In the world of price hikes, a $70 price bump in the 2021 Mazda CX-9 over the 2020 model is just about nothing. Even in the top trim, the price goes up just $315. Besides the price, there’s a few other enhancements to the CX-9 for the new model year.

Buyers are getting a new, standard 10.25-inch infotainment touch screen screen. This screen replaces the standard 7.0-inch touch screen in every trim level of the 2020 CX-9 except the top-tier Signature, which had a 9.0-inch screen. Apple Car and Android Auto are standard, as is a Wi-Fi hot spot.

Mazda is also offering the model with a three-year Trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services.

Mazda has given its CX-9 Signature trim level quilted Nappa leather seats, real wood trim, and other fine appointments.Photo courtesy of Mazda North American Operations

Fresh exterior enhancements to the model are paired with new seat patterns. Mazda is also offering the CX-9 with the company’s new Carbon Edition treatment.

The three-row SUV will continue to be powered by Mazda’s turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that delivers 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers dip considerably To 310 and 227, respectively, if you opt for 87 octane gasoline rather than 93 octane in the gas tank. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Top-tier CX-9 Signature comes standard with all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive is standard on all other CX-9 models and all-wheel drive is available for $1,900.

The roster of standard features on the CX-9 includes heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, tri-zone automatic climate control, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, Bluetooth, two USB ports up from, a rearview camera, keyless entry, and push-button start.

Mazda’s suite of i-Activsense safety features are standard, including Mazda Radar Cruise Control with stop and go function, Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Getting the CX-9 Sport adds automatic on/off LED headlights with auto-leveling, LED taillights and daytime running lights, heated and power door mirrors, automatic high beams, body-colored rear roof spoiler, 18-inch gray metallic finish aluminum alloy wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers and rear privacy glass.

One step higher, the CX-9 Touring has leather-trimmed first and second-row seats, six-way power passenger’s seat, Upgraded second-row slide and tilt functionality, two USB charging ports in the second row, a power lift gate, keyless entry, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink.

Buyers can add the Touring Premium Package, which includes a Bose 12-speaker premium audio system, wireless phone charger, power moonroof, front and rear parking sensors, two USB charging ports in the third row, LED fog lights, a second-row retractable sunshade, and satellite radio. With this package, buyers can choose from captain’s chairs or a bench seat in the second row for no additional charge.

Next up is the CX-9 Grand Touring, which adds Smart City Brake Support Reverse and Driver Attention Alert, front and rear parking sensors, Active Driving Display with Traffic Sign Recognition, navigation, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, heated steering wheel, 7.0-inch driver information display, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, a heated steering wheel, traffic sign recognition technology, and a frameless rearview mirror. The exterior of the model gets 20-inch silver metallic aluminum alloy wheels, a hands-free power lift gate, Satin Chrome roof rails, automatic power-folding door mirrors, adaptive front lighting, chrome lower accents, and windshield wiper de-iced.

Opting for the CX-9 Signature will add titanium gray metallic finish aluminum alloy wheels, larger dual tailpipes, quilted and piped first-and second-row Nappa leather seats, Santos Rosewood interior trim, and patterned aluminum on the dashboard, door handles, and bezels.

Mazda has priced the CX-9 to start at $33,960. The top CX-9 Signature comes in at $46,605.

The 2021 Mazda CX-9 will arrive at dealerships later this month.