The Mazda CX-9 has received a 2018 model-year update just over a year since its initial release, bringing new technologies like the company’s G-Vectoring control system, along with a new colour.

Announced this week, the entire CX-9 range gets G-Vectoring Control (GVC), which adjusts engine torque in response to steering inputs, which the company claims helps to deliver “unified control of lateral and longitudinal acceleration g-forces, enhancing the vertical load on each wheel”.


Mazda has also added more sound deadening to improve noise vibration harshness (NVH) levels, including a reduction in the height difference between the rear end of the roof moulding and the tailgate, along with thicker noise-absorbing material on the underside of the headliner.

There’s new insulation materials on the back of the boot side trim, reducing tyre noise and other noise from the rear of the vehicle. Meanwhile, higher-density fibre in the floor mats better absorbs noise and the insulation layer added to the ceiling headliner reduces the reverberation of sound in the cabin. Mazda claims that these changes improve the clarity of voices in the second and third rows by around five per cent.


Other changes include an upgraded version of the CX-9’s standard autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system, which now includes pedestrian detection and operation at speeds between 4 and 80km/h (previously 4-30km/h). GT and Azami variants also gain traffic sign recognition.

A second top tether point has been added on the third row of seats, though only the outmost second row pews get Isofix anchor points. All models now get auto power-folding mirrors as well.


The second row seats have been revised to allow better access into the rearmost bench, with the backrest now leaning 33 degrees when the seat is slid forward, increasing the space between each second row seat and the rear wheel housing from 60mm to around 200mm. The slide rail retainers for the second row have also been changed from metal to plastic, reducing slide resistance by a claimed 30 per cent – meaning it will be easier to slide the seats forward.

Models equipped with electrically-adjustable front seats now get a new tilt function for the driver’s seat, adjusting the height of the cushion’s front edge – which also can be saved on variants with seat position memory. The controls for power seats get an upgrade too, now featuring a chrome-like finish. Additionally, GT and Azami trims get seat heating for the outboard pews in the second row.


Finally, the CX-9 is now available in Soul Red Crystal metallic – which debuted on the new-generation CX-5 earlier this year. The update does, however bring a price rise of AUD 1400 across the range.

2018 Mazda CX-9 pricing
  • Sport FWD – AUD 43,890 
  • Sport AWD – AUD 47,890 
  • Touring FWD – AUD 50,290 
  • Touring AWD – AUD 54,290 
  • GT FWD – AUD 58,790 
  • GT AWD – AUD 62,790 
  • Azami FWD – AUD 60,790 
  • Azami AWD – AUD 64,790