SIGNATURE MAKES ITS MARK
Elegant Rosewood trim, supple Nappa leathertrimmed two-tone seats, contrasting cross-stitching with buffed aluminum insets and seating for seven — you may think this is a luxury SUV import.
No, it’s the revamped 2017 Mazda CX-9 Signature.
This beautifully crafted, full-size, top-of-the-line SUV is nipping at the heels of the luxe segment and priced to sell at $45,755.
Full disclosure here: I own a Mazda 6 sedan, so the CX-9’s renowned nifty handling was exactly as I expected, though I was pleasantly surprised at how quiet and upscale the cabin was. It’s clear Mazda has really stepped up its game by entering this seven-passenger SUV in such a popular segment.
Let’s start with the curb appeal. There’s just a hint of
the coupe-like fenders from the last generation CX-9 and it sports a deep five-slated grille with the familiar stylized “M” emblem. Two tailored hood creases take your eye from the high waistline right to the power lift gate, where the fender flare creates a perch the taillights sit in. There, rocker panel and 20-inch alloy wheels give the Mazda a muscular look.
Once you slide into the driver’s seat, this midprice full-size sets itself apart from category mates such as the Hyundai Santa Fe, GMC Acadia, Toyota Highlander, Dodge Durango and Honda Pilot.
The elegant ventilated leather seats, textured plastics that complement the wood, and lacquered surfaces are right out of the luxury brand playbook.
Throw in separate rearseat climate controls and a full array of safety features to put it over the top.
Front and rear legroom is excellent, though the third row, like in some other competitors, is tight.
The dash houses a three-gauge instrument panel and the infotainment center features an eight-inch touch screen display that turned out to be pretty easy to use.
Its display can be manipulated through a center console-mounted controller or the steering wheel toggles, and the Bose speakers fill the cabin with sound. Missing from this year’s models are Apple Carplay and Android Auto — hopefully they’ll be included next year.
The CX-9 is powered by a Skyactiv-x 2.5-liter turbo motor mated to the sixspeed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission that distributes the power into the I-Activ all-wheel-drive. Three driving modes, including Eco and Sport, add economy and excitement while the 227-hp really got the machine moving. Fuel use runs from 20 mpg in the city to 26-plus on the highway.
Who’d imagine cruising a seven-seater SUV into an off-ramp and having fun doing it? Zoom, Zoom indeed.