Introduced in 2007, the Mazda CX-9 is a seven-passenger full-size SUV that shared its platform with the Ford Edge (a five-door SUV), and was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 Cyclone engine. Mazda then decided to increase the engine displacement to 3.7 litres for the 2008 model.
Now a few years into its model cycle, the CX-9 remains one of the very best in a segment which has attracted more than its fair share of excellent all new models. And it just got updated for the 2013 model year.
From the outside, the facelifted Mazda CX-9 presents a cleaner and more modern look and it sports a similar look to its smaller sized sibling, the CX-5.
This is also due to the fact that they share a design language that Mazda refers to as KODO (Soul of Motion), which is the company's current styling genre and will also be showcased in the upcoming Mazda 6.
Exterior
The massive CX-9 stands at 5,106mm x 1,936mm x 1,728mm (L x W x H). Just by looking at the car alone, it is huge.
Compared to its predecessor, the new CX-9 boasts a much more refined face and the grille is no longer split into an upper and lower segment.
Now a few years into its model cycle, the CX-9 remains one of the very best in a segment which has attracted more than its fair share of excellent all new models. And it just got updated for the 2013 model year.
From the outside, the facelifted Mazda CX-9 presents a cleaner and more modern look and it sports a similar look to its smaller sized sibling, the CX-5.
This is also due to the fact that they share a design language that Mazda refers to as KODO (Soul of Motion), which is the company's current styling genre and will also be showcased in the upcoming Mazda 6.
Exterior
The massive CX-9 stands at 5,106mm x 1,936mm x 1,728mm (L x W x H). Just by looking at the car alone, it is huge.
Compared to its predecessor, the new CX-9 boasts a much more refined face and the grille is no longer split into an upper and lower segment.
Instead of being surrounded by chrome as seen in the previous generation, the grille is now only underlined by it while the lower lip has been slightly enhanced, giving the face a more matured and sporty look.
The oddly shaped fog lamps on its predecessor have been replaced by a much more chic-looking pair of circular fog lamps with a brow-like line encasing them.
The headlights of the CX-9 undergo a revision too with their edges meeting the chrome strip that underlines the revised grille. These changes, no doubt, give the latest SUV from Mazda a luxurious look that it has been lacking before.
The oddly shaped fog lamps on its predecessor have been replaced by a much more chic-looking pair of circular fog lamps with a brow-like line encasing them.
The headlights of the CX-9 undergo a revision too with their edges meeting the chrome strip that underlines the revised grille. These changes, no doubt, give the latest SUV from Mazda a luxurious look that it has been lacking before.
Interior
The CX-9 features a cabin that's stylish and elegant, with a design that looks higher end compared to its peers in its segment.
From the door trims which are decked out in soft suede, the wide and uncluttered soft-feel dashboard, and the solid feel to the gear lever and controls, the impression is one of very high quality and durability.
Being a large vehicle, the driving position offers a commanding view of the road ahead over the raked bonnet. The leather-wrapped steering wheel sits a bit high though, even at its lowest setting, but the electronically adjustable seat can be raised to compensate this aspect.
Dials and switches are easily accessible but we find that the 5.8-inch LCD screen of the multimedia infotainment system may look a tad small for a cabin of that size.
The CX-9 features a cabin that's stylish and elegant, with a design that looks higher end compared to its peers in its segment.
From the door trims which are decked out in soft suede, the wide and uncluttered soft-feel dashboard, and the solid feel to the gear lever and controls, the impression is one of very high quality and durability.
Being a large vehicle, the driving position offers a commanding view of the road ahead over the raked bonnet. The leather-wrapped steering wheel sits a bit high though, even at its lowest setting, but the electronically adjustable seat can be raised to compensate this aspect.
Dials and switches are easily accessible but we find that the 5.8-inch LCD screen of the multimedia infotainment system may look a tad small for a cabin of that size.
Nonetheless, the premium BOSE audio system with 10 speakers should make up for it with your favourite soundtrack blasting as you cruise along the highway.
In terms of space, there's enough room for seven adults without them being overly cramped, though we reckon teenagers or children in the third row would be more realistic.
With seven on board, boot space of 487 litres is sufficient for running daily errands. Knock the second and third row down, and the cargo space increases by a couple of notches to a whopping 2,857 litres.
In terms of space, there's enough room for seven adults without them being overly cramped, though we reckon teenagers or children in the third row would be more realistic.
With seven on board, boot space of 487 litres is sufficient for running daily errands. Knock the second and third row down, and the cargo space increases by a couple of notches to a whopping 2,857 litres.
The Drive
Powering the CX-9 is Mazda's 3.7-litre V6 engine, capable of sending 274bhp and 367Nm of torque to the front wheels. Despite having all seven on board (as we have tried), there is ample power to accelerate the car briskly away from the line or when overtaking.
Mated to a six-speed Activematic transmission, this giant of a car is capable of hitting the century mark in 10.1 seconds. Of course speed is not the key here, but you would be hard pressed not to be impressed with its performance.
When it comes to handling, the CX-9 is surprisingly fun to drive for a vehicle of its size with so much weight up front.
It separates itself from the rest of the pack by driving like a smaller and more agile car, turning into corners with ease and staying impressively flat through turns.
Powering the CX-9 is Mazda's 3.7-litre V6 engine, capable of sending 274bhp and 367Nm of torque to the front wheels. Despite having all seven on board (as we have tried), there is ample power to accelerate the car briskly away from the line or when overtaking.
Mated to a six-speed Activematic transmission, this giant of a car is capable of hitting the century mark in 10.1 seconds. Of course speed is not the key here, but you would be hard pressed not to be impressed with its performance.
When it comes to handling, the CX-9 is surprisingly fun to drive for a vehicle of its size with so much weight up front.
It separates itself from the rest of the pack by driving like a smaller and more agile car, turning into corners with ease and staying impressively flat through turns.
The suspension also soaks up bumps and ruts quite well, providing for an adequately smooth ride albeit with some firmness, which re-emphasises the point that comfort is very much valued in the car.
Conclusion
The Mazda CX-9 is an impressively well rounded car that offers practicality and a healthy list of standard equipment in a rather attractive package.
It would be interesting to see a diesel under the bonnet though.
Conclusion
The Mazda CX-9 is an impressively well rounded car that offers practicality and a healthy list of standard equipment in a rather attractive package.
It would be interesting to see a diesel under the bonnet though.
