Mazda is relaunching its three-row CX-9 mid-size SUV for 2016 with improved performance, new safety features, and a fresh design nearly nine years after the first generation model.

The 2016 CX-9, which debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show, enters its second generation powered by Mazda's new SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine. Mazda’s Dynamic Pressure Turbo is the first turbocharger with the ability to vary the degree of exhaust pulsation depending on engine speed, according to the automaker.

Keeping efficiency in mind, Mazda mated the vehicle's engine with a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system that prevents the burning of excessive amounts of fuel when the engine is running at higher temperatures.

Mazda offers safety features through its i-Activesense suite, which includes advanced blindspot monitoring (BSM), cruise control, lane assist (LAS) and lane departure warnings (LDW), distance recognition support systems (DRSS) and more. 

With the i-Activ all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, 27 fully-integrated sensors read road conditions and direct torque for heavy rain or other unfavorable weather conditions. The i-Activ AWD system measures road conditions 200 times per second and can adjust power distribution. 

The Mazda Connect infotainment systems allows users to stream music, make hands-free calls and use other internet-based applications. Mazda Connect uses both Bluetooth and cable-based connections via two USB ports accessible to front  passengers for functions such as Pandora. Mazda Connect controls radio, phone, navigation, diagnostic and phone functions, as well as enabling voice controls.

An available 4.6-inch, full-color TFT liquid display screen in the gauges shows information readouts in addition to the active driving display, a full-color head-up display projected onto the lower windshield for readouts from the navigation, cruise control, and other functions.

Pricing for the 2016 CX-9 has not been released.