2010 Mazda CX-9
by Jim Prueter -06/2010

More room from zoom zoom zoom

(This review was originally written in April 2008 about the 2008 Mazda CX-9. Although little of substance has changed, it has been updated to include what’s new for 2009 and 2010 model years)

First introduced for the 2007 model year, the CX-9 is Mazda’s largest, roomiest and most powerful vehicle ever.

The CX-9 is built on the same platform as siblings Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX, with a two-inch longer wheelbase, and can be traced back to the excellent Mazda6 sedan. Crossovers are unibody vehicles built on car platforms, making them easier to drive and handle and giving them appreciable boost in fuel economy over truck-based SUVs.

The CX-9 is some 14 inches longer overall to accommodate a third row of seats that isn’t available in either the Edge or MKX. The CX-9 is built in Japan, while both Edge and MKX are put together at the same Canadian factory.

Visually the CX-9 is almost identical to the smaller CX-7. So much so, they need to be parked side by side to discern a difference.

The CX-9 is among the best-looking crossovers on the market, with a sharply raked windshield and front nose. Its strong-shouldered rear fenders and wedge-shaped profile resembles a powerful panther ready to pounce.

For 2009, the CX-9 received minor changes including the addition of a standard trip computer; all-wheel-drive models now come with a standard towing package. The Grand Touring trim level now includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink buttons for programming up to three garage door codes into the vehicle. Otherwise, the vehicle remained unchanged over the previous model year.

For 2010 the CX-9 received a minor exterior facelift with the most noticeable change being the now signature large smiley grille consistent across the entire Mazda lineup of vehicles. Interior upgrades for 2010 include new interior fabrics and upholstery; heated seats now have two heat settings. The optional backup camera has a wider angle to improve the rear view.

Inside, the cabin is exceptionally roomy. Our 2010 front-wheel-drive CX-9 Touring tester came equipped with heated leather seats eight-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat.

The large, wide cabin has ample legroom for front seat occupants, however the wide center console restricts side-to-side leg movement, making the space feel narrow. Second-row seats slide but do not tilt or recline. There’s room for three but the middle passenger’s seat is very firm. Passengers access the third-row by pulling a single, one-handed lever that’s nearly flawless to use. It’s among the roomiest third row seats we’ve tested, but is still best suited for a couple of kids rather than adults.

A 3.7-liter, 273-horsepower V-6 engine was upgraded from a 3.5-liter 263 horsepower V-6 for the 2008 model year and continues to power all CX-9 models. Ford uses the same engine in both Edge and MKX but Mazda employs the excellent Aisin six-speed automatic transmission, which we prefer over the awkward and less refined six-speed in the Ford products.

The V-6 provides more than adequate power for most drivers and hitting highway speeds while merging into traffic isn’t a harrowing experience.

The CX-9 is available in three models: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. Each is available in standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive ($1400). Prices start at $28,805 for the front drive Sport and rise to $34,215 for the all-wheel-drive Grand Touring model. Check the options list and the CX-9 can quickly top $40,000.

Standard safety features include dual front seat airbags, front-seat-mounted side impact airbags and side-curtain airbags for all three rows. Side-curtain airbags deploy from above the windows for head protection. Other safety features include roll stability control, which shuts engine power down when the vehicle senses an imminent rollover situation — if the vehicle is moving too fast on a turn or in an accident avoidance maneuver, for example. Both traction control and stability control are also standard. The CX-9 earned the highest five-star crash test rating from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, along with the highest “Good” crash test rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

We liked the overall ride and handling of the CX-9, ranking it as one of the best in the CUV business. This is a very comfortable vehicle with a high seating position for better visibility. But we found the CX-9 a bit clumsy around town mainly due to the wide turning diameter making it less than simple to park and maneuver around town. Another gripe: we wished the rear liftgate would raise higher to keep from banging our melon while loading and unloading cargo. The interior noise level is quieter than most vehicles in this class.

Cargo space with the third row in place is at a premium with only 17 cubic feet. It expands to nearly 48 cubic feet with the third row folded.

Overall we continue to place the CX-9 near the top of the midsized CUV list on par with Honda Pilot, Ford Flex, Hyundai Veracruz, Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota Highlander. We think the CX-9 would be an excellent choice for those who like the size and versatility of a minivan without the stigma associated with driving one.

Return to the Auto Reviews home page.