2016 CX-9 newbie questions re: engine, 2nd row hump, transfer case

[astriuminc]

hi, some 2016 CX-9 questions and comments

looking to buy a new CX-9 but have some questions and comments:

1) is the CX-9 engine basically the same as the CX-5 but with turbo ?

2) went to the dealer and figured out why there's a 2nd row hump, the AWD driveshaft "piggybacks" above the exhaust like the CX-5,
in the old CX-9, the AWD driveshaft and the exhaust was at the same lower level but parallel thus the flat floor.

3) anyone tackle the transfer case or rear differential oil change yet on the new CX-9? if so, is it easy ?

Thanks in advance.

 

[SeCX-9]

1. Really? Have you driven the car? Navitainment is the same, but I have the Signature model and the CX-9 is a heck of a lot more luxurious and quieter.
2. OK.
3. Seems a bit premature for a 2016 model. Is that really part of your buying criteria?

 

[astriuminc]

1. Really? Have you driven the car? Navitainment is the same, but I have the Signature model and the CX-9 is a heck of a lot more luxurious and quieter.
2. OK.
3. Seems a bit premature for a 2016 model. Is that really part of your buying criteria?

thanks, in regards to number 3, no, not a major criteria but don't want to make the same mistake as the old CX-9 where it's really a PITA to change the transfer case. IMHO, I think it's a legitimate question, if you cannot get to it then you're at the mercy of the dealership for maintenance. Don't get me wrong, I'm not comparing the old CX-9 transfer case to the new one, I know it's completely different, but at some point it will need to be serviced and just want to get an understanding of what's involved. I'll see if I can find a part number for the new transfer case.

 

[sjg]

2) went to the dealer and figured out why there's a 2nd row hump, the AWD driveshaft "piggybacks" above the exhaust like the CX-5,
in the old CX-9, the AWD driveshaft and the exhaust was at the same lower level but parallel thus the flat floor.

There was a lot of discussion about the 2nd row hump in this forum when interior photos first started to surface. I believe that Mazda's response was that the hump isn't any higher in the 2016 but the floor on either side is lower. I do not know if this has been confirmed.

 

[dennyd75]

The engine is pretty similar with some differences. The compression ratio is lower to accommodate the turbo. The exhaust manifold is also different. And I read somewhere that the lower end has been reinforced to handle the extra load.

 

[yrwei52]

hi, some 2016 CX-9 questions and comments

looking to buy a new CX-9 but have some questions and comments:

1) is the CX-9 engine basically the same as the CX-5 but with turbo ?

2) went to the dealer and figured out why there's a 2nd row hump, the AWD driveshaft "piggybacks" above the exhaust like the CX-5,
in the old CX-9, the AWD driveshaft and the exhaust was at the same lower level but parallel thus the flat floor.

3) anyone tackle the transfer case or rear differential oil change yet on the new CX-9? if so, is it easy ?

Thanks in advance.

1) CX-9 SkyActiv-G 2.5L Turbo is basically the same as naturally aspirated SA-G 2.5L used in the CX-5 but with a small turbo. It needs more frequent maintenance such as replacing PY8V-18-110 spark plugs ($30.95 each list) every 40,000 miles instead of 70,000 miles; using 5W-30 oil instead of 0W-20 oil with maximum flexible oil change interval at 7,500 miles instead of 10,000 miles.

2) Good observation but only Mazda engineers know why.

3) Front transfer case and rear differential now are from Mazda itself and they're easier to do the lubricant replacement as drain and fill holes are provided for both. The maintenance schedule for front transfer case and rear differential are not specified other than when they have been submerged in water on CX-9, but it does have 30,000-mile replacement interval under severe condition on CX-5 which has the same system. The specified Mazda Long Life Hypoid Gear Oil SG1 for both is expensive too, $29.95 per quart list.