Quick Test
What Is It?
The CX-9 is Mazda’s largest offering—a three-row, seven-seat SUV that’s powered by a sweet 3.7-liter V-6 that makes 273 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. CX-9s are offered in front- and all-wheel-drive configurations. The vehicle received an extensive refresh for the 2010 model year that included new front and rear lights and the “Mazda family face,” which is the polite way of saying it got a gaping maw planted across its front bumper. Pretty it ain’t. Inside, there are enhanced seating surfaces and richer materials, as well as the liberal use of chrome accents. Active headrests are now fitted to all models. Finally, there are a few changes to the list of available features, among them a redesigned climate-control system for the rear seats and a new, 4.3-inch LCD that provides a more intuitive interface for the audio and phone systems.
How Does It Drive?
For a biggish SUV, the CX-9 offers the most enjoyable driving experience in its class. Mazda seems to take the view that just because a vehicle has to haul humans and cargo around, it doesn’t have to be a fun-free zone. The CX-9 has communicative steering, really good body control for an SUV, and actually seems to like corners, which isn’t always the case with this type of vehicle. The ride quality is surprisingly supple in view of this athleticism.
Performance is solid, too. Even though the mechanicals carry over unchanged from 2009, we thought we’d see if the big smiley face up front added a spring to the CX-9’s step. We’ve now tested a number of CX-9s, and this latest all-wheel-drive Grand Touring model was right in the same accelerative ballpark: 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds and a standing quarter-mile time of 16.0 at 88 mph. Skidpad grip was 0.77 g, slightly down on the best CX-9 number of 0.81 g but still commendable for such a large SUV. We’ve always been impressed by the vehicle’s braking performance, and this example managed to stop from 70 mph in 176 feet, stellar for a large crossover SUV and just shy of the CX-9’s 173-foot record set by our long-term 2008 model.
Fuel consumption isn’t the strongest suit, however. The EPA says the CX-9 is good for urban and highway mileage of 15 and 21 mpg, but we only managed 15 mpg combined in our time with the vehicle. This was probably because there was a large portion of urban mileage, as we averaged 19 mpg on a past comparison test that involved a lot more highway driving. Even so, the CX-9’s mileage was midpack on that comparo.
How Does It Stack Up?
The refined interior finishes—chrome accents and piano black trim pieces—enhance what is already a classy space. The larger information screen is easy to use, and a keyless access fob is more grown up than the silly key card Mazda used to offer. Externally, we’re not sure about the front end, but it’s, um, certainly distinctive. The CX-9 is a solidly competitive proposition in this class, finishing second in a six-way comparison test in November 2008, where it ultimately lost out to our perennial favorite, the Honda Pilot.
What’s the Cost?
There are three versions of the CX-9: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. The base CX-9 comes pretty well equipped at $29,385; add about $1400 for all-wheel drive. A GT version like our tester ($33,395 base with front-wheel drive) adds fog lights; a memory-equipped power driver’s seat; keyless start; and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The GT also gets 20-inch wheels and a blind-spot-warning system. Leather seating that’s standard on the Touring model is carried over.
One advantage of the GT model is that it’s possible to specify some desirable goodies that aren’t available on lesser versions. The only way to get a rear-seat entertainment system, a towing package, or a navigation system is to buy the GT model. Our tester came equipped with all-wheel drive ($1400); a navigation system ($1665); a rear-bumper step plate ($150); a power rear liftgate ($400); and a package that bundles a sunroof with an uplevel Bose audio system and Sirius satellite radio ($2255). Grand total: $39,265. True sybarites would add the rear-seat entertainment system for an additional $3055, but you don’t need that—or any other extras, really—to enjoy driving this big Mazda.
