The 2022 Mazda CX-9 has the strongest towing capacity of any Mazda at 3,500 pounds. Just add a Class 2 trailer hitch to take full advantage of this midsize SUV’s towing capabilities.

Who says that your perfect trailer-towing SUV can’t have elegance and grace, too? You can enjoy any style or design, so long as your next SUV has the right towing capacity to meet all of your hauling needs. From city streets to woodsy backroads, Mazda just might be able to give you the best of both worlds.

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has compiled a quick guide to figure out if the Mazda CX-9 is the cool and capable towing vehicle for you. Keep reading for more on the maximum towing capacity you can expect to achieve with your CX-9, as well as a handy tool for keeping your

Mazda CX-9 insurance costs

low.

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How much can a Mazda CX-9 tow?

Maximum towing capacity: 3,500 pounds

Engines: Turbocharged SkyActiv-G 2.5L

You can expect a standard 3,500-pound towing capacity for your Mazda CX-9 no matter what trim configuration you choose.

All trims come standard with i-ACTIV AWD with Off-Road Traction Assist—a great drivetrain for towing performance. While this midsize SUV lacks some cargo space unless you put down the back seats, you are sure to enjoy Mazda’s attention to detail when it comes to in-and-out style, comfortability, and driver integration.

Trailer hitches for the Mazda CX-9

Before you sign the dotted line, talk to your Mazda dealer about adding a manufacturer’s Class 2 trailer hitch to take advantage of your CX-9’s towing capabilities.

If you’ve already left the dealership or you’re looking at options for a used CX-9, you can add an aftermarket trailer hitch—just make sure it’s compatible with your CX-9. The

CURT 12112 Class 2

and

CURT 13575 Class 3

trailer hitches are fine options to meet these criteria.

MORE:

How to install a tow bar

How to calculate the towing capacity you need

Of course, you’ll need to know the weight you’ll be regularly towing to make sure the CX-9 can meet your needs. Keep in mind that your vehicle’s towing capacity should always exceed the maximum weight you plan to tow.

Also, you should never plan on towing a full 3,500-pound load with your Mazda CX-9. Here’s what you can tow instead:

Canoe, kayak, or jet ski trailers (400 to 1,800 pounds)

Teardrop trailer (1,700 to 2,400 pounds)

A-frame camper (1,700 to 2,900 pounds)

Motorcycle trailer (800 to 3,000 pounds)

Small open or enclosed utility trailers (700 to 3,200 pounds)

Pop-up camper (2,300 to 3,400 pounds)

Some small travel trailers (2,800 pounds and up—choose wisely)

Don’t forget to factor in the weight of all equipment, cargo, and passengers when you’re doing the math.

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How to increase towing capacity

The Mazda CX-9’s towing capacity comes as is, so there aren’t any options from the manufacturer to upgrade beyond 3,500 pounds. However, if you’re cutting it close, you may be able to try some tricks to give your towing capacity a little oomph.

Certain aftermarket upgrades like a larger radiator, improved brake pads and rotors, or a weight-distribution hitch can help improve your CX-9’s work efficiency and combat wear and tear.

Don’t expect any of these upgrades to drastically increase your towing capacity, though—they’ll only slightly improve your Mazda’s performance. If you’re still falling short of your maximum towing needs, take a look at some comparable SUVs like the Kia Telluride (5,000-pound towing capacity) or the Jeep Grand Cherokee L (6,200 pounds).

MORE:

The top 10 cheapest SUVs to insure

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Is the Mazda CX-9 good for towing?

With a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, the Mazda CX-9 is perfectly capable of towing most small trailers and campers including A-frames, pop-ups, and even smaller travel trailers.

Can you put a trailer hitch on a Mazda CX-9?

Yes—you can get a Class 2 trailer hitch for your Mazda CX-9 directly from the manufacturer or find a compatible aftermarket hitch. Options include the

CURT 12112 Class 2

and

CURT 13575 Class 3

trailer hitches.

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