Acceleration

AWD Touring w/navigation	2WD Grand Touring	AWD Grand Touring	Class Average
6	6	6	5.5

CX-9's new 3.7-liter V6 engine provides a nominal performance boost over the 2007 versions' 3.5-liter V6. These large crossovers have sufficient power in any situation. The transmission is generally alert, but it's sometimes slow to downshift for more passing punch. There's no noticeable difference between 2WD and AWD models.

Fuel Economy

AWD Touring w/navigation	2WD Grand Touring	AWD Grand Touring	Class Average
4	4	4	3.6

In Consumer Guide testing, CX-9s with the 3.7-liter V6 averaged 17.3-18.1 mpg with slightly more highway driving than city use. Our extended-use AWD 2007 Touring with the 3.5-liter V6 is averaging 17.0 mpg over its first 9404 miles. CX-9 uses regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

AWD Touring w/navigation	2WD Grand Touring	AWD Grand Touring	Class Average
5	6	6	5.5

This crossover rides more firmly than others in this class. Our extended-use AWD Touring has 18-inch tires, and it can react harshly to small bumps. Grand Tourings have 20-inch tires. In our evaluation, those models actually cope with similar bumps with more composure and stability.

Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD Touring w/navigation	2WD Grand Touring	AWD Grand Touring	Class Average
5	5	5	4.4

The steering feels slightly numb on-center but is nicely weighted while cornering. CX-9 exhibits some body lean in fast turns. A tidy turning radius makes it easy to maneuver in tight spots, a surprise given this crossover's large overall size. Braking control is solid, though one test Grand Touring had a slightly mushy pedal feel.

Quietness

AWD Touring w/navigation	2WD Grand Touring	AWD Grand Touring	Class Average
7	6	6	5.4

The new engine is larger but is just as refined as the previous 3.5 V6. It's barely noticed while cruising and at idle, and it sounds smooth while accelerating. Wind noise is generally low, but it rises markedly with the sunroof open. Coarse-surface tire thrum is intrusive, particularly in the Grand Touring.

Controls

AWD Touring w/navigation	2WD Grand Touring	AWD Grand Touring	Class Average
5	6	6	6.3

The gauges are easy to read in most conditions. CX-9, like some other Mazdas we've tested, has two backlight settings for the instrument panel and major controls, which are governed by a button in the gauge cluster. In low light and foggy conditions, the "day" mode renders the display too bright while the "night" mode is too dim. Most controls fall easily to hand on models without navigation. The navigation system is separate from the climate controls. It does integrate many audio functions, complicating some simple adjustments. It also places some buttons and knobs out of easy reach for some of our testers. Further, its voice control for programming destinations and the wireless cell phone link understands commands that must be precisely worded and loudly spoken.

Details

AWD Touring w/navigation	2WD Grand Touring	AWD Grand Touring	Class Average
6	6	6	5.4

The interior combines padded surfaces and textured plastics to good overall effect. Our extended-use AWD Touring is holding up well over its first 9404 miles, showing good fit and finish.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD Touring w/navigation	2WD Grand Touring	AWD Grand Touring	Class Average
7	7	7	7.1

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

Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD Touring w/navigation	2WD Grand Touring	AWD Grand Touring	Class Average
7	7	7	6.1

Adult-size headroom and legroom, even with the front seats set far back. The 2nd-row seat slides and reclines, which is a comfort plus. Despite a somewhat narrow door opening, access to the 3rd row is easy. 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 w/navigation	2WD Grand Touring	AWD Grand Touring	Class Average
10	10	10	8.6

Decent space with the 3rd-row seat up becomes ample with it down and cavernous with the 2nd row folded. The 3rd row folds flat, but the 2nd row is slightly raised above the cargo floor, which can complicate loading of large items. All doors have convenient map pockets. Small-item interior storage is otherwise average. The center console looks large but doesn't have much volume.

Value within Class

AWD Touring w/navigation	2WD Grand Touring	AWD Grand Touring	Class Average
9	8	8	5.8

CX-9 is a stylish, refined entry that adeptly balances solid driving dynamics with generous passenger and cargo room. The ride is a bit stiff, and the navigation system isn't the easiest to use. Still, this crossover is a Best Buy pick that does many things well.

Total Score

AWD Touring w/navigation	2WD Grand Touring	AWD Grand Touring	Class Average
71	71	71	63.7

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		53
Average Score		63
High Score		76