. It also lowers the temperature of combustion, which in turn prevents premature detonation (knocking).
The CX-9 is slated to go on sale Spring 2016 in the U.S. Prices and detailed specs will be announced closer to the crossover’s release date.
In this exclusive TFLcar “everything you ever wanted to know” video, Nathan gets the early scoop on the all-new 2016 Mazda CX-9 crossover SUV.
2016 Mazda CX-9 Specs:
- Engine: SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter direct injection turbocharged I-4
- Power: 227 hp @ 5000 rpm
- Torque: 310 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
- Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
