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2008 Mazda CX-9 Full Review
Date Published: 6/26/08
Also in the 2008 Mazda CX-9 Review:
5.
6.
Mazda CX-9 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Mazda CX-9 Review
The 2008 Mazda CX-9 gets more power on the heels of its 2007 introduction. This crossover SUV seats seven and shares some of its basic design with the Ford Edge. CX-9 comes in Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring models. All are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. New for 2008 is a 273-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine. It replaces a 263-hp 3.5 V6. A 6-speed automatic remains the sole transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. 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 a tilt and telescopic 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 blind-spot warning system is optional on the Grand Touring.
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 choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.
Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.
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2008 Mazda CX-9 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Handling | Fuel economy |
| Instruments/controls | Rear visibility |
| Passenger and cargo room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
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2008 Mazda CX-9 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/13/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
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| 2WD Sport 4-door wagon | $29,400 | $27,194 | $635 |
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| AWD Sport 4-door wagon | $30,700 | $28,393 | $635 |
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| 2WD Touring 4-door wagon | $31,615 | $29,236 | $635 |
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| AWD Touring 4-door wagon | $32,915 | $30,435 | $635 |
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| 2WD Grand Touring 4-door wagon | $33,355 | $30,842 | $635 |
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| AWD Grand Touring 4-door wagon | $34,655 | $32,041 | $635 |
Price note: Grand Touring requires blind-spot warning system.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Sport
Powertrain
3.7-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system w/rollover sensor, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/tri-zone automatic climate controls (including rear controls), tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, 2nd-row adjustable split folding seat, 3rd-row split folding seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, variable-intermittent rear wiper/washer, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, rear spoiler.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
245/60R18 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Touring adds to Sport:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, 4-way power passenger seat, heated power mirrors, wireless cell phone link.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Grand Touring adds to Touring:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Driver-seat memory, keyless access and starting, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
245/50R20 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Entertainment and Bose Pkg.
|
||
|
Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
|
$2,560
|
$2,202
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DVD entertainment system, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, 115-volt power outlet. Sport requires 8-way power driver seat.
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Moonroof and Bose Pkg.
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||
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
|
$1,760
|
$1,514
|
|
Power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer. NA w/Entertainment and Bose Pkg.
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Assistance Pkg.
|
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Touring
|
$2,717
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$2,337
|
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Grand Touring
|
$2,500
|
$2,150
|
|
Navigation system w/voice recognition, rearview camera, keyless access and starting (Touring), power liftgate. Requires Entertainment and Bose Pkg. or Moonroof and Bose Pkg.
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Towing Pkg.
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Touring, Grand Touring
|
$525
|
$452
|
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Heavy-duty cooling, trailer-hitch receiver and wiring harness.
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Safety |
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Blind-spot warning system
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Grand Touring
|
$200
|
$172
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
|
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
|
$500
|
$400
|
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Satellite radio
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
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$430
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$344
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Rearview camera
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
|
$665
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$530
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Includes automatic day/night rearview mirror.
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8-way power driver seat
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Sport
|
$350
|
$301
|
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror
|
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
|
$275
|
$220
|
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Includes universal garage door opener, compass. NA w/rearview camera.
|
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Cargo cover
|
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
|
$205
|
$165
|
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Remote engine start
|
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
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$350
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$280
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Cargo net
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
|
$40
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$32
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Cargo mat
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
|
$77
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$61
|
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Rubber floormats
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
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$125
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$100
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Alarm
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Sport, Touring
|
$199
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$160
|
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Std. Grand Touring.
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Mud guards
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
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$125
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$100
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Sunroof wind deflector
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
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$60
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$48
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Requires Moonroof and Bose Pkg.
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Roof rails
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
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$250
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$200
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Special paint
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
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$200
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$172
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Wheel locks
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
|
$50
|
$40
|
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Mazda CX-9 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mazda CX-9 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 199.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 76.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 68.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4528 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 100.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.1 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 39.8 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.7 /227 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 273 @ 6250 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 270 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 6-speed automatic | 15/21 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mazda CX-9 4-door wagon |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | --/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Mazda CX-9 Review:
5.
6.
Mazda CX-9 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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