23 MPG combined won’t win any fuel efficiency awards, but for the 2019 Mazda CX-9 4WD, equipped with its 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it’s a reasonable tradeoff. This isn’t a Prius; it’s a stylish, family SUV with available all-wheel drive and seating for seven passengers. Those who want driving enjoyment and premium features, and who need the space to haul kids and cargo, understand that fuel economy is often the compromise.

city and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 CX-9 4WD at 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving where the CX-9’s weight and the engine’s turbocharger have to work harder.

The 26 MPG highway rating is more easily achieved, especially on long road trips. The turbocharged engine doesn’t have to strain as much to maintain speed, and the six-speed automatic transmission helps keep the RPMs down. Owners report the highway figure to be fairly accurate under ideal conditions, while city driving and aggressive acceleration will certainly cause it to decrease.

annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Mazda CX-9 4WD at $1,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices, which change. Remember this is just an estimate.

Your actual fuel cost can change significantly depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do (city vs. highway), and the price of gasoline in your area. If you drive more than 15,000 miles a year, or if gas prices are high in your region, expect to pay more.

real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful reference point, real-world fuel economy depends on many things. Driving style is a major factor. Frequent hard acceleration, aggressive braking, and high speeds will obviously decrease fuel efficiency.

Terrain also plays a role. Hilly or mountainous areas require more power, thus consuming more fuel, and cargo weight and passenger load affect fuel consumption. The heavier the load, the more fuel the CX-9 will burn, although the impact is likely to be less noticeable on the highway than in city driving.

how it compares

Compared to other three-row SUVs with all-wheel drive, the 2019 CX-9’s fuel economy is competitive. The 2019 Honda Pilot AWD, for example, is rated at 19 MPG city, 27 MPG highway, and 22 combined. The 2019 Ford Explorer with its standard 2.3L EcoBoost engine and 4WD manages 19 MPG city, 26 MPG highway, and 22 MPG combined. The Toyota Highlander AWD is similar, achieving 20 MPG city, 26 MPG highway and 22 MPG combined.

All of these are within a couple of MPG of the CX-9 across all years. The slightly more luxurious Acura MDX with SH-AWD comes in at 19 MPG city, 26 MPG highway, and 22 MPG combined. The Mazda CX-9 buyer isn’t necessarily chasing the absolute highest MPG, rather they appreciate that Mazda has delivered a stylish and enjoyable driving experience without sacrificing too much at the pump. You can view all Mazda fuel economy data on this site.

tips to maximize efficiency

Maintaining proper tire inflation is important for good fuel economy. Check your tires regularly and inflate them to the pressure recommended on the sticker inside the driver’s side door. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Because the CX-9 4WD can be driven in front-wheel-drive mode under certain conditions, ensure you are not running in all-wheel-drive mode unnecessarily. This will put less stress on the powertrain and improve mileage.

Avoid aggressive driving habits, such as rapid acceleration and hard braking. Accelerate smoothly and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a safe following distance to avoid unnecessary braking. The CX-9’s turbocharged engine is responsive, but excessive use of boost will noticeably impact fuel consumption.

Reduce the amount of weight you carry in the vehicle. Remove any unnecessary items from the cargo area, as extra weight increases fuel consumption. If you frequently haul cargo, consider using a roof rack or cargo carrier only when needed because these accessories can also reduce fuel efficiency due to increased aerodynamic drag.

Plan your trips carefully to avoid stop-and-go traffic. Using navigation to find the most efficient route can help reduce fuel consumption. Consider combining errands into a single trip to minimize cold starts.

Cold engines are less efficient, so combining trips can help improve overall fuel economy.

Regularly maintain your CX-9 according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This includes changing the oil and air filter at the specified intervals. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently and can improve fuel economy. Neglecting maintenance can lead to decreased performance and increased fuel consumption.