Mazda CX-9's fuel economy rating jumps 35% for 2016

Mazda says the redesigned 2016 CX-9 received a Natural Resources Canada fuel economy rating of 10.5 L/100 km city and 8.3 L/100 km highway, a 35 per cent improvement compared to the outgoing version of its largest crossover.

A new 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder is perhaps the biggest contributor to the three-row CX-9's impressive fuel economy numbers.

The new engine makes its maximum 310 lb.-ft. of torque from as low as 2,000 rpm, while peak horsepower—227 running 87-octane gasoline and 250 on 93-octane—kicks in at 5,000 rpm, according to Mazda.

Fuel economy predictably dips some when the optional all-wheel drive is added, returning numbers of 11.2 L/100 km city and 8.8 L/100 km highway.

Regardless, the second-generation CX-9 proves much better at the pumps than its predecessor, which saw fuel economy ratings of 10 L/100 km city and 14.2 L/100 km highway in front-wheel drive, and 10.6 L/100 km city and 14.3 L/100 km highway with all-wheel drive on board.

Also contributing to the fuel savings is a total weight savings of approximately 330 lbs. compared to the outgoing model.

The 2016 CX-9 is set to go on sale in June.

Mazda says pricing will be announced closer to launch.

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