2022 Mazda CX-9 Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

Three-row SUVs currently dominate the market when it comes to families. Full-size options are too large and thirsty for many drivers, which is why the midsize segment of the market seems particularly popular. They typically have enough space for six or seven people and their gear, but they can also easily fit into parking spots and manage tighter city turns.

The Mazda CX-9 is the largest vehicle in the lineup. This year, it gains standard all-wheel drive. This is a move that Mazda has made for all of their new SUVs. There is a brand-new CX-9 Touring Plus trim level that falls near the middle of the lineup. The 2022 CX-9 is part of the second generation, which made its debut back in 2016. Although this generation is getting up there in age, Mazda has made numerous changes over the years to keep the CX-9 current and relevant.

With six trim options, buyers should be able to find a model that has the features they want without having to pay for too many that they do not. There may be many shoppers who will find that the entry-level Sport trim has what they need, while others may need to go all the way up to the ultra-luxurious Signature trim level to be satisfied.

In this guide, the differences between the six 2022 Mazda CX-9 trim levels are highlighted to help potential buyers make an educated choice.

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Compare the Sport vs Touring Trims. What is the difference?

A 2.5L four-cylinder engine is found underneath the hood of the CX-9 Sport. With 87 octane gasoline, it makes 227-horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Switch it up to 93 octane fuel and this engine can make 250-horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is paired to the engine, and drivers can expect 20mpg in the city and 26mpg on the highway. All models of the 2022 CX-9 are able to tow up to 3,500 pounds when they are properly equipped.

The powertrain moves the CX-9 around well. This SUV is praised for its sporty and athletic handling, both in town and on the highway. The same powertrain remains standard for all 2022 trim levels.

LED headlights, LED taillights, and LED daytime running lights are all standard for the entry-level Sport. Automatic high beams and automatic low beams are included, and the CX-9 even has an auto height control for its lights. Body-colored and heated side mirrors are standard, and they include turn signal integration.

A rear roof spoiler and dual exhaust outlets help the Sport trim live up to its name. There is a new AWD badge to make sure everyone knows that all models are now standard with the feature. This model rides around on 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. It is available in Jet Black or Deep Crystal Blue paint colors. Snowflake White and Machine Gray are also available, but they both cost extra.

Tri-zone automatic climate control is standard for the Sport. This model comes standard with a second-row bench, meaning it has seating for up to seven. Heated front seats are standard, along with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Push-button start is yet another nice touch, plus two 12-volt power outlets.

A 10.25-inch display runs the infotainment system. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard, along with two USB ports. This model of the CX-9 has HD radio and six speakers for the audio system. Buyers are also treated to three years of Mazda Connected Services when they choose the 2022 CX-9. This includes a Wi-Fi hotspot that is sure to be popular with passengers.

Behind the third-row of seating, the Mazda CX-9 Sport has 14.4 cubic feet of space. This is less than average for the midsize SUV class. With the third row down, there are 38.2 cubic feet. With the second and third rows down, there are 71.2 cubic feet. These numbers are more in line with what a midsize SUV should have, but they are trail behind several rivals.

There are a respectable number of driver aids on this entry-level model, including blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. Forward-collision mitigation with pedestrian detection is also included. A lane-keeping system rounds out the advanced safety feature list. The CX-9 also comes standard with things like hill launch assist, a tire pressure monitoring system, and trailer stability assist.

Next up on the list is the Touring trim level. It has the exact same mechanical features. The exterior features are more or less the same as well, although new paint options are opened up. Sonic Silver becomes another no-cost option, and Soul Red can be chosen for an extra $595.

The Touring model is the first to come with a power liftgate, and it includes a programmable height feature. Inside, there is an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The second row of seats also gains their own USB ports. Although the second-row bench seat remains standard, this model is available with captain's chairs. Either way, the first and second rows have leather-trimmed seats. The front passenger also gains six-way power adjustment.

The entry-level Sport has a starting price of just over $35,000. This is a bit high for the midsize SUV segment of the market but still competitive. Going up to the Touring model will cost drivers around $2,000 more.

Compare the Touring vs Touring Plus. What is the difference?

Next up is the brand-new Touring Plus trim level. It is the first of the CX-9 trim levels to have LED fog lights. It also adds aluminum roof rails for added convenience when loading up for a road trip, and this model goes up to 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Paint options remain the same as they were for the Touring.

A power-sliding moonroof and interior sunshade is another upgrade for the Touring Plus, along with second-row sunshades. The driver and front passenger are treated to ventilated front seats in this model. For the sound system, the Touring Plus doubles the speakers to a total of 12. Satellite radio and wireless device charging are added as well. The third-row gets two USB ports of their own when drivers choose the Touring Plus.

The Touring Plus gains both front and rear parking sensors. This is the only safety upgrade made by this model. Going up to the Touring Plus will cost approximately $4,000 more, but several desirable features are added.

It is worth noting that there is a Touring Premium Package that can be added to the Touring model. The package costs $2,080 dollars, and it gives the Touring many of the features that the Touring Plus has. Not found in this package are a few sought-after features, however, such as the ventilated front seats and the third-row USB ports. The Touring Premium package is the only one available for any model of the 2022 Mazda CX-9.

Compare the Touring Plus vs Carbon Edition. What is the difference?

This version of the 2022 CX-9 has a unique style to show off around town, and it is only available in an exclusive Polymetal Gray Metallic paint. It also blacks out several exterior features, including the side mirrors, the front grille, and roof rails. An adaptive front lighting system that corners with the SUV is added here. Other convenient exterior features found here include power-folding side mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer.

The power liftgate gains a hands-free function for added convenience. Inside, this trim level stands out with aluminum and black trim accents. The Carbon Edition also has paddle shifters for more fun at the wheel. This model is available exclusively with second-row captain's chairs. They gain heat, while the front row gets ventilation. The steering wheel is heated for this model as well. Red leather upholstery further helps this model of the 2022 CX-9 achieve a bold look.

Driver attention monitoring becomes standard starting with this model. Rear automatic emergency braking, which utilizes sensors to detect obstacles behind the CX-9 when in reverse, is also included. This model costs less than $2,000 more than the Touring Plus.

Compare the Carbon Edition vs Grand Touring Trim Level. What is the difference?

No mechanical or exterior changes are made by the Grand Touring. It is available in all of the same paint options as the Touring and Touring Plus models. This trim loses the more aggressive black exterior accents that are found on the Carbon Edition. Inside, the black interior accents are also deleted, and the red leather upholstery is not an option.

The Grand Touring can be had with either the bench or captain's chairs in the second row, meaning it can seat six or seven. There are not many upgrades made by this model. That said, the features added are important ones, such as integrated navigation and a head-up display. The Grand Touring also has a surround-view parking camera system and traffic sign recognition, which is displayed in what Mazda calls the "Active Driving Display" on the dashboard.

It will cost buyers less than $1,000 more to go up to the Grand Touring from the Carbon Edition. It loses styling touches but gains more than enough cutting-edge tech to justify this price increase.

Compare the Grand Touring vs Signature Trims. What is the difference?

The top model of the 2022 Mazda CX-9 is the sophisticated yet pricey Signature. It shows off LED signature lighting integrated into its front grille. The grille also has a "Titanium Gray" finish to help it stand out further. Specialized badging rounds out the exterior changes that can be found on the Signature model.

To help the interior feel more upscale, this trim has genuine Santos Rosewood inlays on the doors and around the shifter knob. There is premium quilted leather upholstery that features piping, and this model is only available with second-row captain's chairs. It also adds a second-row center console. This model costs just under $3,000 more than the Grand Touring.

Which Trim to Choose?

There are many good options to be found in the 2022 Mazda CX-9 lineup. The entry-level Sport has a respectable number of standard features, plus it comes with the same powertrain and drivetrain as the rest of the trims. The Touring is also tempting, thanks to its leather upholstery and extra USB ports.

For most drivers, however, the new Touring Sport trim will be the way to go. It has several nice upgrades, such as wireless device charging and satellite radio, without driving the price tag up too much. The Carbon Edition makes primarily cosmetic changes that will not appeal to every shopper. If it is within the budget, the Grand Touring is also worth considering for its added tech and safety features. The Signature trim level can be skipped by most buyers.

The 2022 Mazda CX-9 Touring Plus is a good combination of value and features that will serve most families well.