---
title: "2018 Mazda CX-9 Scores New Features, Starts at $32,130"
description: "Mazda's seven-seater gets a number of safety upgrades, because bigger always needs to be better."
date: "2017-09-05"
modified: "2017-09-05"
authors:
  - name: "Chris Constantine"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/chris-constantine"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/article/14094/2018-mazda-cx-9-scores-new-features-starts-at-32130"
categories:
  - "Mazda News"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
tags:
  - "2018 Model Year"
  - "Crossover News"
  - "CX-9"
  - "mazda"
  - "Mid Size SUV"
  - "suv/crossover"
---

# 2018 Mazda CX-9 Scores New Features, Starts at $32,130

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2017/09/mazda-cx-9-2018.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

Yes we know, the [crossover is no friend](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/5111/defending-the-indefensible-crossover>) to the enthusiast segment of the car world, but this doesn't explain why the compact SUV market[ continues to grow](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/12445/new-study-confirms-the-obsession-with-crossovers-is-still-growing>) in 2017. All gearheads won't have to ditch their quirky two-seaters yet, but those who are forced to can still [have some fun](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/1732/the-2016-ford-edge-is-as-quick-as-a-cayman>).

The [CX-9](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/5969/the-2016-mazda-cx-9-signature-is-a-family-crossover-for-those-who-dont-want-a-family-crossover>), for example, is Mazda's attempt to squash the boring SUV stigma, and for 2018 it's receiving cutting-edge features while retaining an "affordable" price tag. While the past two variants have been focused on improving the CX-9's "Zoom-Zoom" promise, the 2018 iteration is tasked with guarding its [IIHS "Top Safety Pick+"](<https://insidemazda.mazdausa.com/press-release/cx-9-earns-iihs-top-safety-pick-rating/>) rating.

Mazda announced Tuesday that the [2018 CX-9](<https://insidemazda.mazdausa.com/press-release/2018-mazda-cx-9-flagship-three-row-crossover-suv-receives-long-list-of-upgrades/>) will arrive in dealerships later this month, with new features to put it on par with the rest of Mazda's tech-rich crossover lineup. The CX-9 is the latest vehicle to receive [Mazda G-Vectoring](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/10520/mazda-g-vectoring-system-explained>) technology, designed to make the driving experience more enjoyable and less stressful by reducing minuscule steering wheel movements. It also comes standard with Smart City Brake Support, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Monitoring.

At $32,130, the base CX-9 Sport comes with a Mazda Connect infotainment system featuring smartphone integration and Bluetooth pairing, as well as other base-level Mazda tech—but the new $1,290 Sports package adds Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-Keep Assist, heated seats, and other premium features.

The new, top-trim CX-9 Signature adds to its luxurious feel with premium rosewood interior accents, Nappa leather seats, and LED badge lighting. This $44,315 trim comes standard with i-Active all-wheel drive, which is optional on the Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trims.

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