(September 6, 2017) IRVINE, Calif. —  Mazda has added numerous upgrades to the 2018 CX-9 flagship crossover SUV, further strengthening the "Mazda Premium" indulgences it provides. Among the highlights are more features at every price point such as an improved second row for both greater comfort and easier third-row access and greater sound insulation in what is already one of the quietest vehicles in its class.

All 2018 CX-9 models receive Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) for the first time, a technology that can automatically apply the brakes in emergency situations below 19 mph. CX-9 joins the 2018 Mazda3 compact sedan and 5-door, 2018 CX-3 subcompact crossover SUV and 2017 CX-5 compact crossover SUV in having SCBS as standard. SCBS is a technology that comes as part of Mazda's i-ACTIVSENSE suite of safety systems.

Additionally, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are now standard.

CX-9 is one of a handful of three-row crossover SUVs to earn a 2017 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety "Top Safety Pick+" recommendation, joining all Mazda models tested to earn the nonprofit's highest award when equipped with proper headlights and specific technologies.

The 2018 CX-9 starts at $33,070 including destination charge for the base Sport edition with front-wheel drive.

"Mazda CX-9 is designed to provide peace of mind through its i-ACTIVSENSE safety technology suite and its passive features like a strong, lightweight SKYACTIV-BODY. The secondary benefit to its structure is that also helps it deliver uncommonly good, surefooted driving dynamics," said Tetsu Nakazawa, CX-9 vehicle line manager, Mazda North America.

"Families trust us to build vehicles that not only surprise and delight with how they drive but also with the engineering excellence that goes into making them, showing that there's no need to compromise between needs and wants in a seven-passenger people-hauler."

CX-9's engaging driving dynamics are a further hallmark of the Mazda brand, complemented by its industry-exclusive G-Vectoring Control (GVC), which is new to CX-9 models for 2018. GVC uses the engine in conjunction with steering and throttle inputs to minutely reduce engine torque, putting more weight on the front wheels and making the steering feel more linear and direct. As a result, the driver is able to gain more confidence and control behind the wheel.

For 2018, Mazda's midsize family crossover SUV returns with Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and Signature trim levels, but it includes more equipment at each price point.

Besides the newly standard safety technology and refinements, CX-9 Sport features cloth upholstery, standard LED headlights and tail lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, an electronic parking brake, MAZDA CONNECT infotainment with a 7-inch screen and Bluetooth audio streaming and phone pairing as standard.

In its newly available Sport Package, the standard CX-9 adds auto on/off headlights, High Beam Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-Keep Assist, Smart Brake Support, rain-sensing wipers, heated front seats and a power driver's seat. Additionally, the Sport Package includes full-speed Mazda Radar Cruise Control.

The mid-level CX-9 Touring adds leather seating surfaces, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with built-in Homelink garage door opener, power liftgate, Advanced Keyless Entry and an 8-inch MAZDA CONNECT screen. New Mazda CX-9 Touring features include the addition of a tilt function on the driver's seat and power passenger seat with lift and lumbar support.

CX-9 Touring's Premium Package includes LED fog lights, navigation, a lauded BOSE 12-speaker Premium audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio with a 4-month subscription, rear parking sensors, new front parking sensors, sunroof, retractable sunshades in the second-row doors and a moonroof.

The high-trim CX-9 Grand Touring includes 20-inch wheels, Adaptive Front-lighting System, aluminum interior trim, Active Driving Display head-up unit with new Traffic Sign Recognition, roof rails and a memory driver's seat. CX-9 Grand Touring's all-new features include heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel and windshield wiper de-icer.

Finally, the top-of-the-line CX-9 Signature adorns the interior with Auburn-colored Nappa leather, rosewood trim supplied by premium Japanese guitar-maker Fujigen and LED signature grille and LED interior lighting.