The Kodo-fied and otherwise updated 2013 Mazda CX-9 has been priced. The refreshed three-row crossover will now start at $30,850 for a front-wheel drive 2013 CX-9 Sport, and top out at over $40,000 for a fully-loaded all-wheel drive 2013 CX-9 Grand Touring model.
All 2013 Mazda CX-9 crossovers headed to U.S. dealerships get the same styling changes we've seen from CX-9s debuting elsewhere around the world. That includes 2014 Mazda6-like touches including headlights with a trim piece that connects to the revised front grille and more attractive foglight surrounds. From the side, the available 20-inch wheels add a polished finish. You may recognize more Mazda6 influence in the taillight design, while repositioned rear reflector lights and less-stylized exhaust outlets complete the exterior changes.
On the $30,580 front-drive 2013 Mazda CX-9 Sport, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 5.8-inch infotainment screen, Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary jack connection ports, 18-inch alloy wheels, and three-zone automatic climate control are standard. For $690, you can get an eight-way power driver seat with manual lumbar support, heated front seats, and heated side mirrors. With all-wheel drive, the CX-9 Sport is $32,170; both prices are up less than $300 compared to the 2012 CX-9.
Upgrade to the $33,025 2013 Mazda CX-9 Touring and the most noticeable improvement is leather seating. There's also an eight-way power driver seat, four-way power front passenger seat, auto on/off headlights, blind-spot monitoring system, rear backup sensors, and a rearview camera that's the same as the one on the CX-5. The all-wheel-drive model is $34,615, and if you want a navigation system, power liftgate, hands-free keyless entry, moonroof, and premium 10-speaker sound system, Mazda offers a $3000 Touring Technology package. Prices have been bumped up $585-$785 compared to last year's models in the Touring trim level.
You'll get 20-inch wheels on the 2013 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring, which costs $35,580 and adds chrome door handles, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding side mirrors that tilt down when in reverse, fog lights, power liftgate, HID headlights, LED daytime running lights, a three-position memory driver seat, and Bordeaux interior accents. The all-wheel-drive model carries an MSRP of $37,170; prices are up $1050 and $1250 from last year in front- and all-wheel-drive forms.
Mazda says the second row seat releases have been reconfigured -- now, accessing the third-row seat is said to require one hand motion to unlatch the second-row seat and move it forward. A strap behind the third-row seat backrest makes it easier to pull the seat back up and can be used as a release to fold it down.
Mazda's new 5.8-inch infotainment screen makes an appearance in the dash of the 2013 CX-9 on all trim levels. The system is HD-Radio and Pandora-ready and, as we've mentioned, a USB connection port and auxiliary jack are standard, along with improved Bluetooth. Also new on the 2013 CX-9 is what Mazda calls audio message receipt and delivery. Text messages can be shown on the display and a handful of reply templates can be sent back. A TomTom-based integrated navigation system is available on Touring and Grand Touring trims.
The 2013 Mazda CX-9 continues to be powered by a 273-hp 3.7-liter V-6, with expected fuel economy of 16-17/22-24 mpg city/highway, not at the top of the three-row crossover class. Then again, that didn't hurt the pre-refresh Mazda CX-9, which was our 2008 sport/utility of the year and won a six-crossover comparison in March 2011.