The Mazda CX-9 seems to get overshadowed by the newer, smaller CX-5 crossover, but this seven-passenger SUV is worthy of a close look if you need three-row seating.
Three years ago I drove a CX-9 to Colorado and back, and that
trip was a revealing experience. The vehicle was quiet and comfortable
on the road, handled with carlike agility and the spacious interior was
as well appointed as a luxury sedan. Now, for 2013, some minor updates
and a new front-end design enhance the package.
The CX-9’s chassis is derived from the Mazda6, and its basic architecture has a lot in common with the Ford Edge. This three-row SUV is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels. Prices range from $29,875 to $36,375.
I recently got reacquainted with the top all-wheel-drive Grand Touring model. The base price was $36,375 and the sticker price was $39,605. Some of its competitors include the Honda Pilot, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia.
One of the most obvious, and welcome, changes is the addition of a new nose with Mazda’s KODO, or "Soul of Motion," design. The smiling face from previous years is thankfully gone.
The new front gives the CX-9 a more flowing, unified shape. The steeply sloping windshield and tapered roofline are perfect accents. The test car’s 20-inch wheels and low-profile tires add a muscular touch and improve cornering. Low-profile tires often deliver a harsh ride, but that was not the case with the Mazda.
The interior looks a little dated, but carefully executed styling details such as the tasteful integration of wood-grain trim and satin-finished accents makes it attractive. The front seats were nicely contoured, and the second-row seat moves forward for easy access to the third seat. It also slides forward to enhance legroom for third-row passengers. The rear cargo area is substantial when the third seat is folded down.
The Mazda’s door panels have curved ribs that mimic those of the center stack, and power window switches are mounted on the ribs.
The Grand Touring comes with a blind-spot monitor, backup camera and heated front seats. Popular options include the navigation system, Bose stereo and a moonroof. The blind-spot monitor is an invaluable partner in freeway traffic. A small icon in the outside rearview mirror lights up when a vehicle is alongside and it issues a warning beep if you use the turn signal.
The 273-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 has very little vibration and the six-speed transmission’s shifts are nearly seamless. When coasting down hill, the transmission automatically downshifts at the slightest touch of the brakes, helping to hold the vehicle’s speed.
Fuel economy is rated at 16 miles per gallon in the city and 22 on the highway.
Safety items include front, side and side-curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control and vehicle stability control.
Price
The base price of the test vehicle was $36,375. Options included a power sunroof, Bose stereo and navigation system. The sticker price was $39,605.
Warranty
Three years or 36,000 miles with a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
(Source: Kansas City)
The CX-9’s chassis is derived from the Mazda6, and its basic architecture has a lot in common with the Ford Edge. This three-row SUV is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels. Prices range from $29,875 to $36,375.
I recently got reacquainted with the top all-wheel-drive Grand Touring model. The base price was $36,375 and the sticker price was $39,605. Some of its competitors include the Honda Pilot, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia.
One of the most obvious, and welcome, changes is the addition of a new nose with Mazda’s KODO, or "Soul of Motion," design. The smiling face from previous years is thankfully gone.
The new front gives the CX-9 a more flowing, unified shape. The steeply sloping windshield and tapered roofline are perfect accents. The test car’s 20-inch wheels and low-profile tires add a muscular touch and improve cornering. Low-profile tires often deliver a harsh ride, but that was not the case with the Mazda.
The interior looks a little dated, but carefully executed styling details such as the tasteful integration of wood-grain trim and satin-finished accents makes it attractive. The front seats were nicely contoured, and the second-row seat moves forward for easy access to the third seat. It also slides forward to enhance legroom for third-row passengers. The rear cargo area is substantial when the third seat is folded down.
The Mazda’s door panels have curved ribs that mimic those of the center stack, and power window switches are mounted on the ribs.
The Grand Touring comes with a blind-spot monitor, backup camera and heated front seats. Popular options include the navigation system, Bose stereo and a moonroof. The blind-spot monitor is an invaluable partner in freeway traffic. A small icon in the outside rearview mirror lights up when a vehicle is alongside and it issues a warning beep if you use the turn signal.
The 273-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 has very little vibration and the six-speed transmission’s shifts are nearly seamless. When coasting down hill, the transmission automatically downshifts at the slightest touch of the brakes, helping to hold the vehicle’s speed.
Fuel economy is rated at 16 miles per gallon in the city and 22 on the highway.
Safety items include front, side and side-curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control and vehicle stability control.
Price
The base price of the test vehicle was $36,375. Options included a power sunroof, Bose stereo and navigation system. The sticker price was $39,605.
Warranty
Three years or 36,000 miles with a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
(Source: Kansas City)
