TOP OF THE CLASS
VALUE
At $68,500 drive-away the all-wheel-drive GT costs a hefty $21,500 over the cheapest model. All CX-9s have the same 2.5-litre turbo petrol engine and safety package, so the GT must deliver on style and luxury at this price.
Luxury gear includes Bose audio, a sharp 10.25-inch screen, colour head-up display, three-zone climate control, USB points in all three rows, wireless phone charging, rear window sunshades, hands-free tailgate and 20inch wheels.
Some similar priced rivals include a digital dash, ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, a 360-degree monitor and third-row ventilation control.
If you don’t really need all-wheel-drive you can save $4000 by going front-drive. Warranty is five years and unlimited kilometres. Servicing intervals are short at 10,000km and services cost a steep $2643 over five years.
COMFORT
The leather seats are plush, the heating is welcome and visibility is excellent for the driver. Huge rear doors open wide for middlerow access and the bench splits for separate folding and sliding, delivering great versatility.
The middle seats recline, while a button electrically shifts one forward for third-row access. Two adults are well accommodated back here with decent leg room if the middle seats are forward, although six-footers have limited headroom. The dashboard layout is elegant and simple rather than flashy, while the 810-litre boot is huge and still offers a usable 230L with seven seats in place.
SAFETY
Curtain airbags give total coverage to third-row passengers, plus child seat tether points — many rivals fail here.
When crash tested in 2016 it achieved five stars and a score of 35.87 out of 37. Since that test, Mazda has added auto emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. Radar cruise control and parking sensors are also included.
DRIVING
Despite its size the CX-9 punts along at a decent rate thanks to its eager and smooth 170kW/420Nm turbo engine, which delivers impressive low-down torque. Steering wheel paddles give control over a slick six-speed auto gearbox, and it feels safe, composed and comfortable even in tight corners. The 20-inch wheels win on style but also manage to keep the ride plush over bumps, while outside noises are well suppressed.
Mazda’s done a brilliant job of balancing comfort and handling, and the CX-9 feels at home on pitted roads, highway and city streets. A great all-rounder.
We returned an average of 10.2L/100km against a quoted 9.0L/100km, while towing capacity is 2000kg.
ALTERNATIVES
KIA SORENTO 3.5 GT-LINE, ABOUT $64,300 DRIVE-AWAY
Loaded with tech, safety and a plush cabin. Cheapest here, longest warranty but more expensive diesel model is the pick.
HYUNDAI SANTA FE V6 HIGHLANDER, ABOUT $67,000 DRIVE-AWAY
Also available as a diesel. Third-row seats not as generous as rivals but has a luxurious cabin and drives well.
TOYOTA KLUGER GXL AWD HYBRID, ABOUT $67,000 DRIVE-AWAY
Arriving in June, the new Kluger should be a hit, with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid promising enough power and excellent economy.
VERDICT
Nicer to drive that its Hyundai and Kia rivals, but trails them on features and cabin wow factor for the money. Nevertheless, an excellent all-rounder.