Mazda Prices 2016 CX-9 from $31,520 in the U.S.

Mazda’s flagship SUV has a tempting base price in the United States

Mazda North American Operations has announced pricing and equipment information for the all-new CX-9 midsize, three-row crossover SUV. Developed specifically for North America, the CX-9 is available in four trim levels in the United States: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature. The base Sport trim has a starting MSRP of $31,520, excluding a $900 destination and handling fee.

For this sum, Mazda's flagship model offers LED headlights and taillights, fabric upholstery, an electronic parking brake, 18-inch wheels, rear backup camera, trailer stability assist, as well as the Mazda Connect infotainment system with Commander control and a 7-inch color display. Mazda offers as an option the Sport Package ($950), which adds a power driver's seat, heated front seats and heated door mirrors.

The Mazda CX-9 Touring starts from $35,970 and brings more standard features such as an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, HomeLink garage door openers, leather upholstery, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System, a power liftgate, power front seats, and an eight-inch Mazda Connect touchscreen display.

The optional Touring Premium Package ($1,745) adds automatic on/off headlights, LED fog lights, navigation, a 12-speaker BOSE audio system, rain-sensing wipers, rear backup sensors, second-row retractable sunshades, SiriusXM satellite radio, automatic Smart City Brake Support, and a sunroof.

Following in the lineup is the Grand Touring trim, which starts from a hefty $40,170. You will get quite a lot of additional features for the money, though. These include the Adaptive Front-lighting System, 20-inch wheels, aluminum interior trim, the Active Driving Display head-up display system, high-beam control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Smart Brake Support, roof rails and memory settings on the driver's seat.

Finally, the range-topping Signature model ($44,015) adds Mazda's predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive, Auburn-colored Nappa leather, rosewood supplied by Japanese guitar-maker Fujigen, LED signature accent grille lighting and LED accent lighting around the automatic shifter.

All models are powered by the new turbocharged SkyActiv-G 2.5T engine rated at 250 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque from just 2,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a standard SkyActiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission that can send power to the front wheels or all four wheels. EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings for front-wheel drive models are 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway/25 mpg combined.