Mazda CX-9

We have been looking for a long time for 7 seater SUVs - and this market is well stocked with competition (Sorento, Santa Fe, Fortuner, Kodiaq, etc)

We opted for the CX-9, having tracked the price for ~1 year with the same SE. Given the recent CCB lift, we finally plunged in.

The car's styling is sleek - much nicer than the rest of the cars with no cheap looking plastic on the exterior

The interior is spacious - google the dimensions and you'll know how big this car is, dwarfing most of it's competition. Space is not wasted inside - the third row has ample space for an adult (I'm 1.74M).

The engine is powerful - the 2.5T pushes you back in the seat when accelerating and the turning is of an acceptable radius

The car is made in Japan - a refreshing change given how most other brands have shifted their manufacturing lines to Thailand, CN

The features are above average - this is their flagship vehicle (I think CX8 may be replacing this car as flagship). I feel the Santa Fe offers more bang for buck in the features space (e.G. Automatic sunroof, full digital speedometer which CX9 does not have)

I would strongly recommend this car - and given the facelift 2020 model is not forecast to hit us for another 6 months, jump in at a good price.

With a Plethora of choices to choose from, it can be really dificult to decide what car to buy. As part of a car hunt on a weekend, I and a group of Car Enthusiasts who all drive the 2008 Audi S5 went to Explore and Discover the Following: Mazda CX-9, Mazda 6, Nissan GT-R, Audi SQ5, Kia Cerato, Kia Stinger and Kia Carens. As a Continental car driver since the last decade, I have never touched any other brands other than the continental ones. Was pretty shocked that a Japanese Luxury Premium 7- Seater SUV Can perform comparably to a Continental Car. If Audi had not come up with the Audi SQ5, I would have booked the Mazda CX-9. The car is just simply breathtaking. As what you would have expect from what I have written, yes, I am now a proud owner, Still waiting, of an Audi SQ5. Although I personally did not book this unit, some of us from the group booked a unit. If I see the need for another family car, I know that the Mazda CX-9 would be the perfecr choice. Will be elaborating on why I say so in my Review later on. This review again is written in a Continental Car driver perspective. Hence, it would not be representative of everyone.

We bought this car based on excellent reviews from overseas and took delivery from the first batch in Singapore. Since then we have been up to Malaysia twice and thoroughly enjoyed travelling in this car. It handles well, is very comfortable and is well equipped.

We compared this to some MPVs but this was easily the most fun and best looking choice.

Have collected the beauty since March end 18.

I'm amazed by it in terms of quietness and as well as the torque which the car picks up. It doesn't have many buttons in the cabin to confuse the driver, is interior design is designed to make things simple, satisfying and enableable with the drive. As for the fuel consumption, it has been performing at around 10.8L/100Km (40% Expressway & 60% Normal road), which is good enough for a 2 Ton car.

By far, this may be the only Jap car which is comparable or rather closest to the Conti such as Audi Q7, XC90 & X5 in terms of comfort & quietness... However, CX9 will never be able to beat them in terms of the interior finishes quality (Personally feel that the plastic materials used for the side door storage & the center cabin piece are rather thin & soft, which feel inferior)

For sound system, though Bose system is used. However, it seems that the bass is overwhelming.

Just collected a few days ago. First thing that strikes you is the size of the car. Almost 5m long which allows enough space comfortably for 7. This is not a 5+2 SUV with uninhabitable 3rd rows.

Features are top notch with the heads up display a treat for the driver. Soundproofing is good and the stock sound system is pretty neat too. Mine is the 2WD version which handles corners well enough. With a 2.5 turbo engine, power is certainly adequate, even with a full load of 7 passengers.

My take is that the CX-9 sits in a unique position in the market. Probably meant for someone who does not want to drive an MPV van and yet crave the space which cannot be provided by other SUVs. The only similar car is probably the Audi Q7 but that costs easily $60k more.