2021 Mazda CX-9 Signature

When you’re looking for a vehicle that has it all, then what you’re shopping for is something like the Mazda CX-9 Signature. That’s because while even base model CX-9s come with outstanding features, that means they have to keep upping the ante at each trim level.

And the CX-9 Signature doesn’t disappoint. There are tons of standard features, and it gives you cutting-edge new technology and the best of the best of reliable favorites. But is the CX-9 Signature right for you, or should you opt for a lower trim level?

We’ll break down everything you need to know about this awesome SUV here.

Different Trim Levels

When you’re shopping for a Mazda CX-9, there’s more than just the Signature trim level to choose from. While the Signature Trim level is the fully loaded option, we’d be remiss if we didn’t give you a quick dive into the different trim levels out there.

Sport

With the Mazda CX-9, the Sport is really the base model package. But while it’s a base model choice, with Mazda, even the base model features have tons of standard features. They don’t make safety features optional add-ons, and that’s a big deal.

Touring

One step up from the Sport Trim level is their Touring trim. It includes everything in the CX-9 Sport, and it has more standard features. Not only that, but the Touring trim level also unlocks the ability to upgrade to even more features like all-wheel drive.

Carbon Edition

The Carbon Edition Trim level is an all-new option for the 2021 CX-9. It fits snugly between the Touring and Grand Touring and offers features like 20-inch metallic wheels, second-row captain chairs, and a heated steering wheel.

Grand Touring

If you do opt for a Grand Touring CX-9, you won’t be hurting for features. It’s one step below their highest trim package, and as such, it comes with plenty of features. You’ll still need to upgrade to an all-wheel-drive drivetrain if you want it, but the options are there for you!

Signature

As the top trim level for the CX-9, the Signature trim level means it’s fully loaded. However, it doesn’t mean that every Signature CX-9 comes with everything, it just means that it can come with everything.

But before you let that ruffle your feathers too much, it’s because some features are fundamentally incompatible with each other. For instance, if you want second-row captain chairs and a bench seat in the middle row, you can’t have both!

Standard Features for All Mazda CX-9s

Mazda is known for including tons of standard features in every one of their vehicles, and they have that reputation for a good reason. Every Mazda CX-9 will include these awesome features – regardless of the trim level.

• Adaptive Headlights
• Rain Sensing Wipers
• iActiveSense Driver Aids

The most notable of these features is their iActiveSense Driver Aids. These technologies include a whole list of features that includes a lane departure warning system, frontal collision warning system, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Because with Mazda safety isn’t optional.

Other Standard Features to Love

While these features aren’t standard with every Mazda CX-9, the advantage of going with their Signature trim package is that you get everything. With a Signature Mazda CX-9, you get all these features standard too.

• Navigational System
• Driver’s Attention Alert System
• 360-Degree Camera
• Road Sign Recognition
• 20” alloy wheels
• Self-Dimming Rearview Mirror
• Powered Tailgate
• Powered Front Seats
• Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
• Heated Steering Wheel

Some of the most eye-popping features on this list are the 360-degree camera, the driver’s attention alert system, and the road sign recognition system. These features use the newest technologies on the market to give you the best of the best and keep you clued in to what’s going on around you.

Other notable features that help set your Signature CX-9 apart are the heated and ventilated front seats, the powered tailgate, and the self-dimming rearview mirror. These features might not be what you think of as the most essential features in your vehicle, but they make each day just a little bit easier.

They’re not features you want to do without, and with a Signature CX-9, you don’t have to.

Standard Exclusive Signature Features

While we included a ton of standard features so far, the truth is with Mazda, you don’t need the Signature trim level to get these features standard. But even with all these awesome features already included, only with the Signature trim package do the following features come standard too.

• All-Wheel Drive
• Nappa Leather Seats
• Santos Redwood Interior Wood Trim Accent
• LED Grille Lighting

While the trim, leather seats, and LED grille lighting are all outstanding features, the most notable standard feature with the Signature trim package is the all-wheel-drive capabilities. While it’s available as an extra upgrade from the Touring trim level and up, you’ll have to spend more for it.

Of course, in addition to the standard all-wheel-drive drivetrain, the extra interior and exterior give your ride a little extra flair, and that’s no small thing. Because not only does that extra flair help set your vehicle apart, but it also involves next-tier craftsmanship that lasts quite some time.

Optional Signature Upgrades

While there are plenty of standard features with the Signature CX-9, if you think that they all have the same stuff no matter what, that’s simply not how it works. Below we’ve highlighted two optional upgrades you can choose with a Signature CX-9.

• Soul Red Crystal Body Paint
• Second Row Captain Chairs

Keep in mind that if you do choose to go with the second-row captain chairs that you’re lowering the overall seating capacity of the CX-9 from seven to six people. While this might be enough for your family, it’s this drop incapacity that has the second-row captain chairs as an optional upgrade.

Because while there’s no doubt that they’re more comfortable for the passengers in the second row, if you need that extra seat, then you’d rather give up the little extra space.

Mazda CX-9 Signature Performance Specs

One thing Mazda doesn’t upgrade with their trim levels is the engine or transmission. While this might seem like an odd choice at first blush, the truth is that if you’re going for a CX-9, you’re not looking for a sports car.

Mazda recognizes this and focuses on the things that matter to you, like safety and comfort. Still, just because they’re not upgrading the engine to turn the CX-9 into a track monster doesn’t mean that it can’t do anything.

It still uses a Skyactive-G 2.5 Turbo engine that generates 320 lb-ft of torque and 250 horsepower. While you can certainly find an SUV with more oomph, it gives you more than enough for daily driving.

Not only that, but every Mazda CX-9 can tow up to 3,500 pounds if you put the proper towing equipment on it, which is more than enough to get smaller equipment from site to site.

You’re not going to be blowing anyone off the track or winning any towing competitions with your CX-9, but it’s exactly what you need to get the job done, and that means you’re not paying more money for features you don’t need.

Cargo Space

One of the most notable perks of getting an SUV is the extra storage space for kids gear and everything else you want to haul around, and the CX-9 doesn’t disappoint.

Once again, there’s no difference between the Signature trim level and the other options here, which means you’re getting all this space regardless of which trim level you go with.

If you don’t have any passengers in the back seat, you can fold down the seats and make use of 71.2 cubic feet of space, which is more than enough to haul mattresses, sports gear, or whatever you need to take. Meanwhile, if you have a passenger in the second row, you can still haul 38.2 cubic feet of gear.

Finally, if you need to use all seven seats, you limit your storage area to 14.4 cubic feet, but that’s still enough for some sports equipment while you take your entire family out to the game!

And with 39.4” and 29.7” of legroom for second and third-row passengers, respectively, it’s not like you’re cramming kids into the back either! Compared to the 41” of legroom that front-seat passengers get, it’s almost no drop off for the passengers in the second row!

With the Mazda CX-9, there’s plenty of room for activities and people, so don’t let a smaller vehicle ruin your next outing!

Final Thoughts

With so many features packed into the Signature CX-9, it’s no wonder it’s so tempting to go with their fully loaded option. You’re getting everything Mazda has to offer, and that’s no small deal. So, if you want the best of the best, get it with the Signature CX-9.

Don’t believe us when we say that it’s the best? Come check out and drive a Signature CX-9 at Seacoast Mazda for yourself to see what all the hype is about!