Mazda’s all-new CX-9 earns best-in-class fuel economy of 25 combined mpg

By Miles Branman March 3, 2016

Mazda has announced the EPA-estimated fuel economy figures for its 2016 CX-9 crossover, and the word of the day is efficiency.

Thanks in large part to its lighter SKYACTIV platform and turbocharged motor, the midsize model achieves ratings of 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway/25 mpg combined, when equipped with front-wheel drive. These numbers make the new CX-9 the most efficient in its class. That class, to be specific, is for non-hybrid, three-row, midsize crossovers.

Should all-wheel driver performance be your thing, the CX-9 still manages excellent numbers at 21 city, 27 highway, and 23 combined mpg. By comparison, the second generation CX-9 is 32 percent more efficient than the first generation.

“SKYACTIV Technology once again demonstrates there’s no need to compromise between driving enjoyment and frugality — even when it comes to hauling around your family,” said Robert Davis, senior vice president of U.S. operations. “CX-9 elevates our brand with a host of new, advanced technology and luxury features but stays true to our company principles: lightweight, fun to drive, stylish and purposeful.”

Under the CX-9’s sleeker hood is a new SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque (on 93 octane fuel). Though down 21 horses from the previous CX-9, the extra torque and 200 pounds of weight reduction (300 in AWD spec) mean greater performance and nimbler handling. Unique to Mazda’s new engine is its Dynamic Pressure Turbo with a cooled EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) to lower engine temperatures without adding extra fuel.

Mazda’s optional predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive can sense a loss in traction by measuring road and vehicle conditions more than 200 times per second via 27 sensors, which is approximately the same sensitivity as a vulnerable impala taking a sip of water in the savanna.

On a more subjective note, the new CX-9 is one of the more handsome models on the market, so the complement of leading fuel economy figures should help the crossover sell quite well come this summer.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Miles Branman doesn't need sustenance; he needs cars. While the gearhead gene wasn't strong in his own family, Miles…

Cars

Best electric car charger deals: $100 off home charging stations

The handle of the Grizzl-E EV charger plugged into a vehicle.

A few years ago, electric vehicles were pretty rare or cost a fortune, but with more and more of the larger car brands getting into the game, there are a lot of excellent and even budget-friendly choices nowadays. That said, the electrical network for charging your cars might not be that widespread, so instead you'll have to rely on charging your car at home. Luckily, there are a lot of excellent car chargers at a discount, so if you've just bought an EV or want to upgrade your current charging solution, be sure to check out our favorite deals below.
Shockflo EV charger — $205, was $220

This EV charger by Shockflo is a Level 2 EV charger, which offers six times faster charging than a standard charger. It delivers 24 miles with just one hour of charging, and it can act as a mobile charger you can throw in the trunk or be mounted to a wall. It has an LCD display with useful information like charging rate, voltage, and charging time, as well as LED indicator lights that lets you know charging progress and errors.

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.