As a refresher, all variants of the 2022 CX-9 remain powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine. Unlike other turbocharged engines, this engine can actually run on regular 91-octane fuel. In this guise, it makes 231 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. New for 2022 though is the addition of i-stop—Mazda’s idle start/stop system which should improve fuel consumption in stop-and-go traffic. All variants also come with a standard 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters and Sport mode.

Despite its size, the CX-9 stays true to Mazda’s fun-to-drive ethos and for 2022, all variants come with G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus). This system improves stability by lightly applying braking force to the outer wheel as the steering wheel is returned to the center position. The sole AWD variant adds Off-Road Traction Assist. The system, first introduced in the CX-30, improves the CX-9’s off-road prowess (read more about Off-Road Traction Assist).

From just two variants before, Mazda has added a new high-grade 2WD called the CX-9 Black Edition. As its name implies, it has high-gloss black elements such as the grille, side mirrors, and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the CX-9 Black Edition has Burgundy leather seats and red stitching on the steering wheel. This is complemented by its high-gloss piano black trim and accents. Features include power adjustable front seats (8-way for the driver, 6-way for the passenger) with built-in ventilation, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, and a 9.2-inch Mazda Connect infotainment screen with a wireless charger and wireless Apple CarPlay.

For added safety, the CX-9 Black Edition has a 360-degree camera as well as i-Activsense which bundles Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The electronic parking brake now has an auto hold function as well.

Sitting atop the CX-9 Black Edition is the CX-9 AWD Exclusive. It is, without a doubt, built for the discerning executive and for that has a gray metallic front grille, bright-finished 20-inch alloy wheels, and larger tailpipe finishers.

Inside, it has all the features found in the CX-9 Black Edition but swaps its Burgundy seats for Oriental Brown Nappa leather seats with a diamond-stitched pattern and contrasting white piping. The same brown stitching makes its way onto the steering wheel as well. Real Santos Rosewood is also used to adorn the interior, replacing the high-gloss black trim in the CX-9 Black Edition. Other changes include a frameless rear-view mirror and a textured knurled finish on the aluminum dash trim.

Further improving its long-distance driving comfort, the CX-9 AWD Exclusive also has adaptive radar cruise control. It also has Smart City Brake Support for the front and back, reducing the probability of collisions with oncoming vehicles in and out of parking spaces, and a Driver Attention Alert.

The 2022 Mazda CX-9 is available in eight colors: Snowflake White Pearl, Jet Black, Deep Crystal Blue, Sonic Silver, Machine Gray, Soul Red Crystal, Titanium Flash, Polymetal Gray. It is priced as follows: