Mazda CX-9 combines class, sporty handling
New-generation design increases performance and fuel mileage
Now in its second generation, the Mazda CX-9 debuted in 2006 and went through 2015 in pretty much original form. Built in Hiroshima, Japan, the CX-9 puts the “zoom-zoom” that Mazda is known for into this sometimes-inconspicuous threerow SUV.
Not that the CX-9 is homely in any manner. It’s actually a classy threerow family transporter. Specifically, when considering which midsize SUV to buy, most consumers don’t usually have “sporty handling” as one of the top reasons to buy.
Until, of course, you drive a Mazda CX-9. Then you realize that in addition to more than enough room for a family of five and the dog, the CX-9 delivers outstanding handling attributes more like those of a sport sedan than an Suv/crossover. And it’s all wrapped with a brand new motif and a turbocharged engine under the hood.
This new-generation design follows Mazda’s “Kodo” vehicle ideology, whereas Mazda thinks there is a “Soul of Motion” that results in a feeling of oneness between car and driver. The result is a CX-9 that is shorter than the last-generation model yet offers a longer wheelbase.
This new build thus offers a onetwo punch of bigger interior dimensions and lighter overall weight, resulting in greater performance and fuel mileage. (Our i-active allwheel-drive-equipped Signature is 290 pounds lighter than the 2015 similar model). This build philosophy combines nicely with Mazda’s Skyactiv vehicle dynamics theory of properly matched suspension, transmission, engine and computerized technology, which results in the surprisingly sure-footed handling and spirited performance.
Prices start at $31,520 for the entry Sport front-drive. Next up is the Touring at $35,970 and then the Grand Touring at $40,470. These three models also offer AWD underpinnings for $1,800 more. If you choose the top-flight Signature, they all come with standard with AWD and are nearly fully loaded for a retail of $44,315.
Under the hood sits the 250-horsepower 2.5-liter turbo four, which generates 310 pounds-feet of torque and mates to a six-speed automatic. Fuel mileage is decent. The EPA numbers are 22 city and 28 highway for front-drive models and 20 and
26, respectively, for the AWD CX-9. Expect zero-to-60-mph in about 7.1 to 7.6 seconds depending on model choice.
This new-generation CX-9 arrived in 2016 and features a motif that follows the progress of its other “CX” SUV siblings, specifically CX-3 (subcompact) and CX-5 (compact). Outwardly, CX-9 is very pleasing to the eye especially when it receives the Signature edition treatment.
Included are 20-inch Falken all-season tires on alloy wheels, large chrome front grille, aluminum roof rails, rain-sense wipers, privacy glass, power moonroof and LED lighting everywhere (even in the Signature grille). Our tester came finished in a machine gray metallic paint ($300 extra), which was outstanding and took the vehicle a step closer to “luxurious looking.” Add a $100 cargo mat and $940 delivery and you arrive at the bottom-line retail of $45,655.
The CX-9 cabin is also notable, as our Signature tester came standard with many items the entry models list as options. The Nappa leather-trimmed seating is noteworthy, as are aluminum trim and real rosewood touches. A fine-sounding 12-speaker Bose stereo system with all the modern gadgetry fills the cabin, while third-row passengers will appreciate the legroom.
As for cargo, with the third-row seating down, there’s more than ample cargo space for usual cargo needs. However, when you drop the second-row seats, you’ll enjoy more than 70 cubic feet of space for those important “I need lots of room” home improvement center visits.
An area where selecting the upper-class CX-9 models pays dividends is safety. Signature models come standard with high-tech items such as radar-adaptive cruise control, cross traffic alerts, rear backup sensors, an enhanced safety rear camera, lane departure, lane assist and crash avoidance smart brake support and smart city brake support.
Add all the traction controls, four-wheel ABS disc brakes, stability control, modern airbag system and the Skyactiv body ring structure (like a roll bar built in) and you are traveling in one of the safest
SUV crossovers on the road today. Notable is that adaptive cruise and the emergency braking are standard on Grand Touring and Signature trims but not available on the other models.
Mazda continues to carve a successful imprint into the business of building fine vehicles. Although Japan’s big three of Toyota, Honda and Nissan all sell more vehicles in the U.S., smaller-footprint Mazda continues to strive forward and do it well. In addition to selling one of the most popular sports cars on the road today in the Miata, Mazda continues to impresses enthusiasts with professional open wheel, prototype and Miata class racing efforts, all of which have an impact on sales worldwide.
Categorized as a midsize SUV, the CX-9 competes with Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Feandgmcacadiatonamejusta few.
Currently, Mazda dealers have leftover 2017 CX-9 models on sale, and because the 2018 CX-9 is identical, prudent shoppers can receive some nice incentives. Your Mazda dealer is awaiting your test drive visit to explain more.