2007 Mazda CX-9 Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2007 Mazda CX-9 includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Mazda CX-9 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Mazda CX-9, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Mazda CX-9 help you decide if a 2007 Mazda CX-9 is right for you.

2007 Mazda CX-9 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Handling	Fuel economy

Instruments/controls	Rear visibility

Passenger and cargo room

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

AWD Touring	2WD Grand Touring	AWD Grand Touring	Class Average
5	5	5	5.2

Strong from a stop, though passing power only adequate. Transmission alert, responsive, negating the need for its manual shift gate. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb.

Fuel Economy

AWD Touring	2WD Grand Touring	AWD Grand Touring	Class Average
4	4	4	4

AWD CX-9 test cars averaged 15.7-18.9 mpg. CX-9 uses regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

AWD Touring	2WD Grand Touring	AWD Grand Touring	Class Average
6	6	6	5.5

Final evaluation awaits full road test. Preview test drives show firm suspension tuning and Grand Touring models' standard 20-inch tires don't smother large bumps as well as Ford Edge. Still, any CX-9 rides pleasantly with little undue harshness.

Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD Touring	2WD Grand Touring	AWD Grand Touring	Class Average
6	6	6	4.5

Steering nicely weighted while cornering. Body lean well contained in fast turns. Tidy turning radius makes CX-9 easy to maneuver in tight spots. Solid braking control, though one test Grand Touring had slightly mushy pedal feel.

Quietness

AWD Touring	2WD Grand Touring	AWD Grand Touring	Class Average
7	7	7	5.6

Engine barely noticed while cruising and at idle, sounds refined while accelerating. Wind noise impressively low, though coarse-surface tire thrum intrudes.

Controls

AWD Touring	2WD Grand Touring	AWD Grand Touring	Class Average
7	7	7	6.6

Gauges wash out in direct sunlight, are otherwise easy to read. Most controls fall easily to hand. Navigation system separate from climate controls, but integrates many audio controls, complicating some simple adjustments. Interior materials very good for the price level.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD Touring	2WD Grand Touring	AWD Grand Touring	Class Average
7	7	7	7

Ample leg room. Tall occupants may wish for more head room, even without the optional sunroof. Chair-height seating provides commanding view forward and to the side.

Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD Touring	2WD Grand Touring	AWD Grand Touring	Class Average
7	7	7	6.1

Adult-size head and leg room, as long as sliding/reclining 2nd-row seat in its furthest aft position. Easy access to 3rd-row seat thanks to wide door opening, sliding 2nd row. Adults will be comfortable for short trips in the 3rd row as long as 2nd-row seat is not all the way back.

Cargo Room

AWD Touring	2WD Grand Touring	AWD Grand Touring	Class Average
8	8	8	8

Decent space with 3rd-row seat up becomes ample with it down, and cavernous with the 2nd row folded. Third row folds flat, but 2nd row slightly raised above cargo floor, which can complicate loading of large items. Open liftgate clears six-footer heads. All doors have convenient map pockets. Small-item interior storage otherwise average.

Value within Class

AWD Touring	2WD Grand Touring	AWD Grand Touring	Class Average
7	6	6	5.9

CX-9 is a stylish, refined entry that adeptly balances solid driving dynamics with generous passenger and cargo room. Count among its demerits a lack of surplus highway passing punch and costly option packages that quickly inflate sticker prices. Still, this Mazda is a good choice in an increasingly crowded field of seven-seat midsize SUVs.

Total Score