Mazda has completely redesigned its CX-9 crossover to come up with the latest in the series.  Apart from sporting a sleek look and better features, the 2016 Mazda CX-9 is also expected to have better efficiency and performance than its predecessors, so some auto reviewers have put it to the test.

According to MotorTrend, they took the new Mazda to the track to check if the automaker's claim is true - that it has better fuel economy while still being able to match, or even surpass, the performance of the previous model that had a V6 engine under its hood.

The 2016 Mazda CX-9 has four trims: the Sport, the Touring, the Grand Touring, and the Signature, and there are options for auto or manual transmission and front-wheel or all-wheel drive drivetrains.  It is powered by a 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G20 16-valve 4-cylinder engine that gives out 250 horsepower and 310 pound-foot of torque. 

MotorTrend went to test the CX-9 Signature AWD, and saw the torque arrive at 2,000 rpm.  This, according to the report, is because of the crossover's quick-spooling turbo and its exhaust setup.  The vehicle was also designed with a cooled exhaust-gas recirculation system, which brings down the temperature of the engine's combustion.  The result is better fuel efficiency. 

The EPA rating for the new Mazda is 21 mpg city/ 27 mpg highway/ 23 mpg combined, but the reviewers found their results to be much lower. Their own Real MPG crew recorded 18.7 mpg city/ 25.8 mpg highway/ 21.3 mpg combined. 

Moreover, they saw the latest Mazda CX-9 go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, just a tad slower than the Toyota Highlander's 7.1 seconds but faster than the Ford Explorer's 8.2 seconds. The 2016 Mazda CX-9 can seat 7 people in its 3-row seating, with a 60/40 split for the second row seat and 50/50 split for the third row.  

According to Cars Direct, it was previously reported that the full redesign that the 2016 model received was initially for the 2017 model.