Mazda CX-9 engine specs include a 2.5L turbocharged inline-4 engine with 227 horsepower (250 hp on premium fuel) and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and i-ACTIV AWD® for better traction.
When considering a mid-size SUV like the Mazda CX-9, one of the most important aspects to evaluate is its engine specifications. The engine plays a crucial role in determining the vehicle’s overall performance, fuel efficiency, and driving dynamics. This comprehensive guide will delve into the detailed engine specifications of the Mazda CX-9, including its performance figures, technological features, and the evolution of its engines across various model years.
From its turbocharged four-cylinder engines to its past V6 configurations, the CX-9 has continuously improved and refined its powertrains, delivering both power and efficiency for modern drivers. Let’s take a closer look at the Mazda CX-9’s engine specifications and how they contribute to its appeal as a performance-oriented family SUV.
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Mazda CX 9 Engine Specs
Mazda has equipped the CX-9 with various engine types over the years. While its engine specifications have evolved to meet changing demands for power and fuel efficiency, the brand has always focused on blending responsive driving performance with advanced technology. The CX-9 has featured both turbocharged inline-four engines and V6 engines, each providing its unique advantages in terms of performance and efficiency.
1. 2.5L Turbocharged Inline-4 Engine (2016–2023)
The most recent generation of the Mazda CX-9, beginning in 2016, saw the introduction of the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine. This 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine was developed to deliver excellent performance while enhancing fuel economy and reducing emissions. The 2.5T engine was paired with Mazda’s i-ACTIV AWD® system, providing optimal handling in a variety of road conditions, including wet, icy, and off-road surfaces.
- Horsepower: The 2.5L turbocharged engine produces 227 horsepower on regular 87-octane fuel and up to 250 horsepower when fueled with premium 93-octane fuel.
- Torque: With 310 lb-ft of torque available at just 2,000 rpm, this engine provides strong low-end power for quick acceleration and smooth performance.
- Transmission: It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, which delivers responsive gear shifts for a more enjoyable driving experience.
- Fuel Economy: The fuel economy of the Mazda CX-9 with the 2.5L turbocharged engine is impressive, offering around 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. This makes it an efficient choice in its class, especially considering the size and power of the vehicle.
- Turbocharged Technology: The turbocharged design ensures that the CX-9 offers a potent mix of power and torque, with a focus on reducing turbo lag and providing quick acceleration.
In addition to offering strong performance, the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine is part of Mazda’s effort to balance driving excitement with efficiency. With this engine, Mazda was able to improve fuel efficiency while maintaining an engaging driving experience.
2. 3.7L V6 Engine (2007–2015)
Prior to the introduction of the 2.5L turbocharged engine, the Mazda CX-9 was powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine. This V6 was the engine of choice in earlier generations of the CX-9 and was praised for its smooth power delivery and strong acceleration. The 3.7L engine helped position the CX-9 as a capable and powerful mid-size SUV.
- Horsepower: The 3.7L V6 engine delivers 273 horsepower, which was more than sufficient for most driving situations. The V6 engine provided quick acceleration and was a great match for highway cruising.
- Torque: With 270 lb-ft of torque, the V6 engine ensured that the CX-9 could handle heavy loads, such as towing, and provide strong acceleration, especially at higher speeds.
- Transmission: The V6 engine was also paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth and reliable shifting.
- Fuel Economy: The fuel economy of the CX-9 with the 3.7L V6 was slightly lower than the newer 2.5L turbocharged engine, with estimates ranging from 16 MPG in the city to 22 MPG on the highway. While the V6 engine provided great performance, its fuel efficiency was not as advanced as the turbocharged inline-four that followed.
The 3.7L V6 engine, though no longer available in recent models, provided a robust driving experience, but the transition to the turbocharged four-cylinder engine in 2016 was a step forward in terms of fuel efficiency and overall vehicle performance.
Technological Features in Mazda CX-9 Engine Systems
Mazda is renowned for integrating advanced technology into its vehicles, and the CX-9 is no exception. The engine configurations found in the CX-9 feature cutting-edge technologies that help improve performance, fuel efficiency, and driving dynamics.
1. Dynamic Pressure Turbocharging
One of the key innovations in the CX-9’s turbocharged engine is Mazda’s Dynamic Pressure Turbocharging technology. This system uses a twin-scroll turbocharger to optimize exhaust flow, reducing turbo lag and improving throttle response. The system’s variable geometry enables the turbo to spool faster, providing greater power output at lower engine speeds.
2. Direct Fuel Injection
The use of direct fuel injection in the CX-9’s engine helps ensure optimal combustion efficiency. By precisely controlling the delivery of fuel into the combustion chamber, direct fuel injection allows for better power output, cleaner emissions, and improved fuel economy.
3. Cylinder Deactivation Technology
Certain models of the CX-9 are equipped with cylinder deactivation technology, which helps improve fuel efficiency by deactivating two cylinders under light load conditions. This allows the engine to operate more efficiently when the full power of the engine is not needed, such as during highway cruising.
4. i-ACTIV AWD® System
The i-ACTIV AWD® system is a standard feature in the CX-9, allowing the vehicle to monitor road conditions and adjust power delivery to the wheels accordingly. This system provides added traction and stability, especially in slippery or challenging driving conditions, ensuring that drivers have confidence no matter where they go.
Performance Metrics of Mazda CX-9 Engines
Below is a detailed breakdown of the performance metrics for the Mazda CX-9’s various engine configurations:
| Engine Type | Horsepower (Regular/Premium) | Torque (lb-ft) | Transmission | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L Turbo I4 (2016–2023) | 227 / 250 | 310 | 6-speed auto | 20 city / 26 hwy |
| 3.7L V6 (2007–2015) | 273 | 270 | 6-speed auto | 16 city / 22 hwy |
As shown in the table, the 2.5L turbocharged engine offers a significant boost in fuel efficiency compared to the 3.7L V6. However, the V6 engine still provides more horsepower, which may be appealing to buyers looking for raw power, especially for towing and high-speed performance.
Evolution of the Mazda CX-9’s Engine: A Comparison of Past and Present
The evolution of the Mazda CX-9’s engine systems reflects the brand’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve in automotive performance. The transition from the 3.7L V6 to the 2.5L turbocharged inline-4 engine was a strategic move to balance performance with efficiency, all while adhering to increasingly stringent emissions regulations.
While the V6 engine offered more horsepower, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine introduced in 2016 provided enhanced torque, better fuel economy, and a more responsive driving experience. As technology progressed, Mazda was able to reduce turbo lag and increase engine efficiency without sacrificing the driving dynamics that make the CX-9 so enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some FAQs about the Mazda CX 9 engine specification –
1. What is the horsepower of the 2023 Mazda CX-9?
The 2023 Mazda CX-9 produces 227 horsepower on regular 87-octane fuel and up to 250 horsepower on premium 93-octane fuel.
2. Does the Mazda CX-9 have all-wheel drive?
Yes, the Mazda CX-9 comes standard with i-ACTIV AWD® to ensure optimal traction and stability.
3. How fuel-efficient is the Mazda CX-9?
The Mazda CX-9 with the 2.5L turbocharged engine offers 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway.
4. Can I still get a V6 engine in the Mazda CX-9?
No, the V6 engine was discontinued after the 2015 model year, and the 2023 model comes with a 2.5L turbocharged inline-4 engine.
5. How does the 2.5L turbocharged engine compare to the V6 engine?
The 2.5L turbocharged engine provides improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and comparable torque. It is more efficient but has less horsepower than the V6.
Conclusion
The Mazda CX-9’s engine specifications demonstrate the brand’s ability to deliver a balanced driving experience. Whether equipped with the older V6 engine or the newer turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the CX-9 provides a combination of performance, efficiency, and advanced technology that is hard to beat in its class. The turbocharged engine’s lower emissions, combined with its increased torque, makes it an ideal choice for buyers looking for a powerful yet fuel-efficient SUV.
As you explore your options in the mid-size SUV segment, the Mazda CX-9 should be a top contender, thanks to its well-rounded engine performance and technological innovations that enhance both the driving experience and fuel efficiency.