2007 Mazda CX-9: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Mazda's first seven-passenger SUV bows for 2007. Like Mazda's five-seat CX-7 SUV, CX-9 is a car-type midsize wagon. But it's larger and borrows its engine and shares some underskin design with the Edge at Ford, Mazda's corporate parent. CX-9 comes in Sport, Touring, and top-line Grand Touring models. It has a 263-hp V6 and 6-speed automatic transmission. All models are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive that lacks low-range gearing. ABS and traction/antiskid control with rollover sensors are standard. So are front side airbags and curtain side airbags that cover all three seating rows and include rollover deployment. Seating includes folding benches; the 2nd row splits 60/40, the 3rd row 50/50. The 2nd-row seat reclines and slides fore/aft to favor passenger or cargo space. Tri-zone climate control and tilt/telescope steering wheel are standard. Tourings add leather upholstery and heated power front seats. Grand Tourings include xenon headlamps and 20-inch wheels vs. 18s. A sunroof and DVD entertainment are optional but can't be ordered together. A power liftgate and a navigation system with rearview camera are available on Touring and Grand Touring. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buy choice is the Honda Pilot. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Explorer and Freestyle, Mazda CX-7, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Dodge Nitro, Ford Edge, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-7 and CX-9, Saturn Outlook, Suzuki XL-7, and Toyota FJ Cruiser.