Mazda CX-9

“(The CX-9) offers a colorful and dynamic character that is fitting for the North American wilderness,” Hideki Suzuki, chief designer for the CX-9 and general manager-product design studio, says at the vehicle’s press introduction here.

“It is a prestigious and emotional crossover SUV.”

Riding on an expansive 113.2-in. (287.5-cm) wheelbase, with overall length, height and width measurements of 199.8 in. (507.5 cm), 68.0 in. (172.7 cm) and 76.2 in. (193.6 cm), respectively, the CX-9 is considerably larger than any of the various Mazda and Ford Motor Co. products that have donated their underpinnings for the new CUV.

On the surface, the CX-9 shares similar structural characteristics with the CX-7 and Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX CUVs.
Mazda CX-9 embodies sleek, elegant design and backed by 263-hp Ford V-6.


However, it actually is a unique platform derived from several models, including the Mazda6 (main front structure and rear multi-link suspension), CX-7 (MacPherson strut front suspension and all-wheel-drive system), Mazda5 and MPV (rear structure) and the Edge (engine box and drivetrain tuning).

Ford’s Duratec 35 3.5L DOHC V-6, rated at 263 hp and 249 lb.-ft. (338 Nm) of torque, also is used in the CX-9. However, as in the CX-7, it is mated to an Aisin AW-supplied 6-speed automatic transmission vs. the Edge’s Ford/General Motors Corp. co-developed 6-speed gearbox.

Overall city/highway fuel economy is rated at 18/24 mpg (13.1-9.8 L/ 100 km) for front-wheel-drive models and 16/22 (14.7-10.7 L/ 100 km) with AWD, Mazda says.

Outside, the CX-9’s low-profile silhouette treads the line between traditional station wagon and CUV very well, offering just enough masculinity to assure onlookers it is no minivan. Helping to do that are the optional 20-in. 10-spoke alloy wheels, which offer a more aggressive, proportioned stance than the standard 18-in. units.

The styling represents Mazda’s corporate design language and can best be described as refined and elegant, with minimal flash complementing an earth-toned palette of darker exterior hues. Chrome trim strips grace the side windows and front and rear fascias, with dual, trapezoidal stainless-steel exhaust outlets serving as the most aggressive aspect of the design theme.

But it is inside the cabin where Mazda spent most effort and where the CX-9 excels.

Three rows of seating are a prerequisite for most new models in the growing CUV segment, and the CX-9 makes good use of its cavernous interior for just that. The generous 2-person back row offers class-leading legroom, the auto maker says, with comfort further enhanced by a 60-40 folding and reclining second row that slides 5 ins. (12.7 cm) fore and aft.

Getting in and out of the third row is surprisingly easy, thanks to the sliding middle seat and wide rear door openings. Once situated, even lanky adults should find ample room for moderate-length jaunts.

In addition, the CX-9 serves up an impressive 17.2 cu.-ft. (487 L) of rear cargo space with the third row in use, growing to 100.7 cu.-ft. (2,652 L) when all rows are folded flat into the floor – competitive, but less than most traditional minivans and other large CUVs, such as the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave triplets.

For a family vehicle starting under $30,000, the CX-9’s fit-and-finish and attention to detail are more than satisfactory, if not encroaching on near-luxury segment levels.